On January 5 the planet Jupiter was at Opposition. This means that the giant planet was at its closest approach to Earth and its face was fully illuminated by the Sun. The weeks preceding and following this event are the best time to view and photograph Jupiter and its moons. Continue reading
Last month on Thanksgiving day comet ISON made a close approach to the Sun and unfortunately disintegrated in the process. It is possible that small pieces of the comet survived this encounter and if so, they will pass near the Earth by the end of this month. Continue reading
All parents around the world are often struggling with choosing the best present for their children, one that will be in some way useful in their development, but one that children will still enjoy. Astronomy may be a very pricey and time consuming hobby; fortunately, telescope manufacturers thought about the telescopes perfect for even the little novice astronomers. Continue reading
Earlier this month there were two major astronomical events: a hybrid solar eclipse on November 3rd and the Taurids meteor shower peak on the night of November 4 and 5. If you missed those two events, don’t worry, there are two more coming up this month! Continue reading
Tonight (October 7 – 8) is the peak of the Draconids meteor shower. It is a minor meteor shower producing only about 10 meteors per hour during the peak, but some meteors can be seen one day before and after the peak. It originates from dust grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, which was first discovered in 1900. Continue reading
A few of us were around to remember the mass hysteria caused when the very first human begins managed set foot on our lunar neighbour. Video was streamed, headlines were were written, madness ensued and, most importantly, minds were set to wonder. 4 days later a spacecraft, containing the brave trio, returned to earth and all aboard instantly became international superstars. Continue reading
Tonight (August 11 – 12) is the peak of one of the largest and perhaps one of the most famous meteor showers of the year, the Perseids meteor shower. It can produce as many as 90 meteors per hour at its peak but some meteors can be seen from July 17 to August 24. The first quarter moon will set shortly after midnight leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Continue reading
Scientists have determined the color of an alien planet for the first time. Even though we’ve never directly observed an alien planet, since they are outshined by their host star, scientists have found a way to show that they are there, and what their properties are, by examining the effect they have on the star, which we can observe. Continue reading
This month there will be only one major astronomical event. On July 27, 28 we will witness the Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower. It is an average shower that can produce up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak on the night of July 27 and morning of July 28, but some meteors can be visible from July 12 to August 23. Continue reading
Two types of pressurized suits are in use today: “escape suits” worn inside the craft during launch and landing, and full “EVA” suits worn for working in the vacuum of space. NASA escape suits are colored International Orange for easy spotting by rescuers in the event of an emergency landing. Continue reading
