Sky Guy Viewing ALERT: Moon, Venus, Mars 1/31/17

Hey Space Placers!

Check out the sky tonight after dusk, it is going to be something to see.

Credit: Sky & Telescope

Sky Guy in VA

Andromeda Galaxy & Large Magellanic Cloud

Hey Space Placers!

My Two pics of galaxies that are part of our Local Group.

Enjoy.

Large Magellanic Cloud

Andromeda Galaxy

Sky Guy in VA

Remembering Our Heroes

Hey Space Placers!

Today is the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 1 fire. Please read my story about NASA's heroes.

Sky Guy in VA

Two News Articles on NASA Under A Trump Administration

Hey Space Placers!

I will not comment on these stories as I never want to make this blog political. I do feel however an obligation to keep you informed on events that affect NASA and the space exploration community.

For full disclosure I know both of the authors and correspond with them.

Article by Nancy Atkinson

Article by Joel Achenbach

Sky Guy in VA

UPDATED Sky Guy Viewing ALERT!! See all 5 Bright Planets

Hey Space Placers!

UPDATED: PICS FROM 1/25/17

27.2 OLD WANING CRESCENT MOON W/ EARTHSHINE

MERCURY, MOON, SATURN (UPPER)

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For the next few days you can see all 5 of the naked eye planets.

Venus and Mars are in the SW after sunset.

Jupiter rises around midnight in the E.

Saturn and Mercury will be in the SE before dawn.

The Moon will be keeping Saturn and Mercury company also in the next few days.

Credit Sky & Telescope

Here's to clear skies!

Sky Guy in VA

Solar Eclipse Grant for Libraries

Hey Space Placers!

If you have a library near you, please let them know about the following grant that is supporting libraries for the upcoming August 21, 2017 Solar Eclipse.

News Release from StarNet.org:

The Space Science Institute (SSI) was recently awarded a grant from the Moore Foundation that will provide 1.26 million solar viewing glasses and other resources for 1,500 public libraries across the nation. These libraries will serve as centers for eclipse education and viewing for their communities.

This new grant opportunity provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation will allow your library to access up to 200, or 1,000 FREE eclipse shades (on a first-come, first-served basis). To qualify, your library will be required to complete a 2-Step registration process which will include general library information and verification of your library’s commitment to an eclipse event (on or around August 21, 2017), additional information such as general event details, promotional examples and an agreement to some basic event statements.

Sign up is here.

Thank you....

Sky Guy in VA

Curiosity Finds a VERY PROBABLE 3rd Meteorite on Mars!

Hey Space Placers!

Another Mars-Curiosity story. The rover has found its third iron meteorite! At least I am convinced it is from its appearance and the shiny spots caused by the laser zapping the surface. NASA should have the test results soon to confirm my speculations.

CREDIT: NASA-JPL

Sky Guy in VA

Curiosity Studies POSSIBLE Martian Mud Cracks

Hey Space Placers!

Just got back from a cruise aboard +Cunard Line's Queen Victoria. Wow, what a ship! I'll be posting some pics for you to enjoy.

In the meantime check out Mars' 'Mud Cracks'???

Sky Guy Back in VA

2 New NASA Missions Selected

Hey Space Placers!

Off to sea.

Here are NASA's latest selected missions that will study the early solar system.

Hope to stay in touch while transiting the Atlantic.

Sky Guy Leaving VA

NASA's Newest Approved Mission

Hey Space Placers!

As I head out to sea here is the news on NASA's newest approved mission.

I hope to keep in touch....but one never knows at sea!

Sky Guy Greg

Sky Guy Viewing ALERT 1/2-3/17 Quadrantid Meteor Shower

Hey Space Placers!

If your skies are clear try catching the Quadrantid Meteor Shower tomorrow morning.

Credit: Sky & Telescope Magazine

All of the details are here.