December 20, 2022 The Moon is about to complete another lunar orbit. It is exhibiting a waning crescent phase with approximately 6% disk illumination. As we begin a new lunar cycle a large dark feature name the Sea of Serenity will become visible for us by December 28. The southeastern edge of this large feature… Continue reading
The McDonnell Planetarium Hosts Special Livestream of the Artemis 1 Splashdown
Support science for our future. Make a gift to the Science Center’s Annual Fund to help support the Science Center’s education programs. The St. Louis community had the opportunity to come together and celebrate a unique moment in science on Sunday, December 11, when the McDonnell Planetarium hosted a special livestream of the Orion spacecraft… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: December 19, 2022
December 19, 2022 On this date in 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down successfully in the Pacific Ocean. This flight carried Commander Eugene Cernan, Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans, and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt, and it was the last Apollo flight to the Moon. The Apollo 17 spacecraft returning to Earth safely on… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: December 18, 2022
December 18, 2022 Mercury is approaching its greatest elongation – the point where it is the farthest from the Sun. This occurs on December 21, which is also the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year. Mercury will be visible to the west, just after sunset at that time. Van Eyck crater seen… Continue reading
Night Sky Update: December 16 – December 24, 2022
This is the Saint Louis Science Center’s NIGHT SKY UPDATE for the week of Friday, December 16, 2022. Information updated weekly or as needed. Times given as local St. Louis time which is Central Standard Time (CST). 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: December 17, 2022
December 17, 2022 On this date in 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright became the first people to demonstrate sustained flight of a heavier-than-air machine under the complete control of the pilot. Four flights were made that day in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, with the longest lasting 59 seconds and traveling 852 feet. Orville Wright… Continue reading
Ship Model
Ship Model – ca. 1950s. The majestic Fragata Espanola was a ship of the Spanish Navy, launched in 1780. She fought in the battle of Cape St. Vincent, off the southern coast of Portugal in January 1780 during the American Revolutionary War. Since Spain supported the American colonists’ war of independence, Spanish frigates were used… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: December 16, 2022
December 16, 2022 The Moon rises tonight at approximately 1 am. It will exhibit a last quarter phase, and it is about a week from new moon, which occurs on December 23. Last quarter moon seen at 2 am on December 16, 2022. Image credit: NASA, SVS, Ernie Wright.
Astronomy Fact of the Day: December 15, 2022
December 15, 2022 On this date in 1970, the Soviet probe Venera 7 landed on Venus. The spacecraft only lasted 23 minutes before being crushed by heat and pressure. Despite the short life of the probe, it is considered the first successful landing of spacecraft on another planet. Venera 7 transmitted scientific data about the… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: December 14, 2022
December 14, 2022 Tonight you will find the Summer Triangle low in the west at 7 pm. This summer asterism is seen most of the year, but summer is when we see it the best. The constellations and asterisms we use are a reminder of how the night sky can be used to track the… Continue reading