Astronomy

Pisces and More Planetary Dancing (Astronomy: Week of 11/19/17)

Before I spend any time talking about the big, dark constellation of Pisces, I want to mention a couple items of interest involving the planets.  If you missed the great conjunction of Venus and Jupiter this week (I did - rainy and cloudy), don't worry, as there's always something new going on.  In the mornings,…Read more Pisces and More Planetary Dancing (Astronomy: Week of 11/19/17)

Planets and Meteors (Astronomy: Week of 11/12/17)

Last week I published a couple teasers on what were then "upcoming" events, so this week's highlights should be on your radar.  I've been patiently waiting through a week of almost nonstop rain, so I'm looking forward to all this as well. First - the Leonid meteor shower is upon us.  Unlike the last two…Read more Planets and Meteors (Astronomy: Week of 11/12/17)

An Astronomical Potpourri (Astronomy: Week of 11/5/17)

Hi, everybody.  I hope you've been having a good week and that you survived the demonic onslaught of trick-or-treaters Tuesday night!  I was scared out of my wits - but then again I was caught several times in the front yard looking at the Andromeda Galaxy when a couple costumed kids would sneak up on…Read more An Astronomical Potpourri (Astronomy: Week of 11/5/17)

Halloween (Astronomy: Week of 10/29/17)

It seems we are entering meteor season!  The Orionids are winding down, but we have another shower peaking next weekend - the Southern Taurids are another wide, diffuse shower that lasts for weeks, peaking at 10-20 meteors per hour on November 4.  Unfortunately, this peak coincides with a full Moon which will wash out the…Read more Halloween (Astronomy: Week of 10/29/17)

Venus and Mars, and maybe Hubble? (Astronomy: Week of 10/1/17)

Fall is in the air!  Crisp days, and cool clear, low humidity nights are becoming the norm.  Not to mention long nights, of course. For now, the Summer Triangle is still high overhead after sunset, and the Lonely Star of autumn (Fomalhaut) is rising.  The Milky Way is still putting on a show, for a…Read more Venus and Mars, and maybe Hubble? (Astronomy: Week of 10/1/17)

Beyond the Equinox, Beyond the Sea (Astronomy: Week of 9/24/17)

Well, we did it.  We successfully had another Autumnal Equinox, changed seasons and entered fall.  And at least as of sunset on the 23rd, the world hasn't ended, despite predictions to the contrary!  It's still above 80 deg-F outside, and I'm still mowing my lawn - but astronomically, the nights are now longer than the…Read more Beyond the Equinox, Beyond the Sea (Astronomy: Week of 9/24/17)

What The Heck Is Capricornus? (Astronomy: Week of 8/27/17)

With apologies to those who identify as "Capricorns", the zodiac constellation that is approaching the evening meridian these days is an awfully strange one.  Whereas most of our zodiac symbols are animals (Lion, Ram, Scorpion, Fish) or people (Virgin, Water Bearer), and even one inanimate object (Scales) - Capricornus is a... Sea-Goat?  Which is...???  The…Read more What The Heck Is Capricornus? (Astronomy: Week of 8/27/17)

I’m Almost Done Talking About the Eclipse – I Swear!

Just one more memento to share - I don't have fancy solar filters and didn't spend a lot of time capturing images (just a few of the corona that I've already shared).  Likewise, there's probably nothing particularly unique about this.  BUT, what I wanted to capture was the personal reactions, the building excitement, and the…Read more I’m Almost Done Talking About the Eclipse – I Swear!