Astro-Event of the Week: July 22nd-28th 2008:Spot Pluto! July 21, 2008
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Pluto through a Telescope; a Faint Target, Indeed!
(Credit: Jack Scmiding Productions.)
Now, for the telescopic challenge of a lifetime; a chance to spot the elusive and controversial Pluto. Even experienced amateur astronomers have yet to accomplish this feat, and I’ve only done it once with the 14″ Schmitt-Cassegrain at the Flandreau Observatory. (more…)
Are you a Planet? A humble proposal. July 17, 2008
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UB313/Xena/Gabrielle/Eris/Dysnomia!
(Artists’ Conception)
Here’s a fun proposal. Next time you find yoursef bored, go into the science department of your local university and just casually pose the question “gee, maybe Pluto should/shouldn’t be a planet.” Then stand back and watch the slide rules fly (yes real science geeks still pack slide rules, for when the apocalyspe comes!) (more…)
Astro-event of the Week: July 15-21st 2008 July 14, 2008
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A Dawn Comet. Looking Eastward from mid-northern Latitudes.
(Credit: Stellarium).
Comets are the great surprise packages of the solar system. Often appearing out of nowhere, they can brighten up with surprising rapidity, or unexpectedly fizzle, like Kahoutek did in the 1970s. Hence, astronomers are very reluctant to cry “comet of the century” unless they are very certain. (more…)