Archives for the 'observing' Category
So, where is Mercury?
Published on 2 Feb 2008 at 8:53 am.
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Filed under Mercury, observing, planets.
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve posted several things about the planet Mercury. So, you might be tempted to ask, “Can I see Mercury in the sky tonight?” Unfortunately, the answer is, “Probably not.”
In the image below, I show the view to the western sky right at sunset. The Sun is […]
December 15, 2007, Star Party
Published on 8 Dec 2007 at 1:40 pm.
2 Comments.
Filed under astronomy, observing.
I will be doing a star party on December 15 at Dinosaur Valley State Park, in Glen Rose, Texas. For those who don’t know, Glen Rose is a small city southwest of Fort Worth. You can find directions to the park at their web site. The star party will be held at […]
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The North Texas Skywatch Star Party (wrapup)
Published on 18 Nov 2007 at 11:58 pm.
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Filed under observing.
Well, the star party went well. We did not have quite as many people bring scopes out as we have had in some past years, but the turnout was quite good. About sunset, I did a quick count of telescopes, and there were about 25 of various types. But, a number more […]
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Artificial Asteroids
Published on 15 Nov 2007 at 8:39 pm.
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Filed under observing.
About a week ago, the Minor Planet Center announced the discovery of a near Earth asteroid. That asteroid, designated 2007 VN84 was found to have an orbit that would bring it very close to Earth. Naturally any asteroid passing near Earth bears watching. So, astronomers began to locate and plot the position […]
The North Texas Skywatch Star Party
Published on 10 Nov 2007 at 12:45 am.
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Filed under amateur astronomy, observing.
For those of you who live anywhere in the North Texas area, mark you calendars for Saturday, November 17, 2007. That is the date of the 11th Annual North Texas Skywatch Star Party. The event will be held at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, near Mineral Wells Texas (west of Fort Worth). […]
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Naked Eye Comet!!!!
Published on 25 Oct 2007 at 1:52 am.
11 Comments.
Filed under comets, observing.
Wow. Earlier today, I read Tom’s posting that a comet had suddenly brightened. The comet in question is Comet 17P/Holmes. Normally, this comet is pretty dim and uninspiring. In fact, as recently as in the last few days, it was quite dim. Then, suddenly, the comet went into an outburst. […]
Clear Sky Clock
Published on 16 Oct 2007 at 5:57 pm.
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Filed under observing.
Before going outside to set up telescopes, you may want to know if you have any realistic chance to observe anything. That is particularly true for amateur astronomers who drive for a couple hours or so to get to dark sky observing sites. It is also useful for those of us who are […]
