This month summer begins. If you look to the east around 10 pm you will find the asterism known as the Summer Triangle. Viewing this pattern at this time is a great indicator that summer is almost here.
Astronomy Fact of the Day: June 3, 2021
In 1965 on this date, Major Edward White II became the first American astronaut to conduct a spacewalk. He spent 20 minutes outside the Gemini 4 capsule while orbiting Earth at an altitude of 120 miles.
Nine-banded Armadillo Native to North, Central, and South America
About 20 species of armadillos exist, but the nine-banded armadillo is the only one found in the US. The name armadillo means “little armored one” in Spanish, referring to the bony-like armored plates covering their body. Did you know that the nine-banded armadillo almost always gives birth to four identical quadruplets because of its unique… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: June 2, 2021
Last quarter moon occurs today. The Moon will rise at 2:24 am tomorrow morning. If you are not fond of waking up this early, you can see the Moon in the daytime. If you prefer this, the Moon can be found in the west during morning hours.
Outbreak & Mission: Control the Spread Tell the Story of Pandemics and the Scientists and Engineers Fighting Back
Support science for our future. Make a gift to the the Science Center’s Annual Fund to help fund educational programs in the community. Guests of the Science Center can take a close-up look at both the science behind pandemics and the human ingenuity in the fight against them in two new free exhibits on display.… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: May 31, 2021
On this date in 1988, the Soviet space shuttle Buran is certified ‘ready for space-flight.’ Ultimately, Buran would fly only once in an unmanned test of its automated landing system. Following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, all three Buran airframes were abandoned or destroyed.
Astronomy Fact of the Day: May 30, 2021
The Milky Way galaxy is one of 54 galaxies in a cluster called the Local Group. This is part of Virgo’s Super Cluster of galaxies. Other members of this super cluster can be seen in the direction of the constellations Virgo, Leo and Coma Berenices.
Astronomy Fact of the Day: May 29, 2021
In 1919 on this date, a solar eclipse helps scientists around the world confirm Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.
Night Sky Update: May 28 – June 5, 2021
This is the Saint Louis Science Center’s NIGHT SKY UPDATE for the week of Friday, May 28, 2021. Information updated weekly or as needed. Times given as local St. Louis time, which is Central Daylight Time (CDT). For definitions of terminology used in the night sky update, click the highlighted text. If relying on times… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: May 28, 2021
Tonight after midnight, you can find the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn rising in the southeast. The Moon will be exhibiting a waning gibbous phase with 75% of the lunar disk illuminated.