Stargazing Calendar for October 2023
October's night sky is set to dazzle with celestial spectacles. From planetary alignments to meteor showers and eclipses, don't miss these captivating astronomical events.
How Is the Sunspot Cycle Directly Relevant to Us Here on Earth?
The sunspot cycle, occurring every 11 years, influences Earth's weather, communication, and power. Solar flares can disrupt technology. Preparedness is key.
Why Didn’t a Planet Form Where the Asteroid Belt Is Now Located?
The asteroid belt is an enormous region of space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It contains millions of rocky bodies ranging in size from small particles to large asteroids. For centuries, astronomers have been looking for planets there, sometimes mistaking large asteroids like Ceres, Vesta, and Pallas for planets. In the end, though, no real planet was ever discovered in this area.
Why Do Scientists Want to Make a 3D Map of the World?
Uncover Earth's hidden treasures with 3D mapping. Learn how LIDAR reveals ancient civilizations. Preserve history in the face of climate change.
Stargazing Calendar for September 2023
This month, the night sky beckons with a captivating celestial lineup. Look forward to the intriguing dance of planets in conjunctions, the mesmerizing streaks of meteors during showers, and Venus radiating at its brightest. Don't miss the chance to witness Comet Hartley 2's close encounter or the majesty of the 47 Tuc globular cluster. The September sky promises a celestial spectacle for all to enjoy!
Stargazing Calendar for August 2023
Get ready for a celestial spectacle in August! This month promises a series of exciting events in the night sky, including many conjunctions, meteor showers, and oppositions of asteroids and Saturn. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a curious observer, there's plenty to look forward to in the awe-inspiring cosmic events unfolding above us.
What’s the Difference Between LEO, MEO and GEO Satellites?
As of the beginning of 2023, nearly 15,000 satellites are orbiting our planet. With so many orbiting bodies circling the Earth, it's a miracle they don't crash into each other, right? It might seem like magic, but in reality, it's because they aren't all orbiting at the same height. Let's take a closer look at what LEO, MEO and GEO satellites are, and why more companies are investing in LEO and MEO satellites to support space exploration.
Stargazing Calendar for July 2023
Get ready for a month filled with celestial wonders! In July, Mercury transitions in the sky, Venus and Mars dance closely, and comets reach perihelion and perigee. Don't miss the supermoon, many conjunctions, asteroid 15 Eunomia and Pluto at opposition, three meteor showers, and other breathtaking events. Grab your telescope and prepare for a dazzling show in the night sky throughout the month of July.
A Pulsar With Planets
A pulsar is probably the deadliest object in the Universe. Despite their beauty, you wouldn't want to get close to one of them! They are a type of neutron star that emits a highly focused beam of electromagnetic radiation from both magnetic poles. This radiation, deadly to any form of life, can only be visible when one of the two beams is turned to face towards the observer.
What is Celestial Navigation?
We've been dreaming of the stars for longer than we can remember, staring up at the twinkling lights that fill the night sky and wondering what they are. We've even written songs about them. Centuries ago, before the advent of GPS, explorers and adventurers relied on celestial navigation to help them map a path to their destination. What is celestial navigation, how does it work and when was it relied upon?
