Archives for the 'skywatching' Category
Perseid Meteors
Published on 11 Aug 2009 at 10:57 am.
3 Comments.
Filed under meteors, observing, skywatching.
Every year, in mid-August, the Earth passes near the orbit of Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The comet, itself, is seldom seen. It was last easily viewed by amateur astronomers in 1992 and 1993. With an orbital period of about 133 years, the comet will next be in the inner Solar System in the year 2126, when it […]
The Moon and Antares
Published on 6 Jun 2009 at 1:41 pm.
2 Comments.
Filed under observing, skywatching.
As the Moon goes around the Earth, it naturally passes in front of various stars now and then. The heavens are full of stars, so this is a pretty normal occurrence. When my students are doing their moon observations through the telescope, I often look to see if a star is near the limb (the […]
Summer Star Parties
Published on 4 May 2009 at 9:58 pm.
1 Comment.
Filed under amateur astronomy, skywatching.
Mark your calendars.
I will be doing two star parties this summer at Dinosaur Valley State Park, in Glen Rose, TX. The dates are June 27, 2009, and July 18, 2009. As soon as it is dark enough to see the projector, I’ll have a short presentation. Then, we’ll have telescopes set up for viewing until […]
Really, Mars will NOT be the size of the Moon in the sky!
Published on 2 May 2009 at 3:58 pm.
17 Comments.
Filed under Mars, observing, public science, sky lore, skywatching.
Already, the annual urban myth about Mars being the size of the Moon in the sky is circulating the internet. Come on. Stop it people! Before you forward this thing on to other people, check it out! Actually, before you forward any “news” item that you get in email, text message, […]
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Occultation of Venus
Published on 21 Apr 2009 at 3:20 pm.
7 Comments.
Filed under observing, skywatching.
On Wednesday morning, the Moon will appear to pass in front of the planet Venus for some observers on Earth. Whenever the Moon (or some other astronomical body) passes in front of another body, we call it an occultation. This lunar occultation of Venus will be technically visible for many North American observers, […]
Star Parties and Weather
Published on 19 Apr 2009 at 1:27 pm.
3 Comments.
Filed under skywatching.
Last night was my binocular astronomy star party. This was a little different than most of my star parties in that the pre-observing lecture was a little more academic than most. The interpretive ranger at the park had asked for a binocular astronomy program that was sort of like a beginner’s class. […]
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Binocular Astronomy Star Party/Class
Published on 5 Apr 2009 at 2:33 pm.
2 Comments.
Filed under amateur astronomy, skywatching.
Last month, I wrote about using binoculars for astronomy. That is really the best way to get started, in my estimation. The cost is less than that of a telescope, they are typically easier to use, and binoculars can be used for many other purposes besides astronomy.
So, what do you need to do […]
