Mars Closest Approach - Jan. 27 |
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Written by Ken From
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Wednesday, 06 January 2010 |
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Every 26 months the earth swings between Mars and the sun - bringing us as close as possible to Mars for those 26 months. On January 27 Mars will be as closer to us than it has been for over two years. In fact, in 2012 Mars will be even further from us when it is at conjuction. So now is a good time to test your optics and see if you can observe a polar cap and some surface detail.
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Leonid Meteor Shower - Nov. 16 |
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Written by Ken From
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Monday, 19 October 2009 |
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Ten years ago the Leonid meteor shower in November provided a once in a
lifetime, super abundance of “shooting stars” throughout the night
sky. This year we may experience another year of abundant meteorites
on the night of Monday, November 16 through the wee hours of Tuesday,
November 17. The meteorites are pieces of dust and debris left by a
comet and each year in November, earth’s orbit takes us through
particles of dust left by the comet. When they enter the earth’s
atmosphere, they burn up and produce a brief “falling star.” To enjoy
the show, find an open area where you can view as much dark sky as
possible. Some people are predicting that you will see two or more
meteorites per minute.
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Mars swarmed by bees - after Halloween |
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Written by Ken From
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Monday, 19 October 2009 |
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When finished with "trick and treating" on Hallowe'en evening, stay up after midnight to see Mars swarmed by the stars in the Beehive Cluster. While Mars and the Beehive cluster sneak over the eastern horizon, better viewing takes place as the hours pass and they climb higher in the sky.
Also, don't forget to "fall back" - set your clocks back one hour as daylight savings time ends.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 19 October 2009 )
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Four Body Conjuction |
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Written by Ken From
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Thursday, 24 September 2009 |
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On the morning of October 16 be sure to look to the east just before sunrise for a beautiful gathering of four celestial bodies - the moon joins Saturn, Venus and Mercury. Get the camera ready and frame your favorite landscape in the foreground.
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October 8 Conjuction |
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Written by Ken From
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Thursday, 24 September 2009 |
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Watch the morning sky just before sunrise for a beautiful conjuction of Saturn, Venus and Mercury.
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