There has been a lot of buzz on the net about the star, Betelgeuse, Alpha Ori... the red supergiant in Orion's shoulder (or armpit as people might prefer). It is a well known, bright red, supergiant, and it is a well known variable with a long period. Of late, it has been fading rather unusually... Continue Reading →
Whenever the major yearly meteor showers show up on our calendar, I am often asked: How do I observe a meteor shower? What's the best place to go? What is the best time to observe? Do I need a telescope: also, is your observatory open? Here is some helpful information to help you plan out... Continue Reading →
One of the best meteor showers of the year is rapidly approaching. Peaking on the night of December 13/14, the Geminids put on a good show with peaks averaging at 120 meteors per hour. Now, with the moon being just past full that night, many of the fainter meteors will be drowned out by moonlight.... Continue Reading →
Looking at the Sun directly is dangerous: it will damage your eyes. You need to use approved optical systems to view the Sun, both with and without telescopes or binoculars. I highly recommend that you work with a local astronomer or a local astronomy club to get set up with the equipment you need in... Continue Reading →
The Annual Perseid Meteor Shower Each August, the Earth passes through a stream of comet debris from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. The comet will not be back our way until 2126… so… I wouldn’t wait up for that one. Along the orbital path, the comet has left behind small bits and pieces, most no bigger than a... Continue Reading →
