Friday, February 24, 2017
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Friday, February 17, 2017
Friday, February 10, 2017
Major Astronomical Night Friday
Three significant astronomical events are occurring tonight.If you are in Europe,West Asia or Africa,they may already be occurring.You must consult your local news media for exact details for your area.
First,it is the night of the Snow Moon,the first full moon of February.Native American tribes gave a name to each full moon,and this is the name they gave to February's full moon,as February is typically the snowiest month of the year in North America.They also called it the Hunger Moon,because it was rather difficult to find food in this cold winter month.It will also be visible tomorrow night.*
Second,it is the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.The Moon will be passing through Earth's outer shadow,taking on a slightly grayish appearance-not spectacular looking,but of interest nonetheless.It will be visible in Eastern North and South America;Europe;Africa;and West Asia.Again,you must check your local media for the times to look in your area.The North American times in EST are:
Begins at 5:34 pm EST;
Greatest extent at 7:44 pm EST;
Ends at 9:53 pm EST.*
Finally,Comet 45p will reach its closest point to Earth,7.4 million miles away.Best time to look in North America is 3:00 am EST in the Eastern sky.Naked eye viewing is a long shot;binoculars or a telescope are pretty much required.Even in good binoculars,it will be a blue-green hazy patch.It has a blue-green head and a tail.Do not expect to see the comet's structure.That requires a telescope with a camera attached taking a long exposure photograph.The comet may be located at various points in the night sky in the coming weeks.It will return in 2022.
First,it is the night of the Snow Moon,the first full moon of February.Native American tribes gave a name to each full moon,and this is the name they gave to February's full moon,as February is typically the snowiest month of the year in North America.They also called it the Hunger Moon,because it was rather difficult to find food in this cold winter month.It will also be visible tomorrow night.*
Second,it is the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.The Moon will be passing through Earth's outer shadow,taking on a slightly grayish appearance-not spectacular looking,but of interest nonetheless.It will be visible in Eastern North and South America;Europe;Africa;and West Asia.Again,you must check your local media for the times to look in your area.The North American times in EST are:
Begins at 5:34 pm EST;
Greatest extent at 7:44 pm EST;
Ends at 9:53 pm EST.*
Finally,Comet 45p will reach its closest point to Earth,7.4 million miles away.Best time to look in North America is 3:00 am EST in the Eastern sky.Naked eye viewing is a long shot;binoculars or a telescope are pretty much required.Even in good binoculars,it will be a blue-green hazy patch.It has a blue-green head and a tail.Do not expect to see the comet's structure.That requires a telescope with a camera attached taking a long exposure photograph.The comet may be located at various points in the night sky in the coming weeks.It will return in 2022.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Friday, February 3, 2017
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)