Hey Space Placers!
Help astronomers find black holes by participating in a new citizen scientist project called Spiral Graph.
Details are here as well as all of the other projects you can help with.
Sky Guy in VA
Friday, June 28, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
MILKY WAY SUMMER VIEWING SEASON STARTS
Hey Space Placers!
With the Moon racing towards the Sun for next Tuesday's total solar eclipse the night sky beckons us right after it gets dark.
If you are fortunate enough to live in a dark sky location or are on vacation where the sky is dark, you are in for a real night sky treat - the Milky Way.
Our home galaxy is visible now in both hemispheres as a band of milky white light cut by seemingly empty patches of sky which is really huge bands of dust.
80-90 % of people on the North American continent cannot see the Milky Way due to light pollution. SO if you get to a dark sky site this summer make sure you look for the Milky Way in the sky.
Sky Guy Greg
With the Moon racing towards the Sun for next Tuesday's total solar eclipse the night sky beckons us right after it gets dark.
If you are fortunate enough to live in a dark sky location or are on vacation where the sky is dark, you are in for a real night sky treat - the Milky Way.
Our home galaxy is visible now in both hemispheres as a band of milky white light cut by seemingly empty patches of sky which is really huge bands of dust.
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| The Milky Way at Sea Off the Coast of Sydney, AU Greg Redfern |
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| Closeup of Southern Milky Way Taken At Sea Greg Redfern |
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| Summer Milky Way Greg Redfern |
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| The Summer Milky Way Overhead at Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park Greg Redfern |
Sky Guy Greg
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
INDIA ANNOUNCES JULY LAUNCH WINDOW FOR LUNAR MISSION
Hey Space Placers!
India's Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced the July launch window for its next mission to the Moon - Chandrayaan-2 - which will include an orbiter and India’s first soft lander and rover.
The mission is scheduled to launch on July 15 at 2:51 a.m. India Standard Time which is July 14, 5:21 p.m. EDT. This is just two days before Apollo 11 launched.
India's Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced the July launch window for its next mission to the Moon - Chandrayaan-2 - which will include an orbiter and India’s first soft lander and rover.
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An artist’s rendition of the Vikram lander on the lunar surface. (Image credit: ISRO
Touchdown is scheduled for September 6 at -71 S latitude making this the farthest south lander ever.
If successful India will become the fourth country to soft land on the Moon - US, USSR, China have done so so far.
The landing area is also where Russia plans to land Luna 24 at some point in the future.
The Moon beckons.....
Sky Guy in VA
Monday, June 24, 2019
WATCH MARS 2020 ROVER BEING BUILT
Hey Space Placers!
Watch NASA's next rover destined for Mars - Mars 2020 Rover, complete with a helicopter drone -
being built.
Here is mission information.
Sky Guy in VA
Watch NASA's next rover destined for Mars - Mars 2020 Rover, complete with a helicopter drone -
being built.
Here is mission information.
Sky Guy in VA
Sunday, June 23, 2019
TWO NEWSPAPER ARTICLES WORTH READING
Hey Space Placers!
Two interesting news articles about space.
Two interesting news articles about space.
AP-NORC Poll: Asteroid Watch More Urgent Than Mars Trip
The good news here is that Americans are realizing the real threat from asteroids - Chelyabinsk and Tunguska anyone? The bad news is that human exploration, especially of the Moon, is not seen as its potential to benefit humanity....it is viewed as "we've been there and done that". Americans need to realize that we NEED to go back to the Moon and STAY this time. The Moon is THE stepping stone for the creation of a new economy and territory.
If the US doesn't do it, China will. There is room for all Nations just like Antarctica.
How did NASA put men on the moon?
One harrowing step at a time.
This is a great article with glorious photographs. Details of Apollo 11.
Sky Guy in VA
Friday, June 21, 2019
HAPPY SOLSTICE 2019!
Hey Space Placers!
Summer in the Northern Hemisphere and Winter in the Southern Hemisphere is today at 15:54 UTC!
Enjoy the view from space of how the Earth's orbit around the Sun leads to the seasons.
Get all the details here.
Enjoy!
Sky Guy Greg
Summer in the Northern Hemisphere and Winter in the Southern Hemisphere is today at 15:54 UTC!
Enjoy the view from space of how the Earth's orbit around the Sun leads to the seasons.
Get all the details here.
Enjoy!
Sky Guy Greg
Thursday, June 20, 2019
WHY DOES THE MOON SMELL LIKE GUNPOWDER?
Hey Space Placers!
Continuing with the Moon today here is a video about why the Moon "smells like gunpowder" as famously described by Apollo 17 Commander Gene Cernan.
Sky Guy in VA
Continuing with the Moon today here is a video about why the Moon "smells like gunpowder" as famously described by Apollo 17 Commander Gene Cernan.
Sky Guy in VA
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
LUNAR SURFACE OPERATIONS RESCUE
Hey Space Placers!
How will astronauts lend aid to an incapacitated colleague while on the lunar surface?
Read this fascinating story about how underwater testing of a design for the Moon produced potentially life saving results for lunar explorers.
Lunar mission design will have to provide medical and rescue capabilities such as these. It is all part of going back to the Moon to stay, survive and thrive.
Sky Guy in VA
How will astronauts lend aid to an incapacitated colleague while on the lunar surface?
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| NEEMO 23 crew members ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti and NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins test the second version of an ESA's Lunar Evacuation System Assembly (LESA) rescue device during an underwater spacewalk CREDIT: ESA/NASA |
Read this fascinating story about how underwater testing of a design for the Moon produced potentially life saving results for lunar explorers.
Lunar mission design will have to provide medical and rescue capabilities such as these. It is all part of going back to the Moon to stay, survive and thrive.
Sky Guy in VA
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Sunday, June 16, 2019
SKY GUY VIEWING ALERT 6/16/19 - FULL LRO MOON & JUPITER
Hey Space Placers!
With summer solstice almost upon us - June 21st and the start of summer at 11:54 A.M. EDT - we have a nice viewing treat tonight.
The almost Full LRO Moon will be near bright Jupiter in the southeast sky after sunset. The Moon will be Full on Monday at 4:31 a.m. EDT.
Traditionally this would be the Full Strawberry Moon but in honor of LRO's 10th anniversary since launching on June 18, 2009, those associated with LRO have added LRO to the list of June Full Moon names.
I will be at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center to celebrate LRO's anniversary. I will have a special blog on June 19th to share regarding that event and LRO.
Get out and enjoy the sky view. If you have a clear western horizon Mercury and Mars will be very low on the horizon. Details are in the NASA link above.
Sky Guy in VA
With summer solstice almost upon us - June 21st and the start of summer at 11:54 A.M. EDT - we have a nice viewing treat tonight.
The almost Full LRO Moon will be near bright Jupiter in the southeast sky after sunset. The Moon will be Full on Monday at 4:31 a.m. EDT.
Traditionally this would be the Full Strawberry Moon but in honor of LRO's 10th anniversary since launching on June 18, 2009, those associated with LRO have added LRO to the list of June Full Moon names.
I will be at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center to celebrate LRO's anniversary. I will have a special blog on June 19th to share regarding that event and LRO.
Get out and enjoy the sky view. If you have a clear western horizon Mercury and Mars will be very low on the horizon. Details are in the NASA link above.
Sky Guy in VA
Saturday, June 15, 2019
EXPERIENCE APOLLO 11 IN REAL TIME
Hey Space Placers!
I got this today via Twitter and wanted to share with everyone.
For those who want to relieve, or experience for the first time, Apollo 11 in real time, here you go.
A LOT of work went into making this possible, including mobile phones, so set aside some time and live history in real time. This is a very valuable resource and offers quite a few options on what to see.
Enjoy your real time with the history of Apollo 11. Be sure to bookmark this as you will not be able to fully appreciate it in just one sitting.
I got goosebumps listening to and seeing the launch. I will be back for more that is for sure.
This really is an accomplishment for future generations (and us) to enjoy.
Sky Guy in VA
I got this today via Twitter and wanted to share with everyone.
The Apollo 11 in real time website is live! This is not a drill! Hats off to @BenFeist for this tremendous accomplishment! Use a computer but a phone will do! #Apollo50 @NASA @SkyGuyinVA @Neal148409276 @Ryan_N_Watkins @JimBridenstine @DrBrianMay https://t.co/EhEdcS60zt— Noah Petro (@nepetro) June 15, 2019
A LOT of work went into making this possible, including mobile phones, so set aside some time and live history in real time. This is a very valuable resource and offers quite a few options on what to see.
Enjoy your real time with the history of Apollo 11. Be sure to bookmark this as you will not be able to fully appreciate it in just one sitting.
I got goosebumps listening to and seeing the launch. I will be back for more that is for sure.
This really is an accomplishment for future generations (and us) to enjoy.
Sky Guy in VA
Friday, June 14, 2019
FIRST EVER TELESCOPE & SMARTPHONE PHOTOS
Hey Space Placers!
I took my first ever astropics using an iPhone 6s (dinosaur camera) and a telescope. I have to say I am pretty amazed by the results.
The sky conditions were LOUSY due to a passing cold front and high winds. You could see the shimmering in the eyepiece and iPhone! BUT, the results were still pretty amazing, especially the second shot.
Using an adapter to hold the phone - provided courtesy of astroshop.eu.com - the iPhone takes a photo of the eyepiece image with amazing results. You should be able to do this with a spotting scope and binoculars if they are mounted and you have a good cell phone holder like the Celestron NexYZ
I will be back out tonight and hope to get the planets Jupiter and Saturn.
I took my first ever astropics using an iPhone 6s (dinosaur camera) and a telescope. I have to say I am pretty amazed by the results.
The sky conditions were LOUSY due to a passing cold front and high winds. You could see the shimmering in the eyepiece and iPhone! BUT, the results were still pretty amazing, especially the second shot.
Using an adapter to hold the phone - provided courtesy of astroshop.eu.com - the iPhone takes a photo of the eyepiece image with amazing results. You should be able to do this with a spotting scope and binoculars if they are mounted and you have a good cell phone holder like the Celestron NexYZ
I will be back out tonight and hope to get the planets Jupiter and Saturn.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
#TBT - MAY 31, 2012 - COLLISION OF THE LOCAL GROUP GALACTIC TITANS
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
INCOMING TAURID STREAM ASTEROIDS??????
Hey Space Placers!
Enjoy my pics of Jupiter from last night:
Here's a story to make you think.
Astronomers will be watching the Skies!
Enjoy my pics of Jupiter from last night:
Here's a story to make you think.
Astronomers will be watching the Skies!
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
SKY GUY VIEWING ALERT 6/ 11-12 /2019 JUPITER CLOSEST
Hey Space Placers!
Jupiter will be at its closest to Earth for all of 2019 tonight.
Details here.
Sky Guy in VA
Jupiter will be at its closest to Earth for all of 2019 tonight.
Details here.
Sky Guy in VA
SCIENCE ON THE ISS
Hey Space Placers!
Yesterday was about get away vacations on ISS.
Today it is about the science that is done aboard ISS.
Here is a mission I can hardly wait to here the results of. METEOR has a LOT to tell us. I am waiting for an update from SWRI.
Sky Guy in VA
Yesterday was about get away vacations on ISS.
Today it is about the science that is done aboard ISS.
Here is a mission I can hardly wait to here the results of. METEOR has a LOT to tell us. I am waiting for an update from SWRI.
Sky Guy in VA
Monday, June 10, 2019
SPACE STATION VACATIONS
Hey Space Placers!
NASA will be flying vacationers to the International Space Station.
You will definitely have a view that is out of this world!
Cost: Transportation costs TBD; NASA’s pricing policy chart shows it will be about $35,000 per night per person according to the article.
Use your credit card to pay and get millions of points - LOL.
NASA will be flying vacationers to the International Space Station.
You will definitely have a view that is out of this world!
Cost: Transportation costs TBD; NASA’s pricing policy chart shows it will be about $35,000 per night per person according to the article.
Use your credit card to pay and get millions of points - LOL.
Sunday, June 9, 2019
LEARN ABOUT THE AURORA
Hey Space Placers!
Here's a nifty video about the Aurora - amazing to witness in person.
Sky Guy in VA
Here's a nifty video about the Aurora - amazing to witness in person.
Sky Guy in VA
Saturday, June 8, 2019
WORLD OCEAN DAY 2019
Hey Space Placers!
Today, June 8th, is World Ocean's Day. Enjoy this mesmerizing video from NASA that shows the ocean currents of the planet.
So far in my life I have traveled nearly 200,000 nautical miles across the planet's oceans and seas aboard warships and cruise ships. I have sailed in all five oceans and many seas. Earth is a water planet with 70+% water coverage. The oceans account for 97% of the planet's total water. It is such a beautiful expanse of which I never tire of experiencing. The connection between Earth, sky and ocean is felt strongest when at sea.
New research has revealed that comets may have significantly contributed to the origin of our planet's oceans. Countless cometary impacts after the Earth formed would have deposited a great deal of water. We know water is everywhere in the solar system so this makes complete sense. What a wonderful cosmic connection.
We are in a time of climate change and plastic bombardment. Humanity, all of it, is running out of time to change its ways with regard to fossil fuel and plastic pollution.
If you are near an ocean or sea, take time to contemplate their magnificence.
Remember, the planet doesn't need us, we need the planet.
Sky Guy in VA
Today, June 8th, is World Ocean's Day. Enjoy this mesmerizing video from NASA that shows the ocean currents of the planet.
So far in my life I have traveled nearly 200,000 nautical miles across the planet's oceans and seas aboard warships and cruise ships. I have sailed in all five oceans and many seas. Earth is a water planet with 70+% water coverage. The oceans account for 97% of the planet's total water. It is such a beautiful expanse of which I never tire of experiencing. The connection between Earth, sky and ocean is felt strongest when at sea.
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| Atlantic Sunrise Greg Redfern |
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| A Comet Passes By. The Green Color Is From Molecular Carbon. Greg Redfern |
If you are near an ocean or sea, take time to contemplate their magnificence.
Remember, the planet doesn't need us, we need the planet.
Sky Guy in VA
Friday, June 7, 2019
D-DAY ASTRONOMY
Hey Space Placers!
I was up at Shenandoah National Park yesterday working on a very exciting project so I didn't get this blog out.
Astronomy played a pivotal role in the planning of D-Day. The phase of the Moon and the actions of the tides had to be taken into account.
Read this fascinating story about D-Day Astronomy.
I hope everyone took time to pause and remember the sacrifices made 75 years ago that literally saved the world.
Sky Guy in VA
I was up at Shenandoah National Park yesterday working on a very exciting project so I didn't get this blog out.
Astronomy played a pivotal role in the planning of D-Day. The phase of the Moon and the actions of the tides had to be taken into account.
Read this fascinating story about D-Day Astronomy.
I hope everyone took time to pause and remember the sacrifices made 75 years ago that literally saved the world.
Sky Guy in VA
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
LUANR SUNBURN
Hey Space Placers!
Enjoy this article and video on how Sun-Moon interaction produces lunar sunburn.
Sky Guy in VA
Enjoy this article and video on how Sun-Moon interaction produces lunar sunburn.
Sky Guy in VA
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
SOME NEWS ON THE SUN
Hey Space Placers!
Enjoy this quick did bit on the Sun.
Maybe in a few years we will finally know the mystery of coronal heating.
Sky Guy in VA
Enjoy this quick did bit on the Sun.
Maybe in a few years we will finally know the mystery of coronal heating.
Sky Guy in VA
Monday, June 3, 2019
RELIVE APOLLO 11 LANDING
Hey Space Placers!
As we get closer to July 20th there will be items coming out to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the Moon.
Here is a wonderful compilation of video and audio that is worth your time.
Sky Guy Greg
As we get closer to July 20th there will be items coming out to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the Moon.
Here is a wonderful compilation of video and audio that is worth your time.
Sky Guy Greg
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