May 1, 2022 The surfaces of Mercury and the Moon are covered with impact craters. This is primarily because neither of these bodies have a substantial atmosphere, which means meteors hurtling toward them frequently impact the surface instead of burning up. Earth however is protected from many smaller impacts by our atmosphere. When a meteor… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: April 30, 2022
April 30, 2022 Tonight is the second new moon of the month. This phenomenon occurs approximately once every 29 months. The second new moon in a month is sometimes referred to as a Black Moon; however, there are several lunar phenomena associated with the term. Due to the presence of time zones, it is possible… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: April 29, 2022
April 29, 2022 As International Dark Sky Week comes to an end, remember that combatting light pollution doesn’t mean you have to omit all lights or compromise on safety. We should, however, be using lighting responsibly. Try to only use lights where and when they’re needed, and only in the amount required. Try some of… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: April 28, 2022
April 28, 2022 The Moon consists of very old bright white and grey areas called the lunar highlands, and younger flat dark areas called maria. The maria are ancient impact craters that filled with lava. The lava cooled to form a dark volcanic rock called basalt. The side of the Moon we see (near side),… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: April 27, 2022
April 27, 2022 This morning at 5:15 am the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter can be found close together above the eastern horizon in the constellations of Pisces and Aquarius. Neptune is also less than 0.5° from Venus; however, it is too dim to see with just your eyes. Additionally, Mars and Saturn are visible just… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: April 26, 2022
April 26, 2022 To celebrate International Dark Sky Week, take some time with family or friends to complete the Dark Sky Scavenger Hunt. By participating in this scavenger hunt you’re helping spread awareness for and fighting against the problem of light pollution. Visit https://idsw.darksky.org/#take-action to find your scavenger hunt guide and other fun activities relating… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: April 25, 2022
April 25, 2022 On this date in 1983, Pioneer 10 became the first human-made object to cross the orbit of Pluto. At this point in time, Pluto was closer to the Sun than Neptune, as a portion of their orbits overlap. At this time, Pluto was still considered a planet and would be for 23… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: April 24, 2022
April 24, 2022 Early this morning, just before sunrise, the Moon passed by Saturn in the sky. If you missed seeing this pair, watch the sky tomorrow morning and it will be possible to see the Moon very near the planet Mars. Since the Moon is much closer to Earth than the planets, it appears… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: April 23, 2022
April 23, 2022 As part of International Dark Sky Week, take a moment to evaluate your own home or office to see how dark sky friendly it is. Ask yourself the following questions: “Does the light fall only where it’s needed?” and “Is the amount of light being cast appropriate for what it’s needed for?”.… Continue reading
Astronomy Fact of the Day: April 22, 2022
April 22, 2022 The annual Lyrid meteor shower peaks tonight into tomorrow morning. The radiant for this moderate meteor shower is in the constellation Lyra the Harp which rises around 10 pm. Your best views will be after midnight as Lyra climbs higher in the sky. Tomorrow morning the Lyrid meteor shower peaks. The radiant… Continue reading