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Category: Astronomy (Page 8 of 13)

Venus Transit of the Sun June 5, 2012

June 1, 2012 / / 0 Comments

After the annular solar eclipse last month, scientists are now gearing up to observe the transit of the planet Venus on June 5, 2012.

There are many ways to watch the transit online. Check the list of links to sites that are showing images at the bottom of the Venus Transit page, including NASA’s Web Chat: Watch the Venus Transit Live!

What is the Transit of Venus? This info-graphic from space.com explains the basics.

Find out about the planet Venus' dramatic trip across the face of the sun in June 2012 in this SPACE.com infographic.
Source SPACE.com: All about our solar system, outer space and exploration

Are you going to watch?

Let me know if you have any questions.

Solar Eclipse May 20, 2012 and Beyond

May 19, 2012 / / 0 Comments


Just a quick reminder that people in certain regions of the western United States will likely be able to see an annular solar eclipse tomorrow May 20, 2012.

A solar eclipse occurs when moon passes between the sun and the Earth, causing a shadow to fall on the the surface of the Earth. The photograph at the right is a solar eclipse for 2008 (Image from NASA).

Of course, you should never look at the sun directly. The Stanford Solar Center has information on how to make a “pinhole camera” or solar projector to view the sun indirectly.

If you miss this one, don’t worry. You can check NASA for future eclipses. There will be a total solar eclipse passing over the middle of the United States in 2017.

I’d love to hear from you if you get a chance to view it. Do you see any of the shadows they show in the video? We’ll probably be able to see a partial eclipse where we live.

December Astronomy Events

December 8, 2011 / / 2 Comments

In case you missed the first lunar eclipse this year, people in the western U.S and areas of the Pacific will have a chance to see another lunar eclipse on this Saturday, December 10, 2011. EarthSky has some great tips for watching the eclipse, including a map showing where the eclipse will be visible.

The next few days are also good times for viewing the Geminid meteor shower, with peak shower activity expected on December 13 and 14, 2011. Moonlight may interfere with viewing at certain times.

Tips:
1. Try to find a place that is dark for best viewing. Porch and street lights can fade out the meteors.
2. Remind your children there may be several minutes between sightings. In the wee hours of the morning it can be hard to be patient.
3. Blankets and lawn chairs that allow for viewing in a prone position help prevent neck strain and keep chilly viewers warm.

Once again, EarthSky has more detailed information.

This Tonight’s Sky video has even more objects to look for in the December 2011 skies.

If you do go out and observe some of these, I would love to hear what you see.

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