Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:1/10/2012
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Chandra finds largest galaxy cluster in early universe
Universe Today’s Tumblr Blog
I’ve finally figured out what to do with all the browser tabs that I have open, but never get around to using: Tumblr. Our new Tumblr blog is a slush pile of links, photos and videos that we just don’t have the time or energy to incorporate into the main Universe Today blog. I’ll warn you, it could easily be 20+ items a day just dumped in there, so if Universe Today is already overwhelming, that’ll be like drinking from a firehose.
Just to let you know, I’m still wrapping my brain around Tumblr, so if you have any suggestions on how to use it better, I’m all ears.
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New Submillimetre Camera Sheds Light on the Dark Regions of the Universe
A composite image of the Whirlpool Galaxy (also known as M51). The green image is from the Hubble Space Telescope and shows the optical wavelength. The submillimetre light detected by SCUBA-2 is shown in red (850 microns) and blue (450 microns). The Whirlpool Galaxy lies at an estimated distance of 31 million light years from Earth in the constellation Canes Venatici Credit: JAC / UBC / Nasa
The stars and faint galaxies you see when you look up at the night sky are all emitting light within the visible light spectrum — the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum we can see with our unaided eyes or through optical telescopes. But our galaxy, and many others, contain huge amounts of cold dust that absorbs visible light. This accounts for the dark regions.
A new camera recently unveiled at the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) in Hawaii promises to figuratively shed light on this dark part of the universe. The SCUBA-2 submillimetre camera (SCUBA in this case is an acronym for Submillimetre Common-User Bolometer Array) can detect light at lower energy levels, allowing astronomers to gather data on these dark areas and ultimately learn more about our universe and its formation. (…)
Read the rest of New Submillimetre Camera Sheds Light on the Dark Regions of the Universe (599 words)
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Hubble uncovers tiny galaxies bursting with star birth in early universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:11/10/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Discover the Universe: Houston, Texas
It’s been a little while since our last update about Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program, but Jim Wessel, educational outreach chairman of the Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society, remedies that with news on his group’s latest success. Jim writes:
The Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society helped sponsor this year’s Houston area Astronomy Day (A-Day), which fell on October 8. That also happened to be the same date as the International Observe the Moon Night — bonus! // All photos by Chris RandallThank you for the handouts you generously provided for use at our Houston area Astronomy Day (A-Day)! Because it happened October 8, the same evening as the International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN), we scored a beneficial twofer, and your Moon pamphlets were doubly effective. We laid Astronomy’s literature out on the “recruitment table,” which was manned by the seven participating clubs in the greater Houston area: the Houston Astronomical Society (HAS), the Fort Bend Astronomy Club (FBAC), the North Houston Astronomy Club (NHAC), the Astronomical Society of South East Texas (ASSET), the Huntsville Amateur Astronomy Society (HAAS), and the Community of Humble/Administaff Observatory Society (CHAOS). The recruitment table was busy all afternoon and night with people from the public getting more information about joining one of the clubs and starting to enjoy the hobby of astronomy.
The support of various groups, including Astronomy magazine and the Lunar and Planetary Institute, helped make the event a success, with some 2,000 people attending.In discussions with the other A-Day organizers, we came up with a tally of approximately 2,150 people visiting the George Observatory over the entire day. We imagine it would have been much better attended, as it has been in years past, but the weather was not on our side: 75 percent cloud cover during the day, and 95 percent at night, plus a sprinkle of rain. However, we still consider this year a major success.
In addition to your handouts, we kept everyone excited with a variety of activities for both kids and adults, indoor and outdoor presentations, like a “How to make a comet” demonstration, and the Lunar and Planetary Institute’s InOMN display (featuring a real Moon rock!).
A-Day proved you don’t need perfect weather to have a successful event. The A-Day event provided activities and entertainment to capture the crowds’ attention throughout the day, such as this demonstration on “How to make a comet.” On behalf of the organizers and clubs of the Houston area Astronomy Day event, I want to say thank you again.
You’re very welcome, Jim! I’d have to agree that any event that attracts about more than 2,000 people is certainly a success, and we’re just happy to have played a small role. If you want to know how Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program can help your club, please email me at bandrews@astronomy.com.
New NOVA shows take on the universe
Do you ever wonder what space-time, that mystical fabric of the universe, really is? Have you heard of the more interesting effects of physics, stuff like time dilation and quantum tunneling, but just can’t wrap your mind around the ideas? Would you, in short, like a better picture of the universe?
Physicist and author Brian Greene will host a four-part NOVA series this November titled “The Fabric of the Cosmos.” // Photo courtesy of WGBHWell, besides reading Astronomy magazine every month, you can tune in to a special NOVA series airing in November titled The Fabric of the Cosmos. Based on a book by physicist and science communicator Brian Greene, the shows will air the first four Wednesdays of November at 9 p.m. ET/PT on PBS, starting on the 2nd.
I got a chance to see some of these episodes early and, as usual with NOVA’s shows, was impressed. Greene has a knack for descriptions that just make sense, no matter how strange the phenomenon he’s talking about. A novice viewer will learn a surprising amount, and even those familiar with science will enjoy simple new ways to think about the strangest bits of the cosmos. Plus, the shows feature engaging sights and sounds among its interviews with scientists — a beautiful desert landscape one second, a visualization of the Big Bang the next — sure to hold any viewer’s interest.
The first episode investigates “What is space?” and how interesting a concept empty space can prove to be, while the following week’s show focuses on “The illusion of time,” with its many unexpected mysteries and paradoxes. The third episode, on November 16, takes a “Quantum leap” into the crazy quirkiness of the subatomic world, and the final episode ends on a grand note, asking “Universe or multiverse?”
Fans of NOVA, fans of science, and fans of entertainment alike should keep an eye out for this special series. And, after it airs, feel free to come back and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Water vapor reveals how stars form around a black hole in the early universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:10/24/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Where In The Universe Challenge #154
It’s time for another Where In The Universe Challenge! This WITU was submitted by UT reader David Schumaker. Name where in the Universe this image was taken and give yourself extra points if you can name the telescope or spacecraft responsible for the image. Post your guesses in the comments section, and check back on later at this same post to find the answer. To make this challenge fun for everyone, please don’t include links or extensive explanations with your answer. Good luck!
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Astronomy Without A Telescope – Flat Universe
Various universe evolution scenarios. A universe with too much density collapses in on itself, a critical density universe stays static, while a universe with not enough density keeps expanding at a steady (coasting) rate. However, today’s cosmology puts emphasis upon the cosmological constant, which gives an accelerating expansion. Does this mean that density is irrelevant? Credit: NASA.
A remarkable finding of the early 21st century, that kind of sits alongside the Nobel prize winning discovery of the universe’s accelerating expansion, is the finding that the universe is geometrically flat. This is a remarkable and unexpected feature of a universe that is expanding – let alone one that is expanding at an accelerated rate – and like the accelerating expansion, it is a key feature of our current standard model of the universe.
It may be that the flatness is just a consequence of the accelerating expansion – but to date this cannot be stated conclusively.(…)
Read the rest of Astronomy Without A Telescope – Flat Universe (687 words)
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Astronomers make the first detection of abundant carbon in the early universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:10/10/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Thirteen years agoDiscover the Universe: Jacksonville, Florida, Day 2
Saturday, October 8, was the second and final day of the Discover the Universe (DtU) public event held at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) in Florida. Lots of people and organizations participated in making this a grand event. I want to give special recognition to Mike Reynolds, Dean of Liberal Arts at FSCJ. Reynolds also serves the Astronomy Foundation as the chairman of its Star Party committee, and he is passionate about outreach.
In addition to the hall used for today’s lectures, the event also featured a children’s activity center in an adjoining building. In the four hours it was open, 240 kids made Styrofoam-and-compact-disk models of Saturn. They and their parents also enjoyed sky programs presented in a StarLab portable planetarium. Solar observing was in the initial plans, but thick clouds overhead with occasional heavy rain said, “No.”
Sponsors of DtU included Astronomy magazine, the Astronomy Foundation, Explore Scientific, Meade Instruments, Hospitality Inn of Jacksonville, the Upsilon Eta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the STEM Club, Starbucks Coffee on Roosevelt Boulevard in Jacksonville, the Brian Gooding Planetarium, OpticsPlanet.com, and the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society (NEFAS).
I began the evening’s entertainment at 7:30 with the talk “Our Amazing Universe (by the numbers).” Starting with 1 and continuing through the trillions, I explained the significance of various numbers in the cosmos. Did you know that the Moon only reflects 7 percent of the sunlight that falls on it? Or that 125 meteors strike Earth each hour? Or that the Moon’s surface contains 500,000 craters with diameters greater than 1 kilometer? Judging by the reactions and the questions that followed the talk, the audience found the facts I shared intriguing.
Actor Robert Dawson reprised his role as the great Italian astronomer in Galileo — Quest for Truth. His show is a personal look at the triumphs and setbacks of Galileo. Dawson, who has researched several other historical astronomers for similar performances, has constructed many props that helped the audience understand some occasionally difficult concepts. I greatly enjoyed his Galileo presentation because it showed careful attention to even the smallest details.
As the evening drew to a close, Reynolds conducted as long a door-prize session as the one last night. He awarded several thousand dollars of prizes. Unfortunately, a storm front prevented all of us from enjoying the starry sky.
Still, everyone involved with DtU thought it was a great success all around. I hope to return for a future version. If I do, you’ll read about it here.
Related blog: Discover the Universe: Jacksonville, Florida, Day 1
Discover the Universe: Jacksonville, Florida, Day 1
Friday, October 7, was the first day of the premier Discover the Universe (DtU) public star party event held at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) in Florida. Sponsors of DtU included the Astronomy Foundation, Astronomy magazine, Explore Scientific, Meade Instruments, Hospitality Inn of Jacksonville, the Upsilon Eta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the STEM Club, Starbucks Coffee on Roosevelt Boulevard in Jacksonville, the Brian Gooding Planetarium, OpticsPlanet.com, and the Northeast Florida Astronomical Society (NEFAS).
The day was full of activities. Friday’s early speakers included actor Robert Dawson, who portrayed Galileo Galilei in Galileo — Quest for Truth. This show presented the triumphs and setbacks of the great Italian astronomer, complete with many props Dawson had built. Dr. Barbara Harris, M.D. and a local amateur astronomer, gave the talk “Collecting Astronomical Data,” which addressed many points amateurs who watch transient events found fascinating. In February 2010, Harris discovered the decadal flare-up of the nova U Scorpii in the constellation Scorpius. I represented Astronomy magazine by giving a talk to FSCJ students about writing and editing for a science magazine. The audience included a nice mix of students interested in editorial careers and astronomy, along with some fans of the magazine who just came to hear me.
During a dinner (good barbeque) sponsored by NEFAS, I talked to many dedicated amateur astronomers. In Wisconsin, observers like me who head for dark observing sites have to deal with ultra-cold weather. In Florida, dangers include alligators and water moccasins, and several club members have had run-ins with these creatures. Now that’s dedication!
In the evening, Scott Roberts of Explore Scientific presented “Telescopes for Today’s Astronomy.” This session lasted nearly 3 hours and involved a bit of lecture, a bit of question and answer, and lots of show and tell. Roberts brought numerous telescopes, eyepieces, and accessories manufactured by Explore Scientific.
The first night ended with a long door-prize session followed by a raffle drawing, which raised several thousand dollars for NEFAS, a group dedicated to outreach. The prize was a wonderful 6-inch refractor donated by Roberts and Explore Scientific.
Stay tuned for my more blogs about the rest of the weekend soon.
Even the Early Universe Had the Ingredients for Life
The optical image of TN J0924-2201, a very distant radio galaxy at (redshift) z = 5.19, obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope. (c) NASA/STScI/NAOJ.
For us carbon-based life forms, carbon is a fairly important part of the chemical makeup of the Universe. However, carbon and oxygen were not created in the Big Bang, but rather much later in stars. How much later? In a surprising find, scientists have detected carbon much earlier in the Universe’s history than previously thought.
Researchers from Ehime University and Kyoto University have reported the detection of carbon emission lines in the most distant radio galaxy known. The research team used the Faint Object Camera and Spectrograph (FOCAS) on the Subaru Telescope to observe the radio galaxy TN J0924-2201. When the research team investigated the detected carbon line, they determined that significant amounts of carbon existed less than a billion years after the Big Bang.
How does this finding contribute to our understanding of the chemical evolution of the universe and the possibilities for life?
(…)
Read the rest of Even the Early Universe Had the Ingredients for Life (525 words)
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Scientists release most accurate simulation of the universe to date
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:9/30/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Gas, Not Galaxy Collisions Responsible for Star Formation in Early Universe
Artist concept of how a galaxy might accrete mass from rapid, narrow streams of cold gas. These filaments provide the galaxy with continuous flows of raw material to feed its star-forming at a rather leisurely pace. Credit: ESA–AOES Medialab
Was the universe a kinder, gentler place in the past that we have thought? The Herschel space observatory has looked back across time with its infrared eyes and has seen that galaxy collisions played only a minor role in triggering star births in the past, even though today the birth of stars always seem to be generated by galaxies crashing into each other. So what was the fuel for star formation in the past?
Simple. Gas.
The more gas a galaxy contained, the more stars were born.
Scientists say this finding overturns a long-held assumption and paints a nobler picture of how galaxies evolve.
(…)
Read the rest of Gas, Not Galaxy Collisions Responsible for Star Formation in Early Universe (441 words)
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Book review: “Seven Wonders of the Universe That You Probably Took for Granted”
If anyone remembers the controversy around 2007’s “New Seven Wonders of the World” announcement, you realize that making a top seven list about any of the amazing sites — man-made or natural — found on Earth is going to be contentious and difficult. Now try expanding the list to include the entire universe. How could you pick?
In Seven Wonders of the Universe That You Probably Took for Granted (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011), author C. Renée James doesn’t go for the conventional. Don’t grab your telescope and take this book outside hoping to observe these objects — this book isn’t about night sky targets. Instead, James picks seven abstract concepts: night, light, stuff, gravity, time, home, and wonder. Confused? So was I when I first picked up the book. But I soon learned that this is a great read for any science buff, and especially those with young students or children.
James’ writing is witty and conversational, and she explains the seven concepts as if she were assisting you while you define them to a young child through demonstrations and “interpretive dance” (although my favorite is the cereal box spectroscope). It’s a clever way to help out casual readers without making them feel like James — a physics professor at Sam Houston State University — is talking down to them. Instead, she’s self-deprecating and a bit of a comedian. She comes off as a friend in this book, not a teacher, even though you end up learning a lot about the universe from her (I’ve never understood gravity better in my life).
And then there’s one of James’ biggest assets in Seven Wonders of the Universe: her illustrator Lee Jamison. As she acknowledges in her preface, the book is filled with cartoon sketches instead of spectacular images. But those illustrations do a lot more than a photo ever could; after all, there’s no great still-shot of gravity or darkness. Jamison’s cartoons bring even more humor to the book’s concepts, from the electromagnetic spectrum’s “microwave eyes” to the “evil twin” antimatter (which would look great as wall art in my Astronomy office). They are placed perfectly to change up the pace just when you think an explanation might be getting too “scientific.”
Regardless if you think you know everything there is to know about light, time, etc., or you just have a passing curiosity about how the world around you works, I strongly recommend picking up Seven Wonders of the Universe That You Probably Took for Granted. You’ll never look at the cosmos the same way again.
Discover the Universe: Oak Harbor, Washington
The primary purpose of Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program is to bring the heavens to the masses, whether that’s at a busy downtown street corner or a crowded neighborhood festival. Carol Ogden, president of the Island County Astronomical Society, took the latter route and found much success, as she explains:
Members of Washington state’s Island County Astronomical Society set up a few telescopes, and won over more than a few stargazing converts, during a neighborhood festival on August 2. // Carol Ogden photoWe finally had some clear skies to enjoy in Oak Harbor, Washington, during a festival called National Night Out on Tuesday, August 2. The city police, county sheriff, and most organizations in Oak Harbor typically attend the program, which is meant to get neighbors to better know one another and to reduce crime. It was a wonderful day for an outdoor get together, featuring tons of food, a climbing wall, and a little astronomy! The Island County Astronomical Society first set up three telescopes with white Sun filters and a mounted Personal Solar Telescope (PST), allowing everyone to observe our star through different filters.
We had about 70 people come through between 3 and 8 p.m. Most of them had never looked at the Sun through a telescope before. They picked a great time to start, though, with three large sunspots sitting across the stellar equator, a sight we had never seen before either! The PST also showed some flares around the Sun’s perimeter. Only one or two people were hesitant to put eye to scope, so I think people are becoming better informed about the safety of viewing the Sun with proper filters.
As part of Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program, the event had a wealth of literature and other materials to hand out, ensuring the crowds didn’t leave empty-handed. // Carol Ogden photoWhen the clouds started obscuring our solar views around 7 p.m., we turned a scope to the 2-day-old Moon. People were amazed they could see so much through a telescope during the daylight hours. We also handed out brochures furnished by Astronomy magazine, as well as materials we’d printed so children could make a planisphere to take home with them.
Our members spoke to several people who own a telescope but don’t know what to do with it, and we encouraged them to come to our monthly meetings and star parties. The northwestern weather might not always cooperate on “star party planned nights,” but our meetings are fun and educational, and it’s always a treat to “talk telescopes” with fellow members. For many years, we have been trying to educate the public to learn about the sky and attend star parties before they purchase a telescope, so they can look through a variety of scopes first and make sure they purchase the one best for them.
My thanks to the other members of the Island County Astronomical Society who attended: Harold Ogden, Dan and Janet Pullen, Bob and Marali Woessner, Richard Everett, and Andy and Ruth Nielson.
And my thanks to you all! It sounds like a great day of fun and astronomy, and we’re happy we could help. If you want to know how Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program can assist your club, please email me at bandrews@astronomy.com.
Discover the Universe: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
So far, Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program has helped groups put on sidewalk astronomy events in the United States, Canada, and Europe. We can now add another continent to the list, as I’ve just heard back from Tuan Duy, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Amateur Astronomy Club in Vietnam, which put on a number of great events this summer, including one for June’s total lunar eclipse, which featured the most dramatic images and description.
The Ho Chi Minh Amateur Astronomy Club (HAAC) took advantage of a spectacular lunar eclipse to help entice people into astronomy. // All photos by HAACAstronomy is quite a new subject in Vietnam, so for now, the Ho Chi Minh City Amateur Astronomy Club (HAAC) focuses on advancing general astronomy information through skygazing. From seminars to sidewalk observations, we are doing our best to spread the knowledge of the stars to the community. So far in 2011, the HAAC has organized three major sky parties: the Fourth Annual Astronomy Camp of HAAC in March, an evening of the 30 Nights of StarPeace in Global Astronomy Month 2011 in April, and the Total Lunar Eclipse Observation Night on June 15/16.
On June 15, the HAAC began the sidewalk observing in District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city. We ended up with more than 100 participants, including children and adults, and had five different telescopes (plus binoculars and printed materials from Astronomy) on hand. We wanted to take advantage of the total lunar eclipse that would occur in the early morning of June 16, which will be one of the longest total lunar eclipses in the 21st century. We prepared carefully and had banners and posters ready that provided full and clear astronomy-related information.
An HAAC member helps star party participants use the telescope. By hosting their event in the largest city in Vietnam, the HAAC attracted a great number of people who otherwise might never have experienced the thrill of astronomy.The sky became cloudy suddenly, and an unexpected heavy rain came after. While waiting for a clear sky, we made up a brief but exciting talk for the children, and a technical team started to prepare the equipment for the upcoming observation. Next, HAAC members shared presentations about the Moon, its phases, how eclipses work, etc.
By the time the presentations finished, the lunar eclipse was starting. The sky was very clear after the heavy rain. When the red Moon showed up, everybody observed it with excitement. The technical team also did their job — taking pictures. All participants witnessed all the stages of the total lunar eclipse. Some HAAC members also helped them understand the changes in color on the Moon’s surface and showed them how to take pictures through telescopes.
The HAAC updated and posted the eclipse happenings with other sister astronomy clubs and observers worldwide, as well, through emails, websites, telephone calls, messengers, tweets, etc. It was wonderful to share the fantastic lunar eclipse not only with local friends, but also with companions around the world.
That does sound wonderful! Congratulations on all your successful events! If you want to know how Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program can help your club, please email me at bandrews@astronomy.com.
Discover the Universe: Clute, Texas
Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program is all about the idea that if people are unable, unwilling, or unmotivated to go see the stars, why not bring the stars to them? I’ve just heard back from John Klebenow of the Brazosport Astronomy Club, south of Houston, Texas, a group that took this idea and ran with it. John explains:
A family gazes at the sky as part of Texas’ Brazosport Astronomy Club’s consecutive sidewalk astronomy sessions July 14-16, 2011, taking advantage of the crowds attending a show at the local performing arts center. // Roy Lostracco photoOur Discover the Universe event was a great success! The nine intrepid club members who took part did a great job covering the multi-day event. The venue was the sidewalk and parking area just outside the Brazosport Center for the Arts and Sciences in Clute, Texas.
We took advantage of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat performing each night of July 14 through 16. During intermissions and after the shows, we entertained and educated the crowds with the night sky. The clouds cooperated with us for two of the three nights, but even on that poor night, a dozen or so curious souls stayed late to catch an occasional glimpse of the Moon and Saturn. The other nights were actually quite good for observing!
Two group members display some of the supplies Astronomy sent as part of its Discover the Universe program, which helps astronomy clubs put on such events. // Roy Lostracco photoAltogether we engaged almost 200 people with the excitement of astronomy! One lady commented that the play was like dessert for her, and the stargazing was the icing on the cake! Throughout the nights, we happily handed out Astronomy’s supplies, which really helped and were enthusiastically received. Our club extends its thanks to all at Astronomy.
Thanks for sharing the details, John! What a great way to surprise the crowds with the beauty of the heavens. It was our pleasure to help make such a great event happen. If you want to know how Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program can assist your club, please email me at bandrews@astronomy.com.
Answer Now Posted for This Week’s Where In The Universe Challenge
Still wondering what this is — or just needing a confirmation that you were correct in your guesses? Find the answer to this week’s WITU challenge back on the original post! And check back next week for another test of your visual knowledge of the cosmos.
© nancy for Universe Today, 2011. |
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Discover the Universe: Barcelona, Spain
Astronomy’s Discover the Universe program typically involves astronomy clubs or groups eager to share their knowledge and expertise with the crowds. But individuals with a healthy appreciation for the skies and technical ability can take part, too! Last week, Spanish astrophotographer Joan Català and fellow volunteer Xavier Cabanach took to the public square to show the people what they were missing. Joan elaborates:
When Joan Català and Xavier Cabanach set up their sidewalk astronomy session, children quickly began waiting and attracting curious onlookers (including their parents) to participate as well. // All photos by Xavier Cabanach and Joan CatalàJuly 7 was a clear and bright evening in Sant Cugat, just north of Barcelona, Spain. At 9:30 p.m., the sky was blue. It had been a long, hot summer day, and crowds were outside, walking with family or enjoying a cold drink in one of the bars and restaurants surrounding us. Up in the sky, the crescent Moon was waiting!
From the very first moment, it was clear to us that we would have a remarkable experience. When we began carrying the equipment and setting up the telescope (an 8-inch Meade LX200) in the middle of the downtown square, we immediately gained attention from people. But would we be successful at encouraging them to come near and look through the scope? Fortunately for us, children came to help. Even before we finished setting up the telescope, a line began forming behind it. We had to hurry and get it ready, as the excitement of our guests increased by the minute. The children would not only become observers, but also magnets that would attract parents to the telescope.
By holding their event in a heavily trafficked, downtown area, Joan and Xavier inspired numerous dropped jaws at the sight of the Moon and Saturn, an experience Joan found unexpectedly fun.The Moon was our first target. At 75x, it fit nicely in the field of our eyepiece. The view was, as always, spectacular, and the children were not disappointed. While some of them ran from the eyepiece to the end of the line again, others went to spread news to their parents, who soon joined us. Small groups of people just passing by began approaching us, curious. Questions flowed quickly, ranging from “Why are you doing this?” to “Where are all those craters here on Earth?” The Moon at 200x followed, and fascinating Saturn came after that. The delicate view of the ringed world was a gift for first-time observers. Dropped jaws indicated that the people were truly seeing it. “Is this real?” some of them asked, amazed.
As darkness took over, families gave way to groups of teenagers, on vacation while schools are out. They seemed less interested in our activity, simply looking at us from a distance and continuing on. So we shifted our approach to a more aggressive one. As one of us was taking care of the telescope and the people waiting in the line, the other went after those teen groups to let them know that Saturn was there, and they could see it with its rings. It worked.
Astronomy magazine is happy to help amateurs and clubs foster such events with its Discover the Universe program. At about midnight, with the Moon and Saturn too low to be visible, and with few people on the streets, we agreed it was time to go home. We estimate that more than 100 people observed the Moon and Saturn with us. Most of them took advantage of the printed material that Astronomy sent us, which included a map of the Moon. Although we both have experience running observing sessions, this was the first time we set up our camp in the middle of the city. And it was fun.
When we, as observers, get a glimpse of a distant object or finally achieve a picture of an elusive galaxy, we feel compensated for all the efforts and sacrifice our hobby demands. But, in this case, we’ve learned that with much less effort and two easy targets in the sky, we can also get immense satisfaction while sharing knowledge and fascination with others. We want to thank Astronomy magazine for promoting the Discover the Universe program, and for giving us the “excuse” to go out and share!
What a great evening! Thanks to Joan and Xavier for hosting such an excellent Discover the Universe event. If you want to get involved or have any questions about the program, please email me at bandrews@astronomy.com.
Astronomers discover earliest black holes at the dawn of the universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:6/15/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
What does the universe nearby look like?Discover the Universe: Ottawa, Canada
International Astronomy Day was May 7, and I’ve just heard back from the Ottawa Valley Astronomy & Observer’s Group about their festivities for the day as part of Astronomy’s Discover the Universe program. Group member Jim Thompson explains:
The Ottawa Valley Astronomy & Observer’s Group (OAOG) put on a successful sidewalk astronomy event May 7, the International Astronomy Day, as part of Astronomy magazine's Discover the Universe program. Some 40 members of the group were on hand to help approximately 1,500 people better appreciate their place in the cosmos. // All photos by Jim ThompsonThe Ottawa Valley Astronomy & Observer’s Group (OAOG) began in 1994 with local amateur astronomers Rock Mallin and Don Fougere, who love sharing their enthusiasm for astronomy with the public. Once a year, the OAOG organizes an all-day sidewalk event to celebrate International Astronomy Day, as well as holds impromptu evening sidewalk events throughout the year as weather permits — but the Astronomy Day event is much bigger and carefully planned. This year’s was Saturday, May 7, and took place in the parking lot next to a Chapters bookstore. This location was close to shopping areas, movie theaters, and restaurants, providing great public exposure and helping make the event so successful.
OAOG group members began showing up around 5 a.m. Saturday morning to set up their telescopes and displays. Eventually, 25 of us were on hand with telescopes at the ready, plus an additional 15 or so members circulated through the growing crowd, answering questions and filling in for telescope owners as required.
By holding their event next to a well-trafficked area, the OAOG helped bring astronomy to a great number of people, most of whom probably didn’t expect to do some observing that day!The public had a large number and variety of telescopes to choose from: seven refractors, five Hydrogen-alpha solar scopes, 10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, four equatorial-mounted Newtonians, six Dobsonians, and one Ritchey-Chrétien. The OAOG also had many examples of both eyepiece observing and video astronomy via the numerous Mallincams within the group, and passersby could watch static displays, slide shows, and videos. With the material provided by Astronomy magazine, plus older magazines and books donated by group members, visitors certainly didn’t have to leave empty-handed.
The only thing that did not go according to plan was the weather. The morning began clear and sunny, but it quickly clouded over and remained so for most of the day. In between passing clouds, OAOG members still provided inspiring views of the Sun, Moon, and Saturn. The morning and afternoon saw a slow but steady stream of people; from about 5 p.m. onward it was very busy, with lines at most scopes and a heavy barrage of questions from the interested public. By the time we packed up around 11 p.m., approximately 1,500 people had participated in our event. This year was our most successful Astronomy Day yet!
The OAOG provided various kinds of experiences besides simply looking through scopes, including astronomy-related videos and various handouts, helping make the event more memorable.That sounds like a pretty great day, Jim. Congratulations! Thanks for helping turn on members of the unsuspecting public to this amazing pastime. We were happy to play a small role to help make your group’s plans a success. If you want to know how Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program can help your club, please email me at bandrews@astronomy.com.
LOFAR telescope makes deeper images of universe than ever before
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:6/2/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Cosmic explosion is new candidate for most distant object in the universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:5/25/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
From 2MASS To You… The Most Complete 3-D Map of Local Universe
Credit: T.H. Jarrett (IPAC/SSC)
Isn’t this era of astronomy incredible? There are times when I thumb through my old astronomy books with their outdated information and simply marvel over today’s capabilities. Who would have believed just 50 years ago that we’d be peering into the far reaches of our Universe – let alone mapping them? Thanks to an endeavor that took more than 10 years to complete, the 2MASS Redshift Survey (2MRS) has provided us with 3-D map which cuts through the dust and pushes the envelope of the Galactic Plane out to 380 million light-years – encompassing more than 500 million stars and resolving more than 1.5 million galaxies. (…)
Read the rest of From 2MASS To You… The Most Complete 3-D Map of Local Universe (575 words)
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The Hubble Space Telescope views the star that changed the universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:5/24/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Discover the Universe: Southern Colorado
Many astronomy groups took advantage of National Astronomy Day on May 7 to host public events. One of them, the Southern Colorado Astronomical Society of Pueblo, held a successful public star party as part of Astronomy’s Discover the Universe program. Public relations director Alan Knight elaborates:
There’s just something about seeing telescopes set up that fascinated and attracted passersby to the Southern Colorado Astronomical Society’s (SCAS) National Astronomy Day sidewalk star party. The daughter in this family already had a small Newtonion of her own, and likely left the event with new plans for it. // All photos by Alan KnightThe Southern Colorado Astronomical Society (SCAS) observed National Astronomy Day by hosting a stargazing party in the middle of Pueblo, Colorado, May 7. SCAS Pueblo President Walter Russell and I were the first to arrive on site in front of the Rawlings Public Library, on the corner of two busy streets in the Steel City.
As the first telescope went up around 6:45 p.m., the curiosity factor immediately came into play when two young ladies walking down the opposite sidewalk switched course and crossed the street to come see what was happening. It was still very light out and the Moon was the only object available, so I stopped setting things up and slewed my 8-inch Meade LS telescope onto our natural satellite.
“Oh my goodness!” our first visitor squealed with delight. “I’ve never seen the Moon so close!” As she gaped at the lunar surface, her friend grew impatient, at first giving her little taps on the shoulder asking her to move before finally administering a healthy shove. “Oh, wow!” the friend exclaimed as she took her turn. With the official starting time approaching, I turned my attention back to setting up while the ladies alternated gazing through the scope.
Despite the glare of the city’s streetlights, the crowds still witnessed amazing views of Saturn, the Moon, and other sights — sometimes for the first time in their lives. The mother of this family of four was interested in astronomy, and plans on joining the SCAS.Not 5 minute later, a mother and daughter arrived, also ready to start looking into the sky. I gave them a quick tour of the Moon and returned once more to setting up. Thankfully, we had various reading materials and handouts from Astronomy magazine, allowing us to help keep visitors occupied while we finished getting the telescopes in place.
With a few of our members’ Dobsonians set up right on the sidewalk, we had several cars simply stop in the middle of the street with their occupants asking what was going on. At first, my answer was, “It’s National Astronomy Day; we’re looking at the stars.” I would then invite them to come take a look through the telescopes. Some would, others would just drive off. An attempt to stop people from driving off met with fair success: I started answering their question with, “The universe is expanding — you should look through the telescopes!” That usually drew an expression of shock, followed by the car driving into the parking lot, its occupants quickly getting out and heading straight to a scope.
Joining SCAS Pueblo members Mike Maselli and Debbie Russell at right, an attendee from the Deep South (in brown at left) was so moved by the sight of Saturn through a telescope that she spontaneously hugged SCAS Pueblo member Alan Knight (not pictured).Finally, as the last light faded from the sky, the “Lord of the Rings,” Saturn, shone brightly enough to punch through the street lamp-flooded sky and the magic of stargazing unfolded. One couple who had moved here recently from the Deep South (as they told me) peered through the lens at the gas giant. At first the woman was speechless, but then she took a step back from the eyepiece, turned, and gave me a big hug. I did not see that coming. Never before had she seen Saturn through a telescope. Her husband then took his turn, giving me the opportunity to back away just a little (I was good for the night with hugs). She was the sweetest lady, though, and deeply appreciative of the opportunity to view the heavens.
We had people of all ages stop by to look at the sky. A young girl in sixth grade who had just gotten her first telescope, a small Newtonian, was thrilled to no end as she looked at the objects above. After looking through our telescopes, she confessed she would now probably be disappointed with her smaller scope. Quickly, we offered her words of encouragement, reminding her that the Newtonian was perfect for looking at our neighbors in the solar system. At the end of the night, she left with a smile on her face and, I’m certain, the plan to go home and set up her telescope. I get the feeling we can expect that young lady and her family at our next monthly meeting.
In all, dozens of people stopped by in the scant time we had to view the night sky, all of them amazed by the views from our six telescopes. Also, a special note of thanks to these SCAS Pueblo members for giving their time to place smiles on so many faces: Walter Russell, Mike Maselli, Scott Goins, and Frank Miller. I look forward to our next outing and hope we can again show people the wonders of the night sky.
Congratulations on such a great event, Alan. It sounds like quite a night! Good job turning so many unsuspecting (and even suspecting) people onto astronomy, and we’re glad the Discover the Universe program could help out. If you have any questions about how it can help out your club, please email me at bandrews@astronomy.com.
Where In The Universe #148
Here’s this week’s image for the Where In The Universe Challenge, to test your visual knowledge of the cosmos. You know what to do: take a look at this image and see if you can determine where in the universe this image is from; give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft/telescope responsible for the image. We’ll provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until later. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. Please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
And you can now find the answer, finally, for WITU #147 (minus most of the guesses since Disqus hasn’t filled in the old comments yet) back on that original post.
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14,000 quasars shine a light on the distant universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:5/2/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Were “spinstars” the first polluters of the universe?
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:4/28/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Discover the Universe: Virginia Beach, Virginia
For the second time is as many weeks (after Thessaloniki, Greece), Astronomy’s Discover the Universe program can claim an event full of successful sidewalk astronomy. Ted Forte of the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers reports:
Southeastern Virginia’s Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA) hosted a great sidewalk astronomy session as part of Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program on April 15; here a group of children observes the Moon through an 18-inch Obsession and its 12x75mm finder scope. // Ted Forte photoThe Back Bay Amateur Astronomers (BBAA) of southeastern Virginia set up their telescopes on April 15 in a popular Virginia Beach city park to help the crowds “discover the universe” during the third annual Mount Trashmore Star Party.
Our members arrived around 3 p.m. to kick off the event with some solar viewing. We set up three Hydrogen-alpha (Hα) scopes and a 10-inch Dobsonian with a white-light filter. The Sun cooperated superbly, with several sunspots and a great deal of activity visible in Hα. The late-afternoon park patrons were curious, and some worried about safety — didn’t Mom say never look at the Sun? My usual quip, “Just use your bad eye,” broke the ice and often lead into an explanation of how to view the Sun safely. Solar observing is something people don’t typically do, and it seldom fails to impress novice observers. The early stages of these outreach events are particularly enjoyable because you can take the time to discuss what you are seeing, and thoughtfully answer questions like “What is a sunspot?” or “Is the Sun really a star?”
As night approached, we faced bands of fast-moving clouds and rapidly dropping temperatures, which made us a little apprehensive. We had invited the whole city out to look through our scopes, and it looked like Mother Nature might put a damper on things. We persevered, however, and in the end numerous gaps in the clouds made the night a great success. The official count topped 850 people, with more than 8 hours of observing. It’s a slightly lower turnout than in previous years, but still remarkable given the unseasonable conditions.
More than a dozen telescopes, ranging from an 80mm refractor to my 18-inch Obsession Dobsonian, pointed skyward. Most observers began with the nearly Full Moon. I centered my scope on the bright crater Tycho and zoomed in at about 115x. Soon I found myself discussing everything from the age of lunar craters to the life and work of Tycho Brahe.
BBAA member Jeff Goldstein (foreground) helps onlookers enjoy the night sky’s wonders. During the event, the group’s scopes turned to Saturn and its rings, the Sun and Moon, and various other objects. // Ted Forte photoOnce Saturn poked through the clouds, most of the scopes quickly turned to it. Later, a few would explore some of the brighter deep-sky wonders like the Orion Nebula (M42) and the Pleiades (M45), but the line of viewers behind my scope (the largest) wanted to see Saturn. The rings tilted about 8º and many of the observers remarked with surprise that they could see darkness between the rings and the planet. It amazed them to learn that Earth could easily pass through that gap. In moments of better seeing, some even saw the dark Cassini Division as well.
Fellow BBAA member Mark Ost perfectly expressed our universal appreciation of the starry sky: “The number of nationalities gathered under the stars reflects the cosmopolitan nature of our community and the commonality we all share, irrespective of language and origin. Our differences shrink when seen from cosmic distances. Funny what a small tube with a lens and mirror can accomplish. In an odd way, looking out is another way of looking in.”
We humans have an innate and visceral connection to the stars, yet so many of us have never had the opportunity to share the night sky. There is no more rewarding feature of our hobby than outreach — the opportunity to share the universe with people who might otherwise live their lives without a single glance skyward. It is a most worthy pastime, and one we heartily recommend.
Congratulations on hosting such a great star party, Ted! Your attitude toward outreach is exactly what we’re trying to cultivate among astronomy clubs, which is why Astronomy magazine started the Discover the Universe program in the first place. If you have any questions about how it can help your club, please e-mail me at bandrews@astronomy.com.
The Universe in a Chocolate Cream Egg
Can chocolate cream eggs help explain the mysteries of the Universe? As part of the University of Nottingham’s Sixty Symbols science video series, the Cadbury creme egg has been featured this week, with several eggcellent videos just in time for Easter. This one discusses the cosmological constant, and the possibility of how we might be surrounded by tiny eggs from another dimension. Surprisingly, scientists can explain and demonstrate the some fundamental scientific laws that govern the universe with yummy cream filled chocolate eggs. See more egg-themed discussions at Sixty Symbols.
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Discover the Universe: Thessaloniki, Greece
Astronomy magazine’s Discover the Universe program is only a few months old, but we’ve already had our first successful event! Andreas Vossinakis of The Friends of Astronomy club in Thessaloniki, Greece (http://www.ofa.gr/), explains:
Starting at 6 p.m. local time, the Friends of Astronomy Club in Thessaloniki, Greece, opened up the wonders of the daytime and night skies to casual observers. Photo by Friends of Astronomy Club, Thessaloniki, www.ofa.grOn April 9, our astronomy club organized a public event at the city waterfront to celebrate Global Astronomy Month. We set up 19 telescopes (including one for solar observations) and a set of giant binoculars. We started at 6 p.m. local time with solar observing, amazing many of the people who passed by because this was their first time observing the Sun (using Hydrogen-alpha filters). There were even some prominences visible.
After the Sun set, we gazed at the Moon, and a lot of people asked about the nature of its surface. They were amazed by the clarity of the images through the telescopes and how well they could see the craters. We provided printed maps of the Moon and the sky so they could orient themselves during the night. As usual, many asked about life elsewhere in the universe, the nature of the planets, how far away these objects are, and about the signs of the zodiac and whether astrology can predict the future. (Of course not!)
Astronomy magazine is thrilled its Discover the Universe program, which encourages and helps astronomy clubs to host sidewalk astronomy events, had such a successful first event. Photo by Friends of Astronomy Club, Thessaloniki, www.ofa.grMore than 700 people passed by our telescopes, and they were truly amazed with Saturn and its rings. Many said that it looked fake! They just couldn't believe they were viewing the ringed planet and its two brightest satellites. Apart from the Moon and Saturn, we gazed at the Orion Nebula (M42), the Beehive Cluster (M44), and the Pleiades (M45), and we identified the night’s constellations with the help of a laser pointer. We had people stopping by until 1 a.m.
Afterward, we heard much positive feedback for days, with lots of people asking about the next event. Our members also visited public elementary schools this week and offered telescope views to the students. We have a lot of requests from elementary schools this time of the year, and we are trying to please them all. It’s a good thing that our members can offer their free time and their telescopes without second thought!
Targets for the evening included the Sun, Saturn, and the Pleiades (M45), among many others; the observing session remained busy until 1 a.m. Photo by Friends of Astronomy Club, Thessaloniki, www.ofa.grGood work, Andreas, and congratulations on such a successful event! This should be the first of many sidewalk astronomy events of public, and Astronomy magazine is happy to help individual clubs make it possible. If you have any questions about the Discover the Universe program, please e-mail me at bandrews@astronomy.com.
What visual effects are depicted in this video?Where In The Universe Challenge #144
Here’s this week’s image for the Where In The Universe Challenge, to test your visual knowledge of the cosmos. You know what to do: take a look at this image and see if you can determine where in the universe this image is from; give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft/telescope responsible for the image. We’ll provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until later. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. Please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
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Astronomy Without A Telescope – Our Inferred Universe
A galaxy far, far away and long. long ago. UDFy-38135539 – about the most distant observed object, where UDF stands for (Hubble) Ultra-Deep Field. Credit: HST – NASA/ESA.
The universe is a big place – and getting bigger all the time – so at a large scale all unbound structures are all moving away from each other. So when we look out at distant objects, we need to remind ourselves that not only are we seeing them as they appeared in the past, when the light that hits our eyes first left them, but also that they are no longer in that location where they appear to be.(…)
Read the rest of Astronomy Without A Telescope – Our Inferred Universe (641 words)
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NGC 5584: Expanding the UniverseThe Universe Verse Continues – It’s Alive!
Back in 2009, I was given an odd book. It was the Universe Verse: Book One. In it, the author illustrates the formation of the universe, from the Big Bang, to the formation of stars and galaxies in rich detail and painstaking attention to the tiniest of scientific facts. And to top it off, it’s all done in rhyme as if Carl Sagan met Dr. Seuss. But as the title indicates, it was just the first of the series. In total, the author, James Lu Dunbar, is planning three books and at long last, the second in the Universe Verse trilogy is ready for release. And we’ve got a sneak peek!
(…)
Read the rest of The Universe Verse Continues – It’s Alive! (252 words)
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An old galaxy cluster discovered in the young universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:3/9/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Where In The Universe Challenge #140
It’s time once again for another Where In The Universe Challenge. Name where in the Universe this image was taken and give yourself extra points if you can name the telescope or spacecraft responsible for the image. Post your guesses in the comments section, and check back on later at this same post to find the answer. To make this challenge fun for everyone, please don’t include links or extensive explanations with your answer. Good luck!
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Where In The Universe Challenge #139
It’s time once again for another Where In The Universe Challenge. Name where in the Universe this image was taken and give yourself extra points if you can name the telescope or spacecraft responsible for the image. Post your guesses in the comments section, and check back on later at this same post to find the answer. To make this challenge fun for everyone, please don’t include links or extensive explanations with your answer. Good luck!
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Where In The Universe Challenge #138
Ready for another Where In The Universe Challenge? Here’s #138! Take a look and see if you can name where in the Universe this image is from. Give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft, telescope or instrument involved with this image. We provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until tomorrow. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. And Please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
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Super-sharp radio “eye” is remeasuring the universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:2/21/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Where In The Universe Challenge #136
Ready for another Where In The Universe Challenge? Here’s #136! Take a look and see if you can name where in the Universe this image is from. Give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft responsible for the image. As usual, we’ll provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until later. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. Please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
And you can also find the answer to last week’s image (a double-ringed crater somewhere in the Universe…) back on the original post.
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First stars in the universe weren’t lonely
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:2/4/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Where In The Universe #135
It’s time once again for another Where In The Universe Challenge. Name where in the Universe this image was taken and give yourself extra points if you can name the telescope or spacecraft responsible for the image. Post your guesses in the comments section, and check back on later at this same post to find the answer. To make this challenge fun for everyone, please don’t include links or extensive explanations with your answer. Good luck!
And you can finally find the answer for *last week’s* WITU Challenge back on the original post.
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Where In The Universe #134; Answer for #133
Ready for another Where In The Universe Challenge? Take a look and see if you can name where in the Universe this image is from. Give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft, telescope or instrument responsible for the image. We provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until later. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. And Please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
Also, I finally answered last week’s WITU Challenge, #133. And this one has a personal connection, too. Find the answer back on the original post.
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Planck peels back the layers of the universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:1/12/2011
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Where In The Universe Challenge #132
Here’s this week’s Where In The Universe Challenge. Take a look and see if you can name where in the Universe this image is from. Give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft, telescope or instrument responsible for the image. We provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until later. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. And please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
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Where In The Universe #131
Ready for the final Where In The Universe Challenge of 2010? Take a look and see if you can name where in the Universe this image is from. Give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft, telescope or instrument responsible for the image. We provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until later. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. And Please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
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Calling all astronomy clubs! Astronomy magazine announces Discover the Universe program
Help spread the fun of amateur astronomy! Astronomy magazine, in conjunction with the Astronomy Outreach Foundation, is announcing a new program of sponsoring star parties across the United States and the world. We would like to enlist you, experienced amateur astronomers and astronomy club members, as an army of enthusiasts to help spread the joy of amateur astronomy. Carl Sagan once told me that 99 percent of all human beings are born, go through their lives, and die without realizing their place in the cosmos around them. With the extraordinary and nearly constant breaking news in professional astronomy taking place every day, isn’t it high time to introduce the universe to a new generation?
Most people go through their lives on what amounts to a 2-D planet without realizing even the basics of where Earth is in the solar system, the essentials of what makes stars tick, the makeup of the Milky Way Galaxy, or the larger universe of billions of galaxies around them. The best way to bring astronomy awareness and enthusiasm to the people is to go to where the people are — cities. This means employing a technique so terrifically pioneered by California groups in the 1970s — sidewalk astronomy.
To help spread the fun of astronomy, Astronomy magazine is announcing our Discover the Universe program, in which we are asking for volunteers. Astronomy club members who care about sharing our hobby are asked to organize and put on star parties in their areas around the country and around the world, and doing so in cities, right on the sidewalks where lots of people flow, is the ideal place. If the targets are few — the Moon, a planet or two, a double star, perhaps — so be it. Showing people their first “live” glimpse of the heavens and explaining that the light they are seeing has traveled a huge distance through space before striking their eye will turn them on.
If your astronomy club is interested in volunteering in the effort to spread our hobby, I ask you to contact me at editor@astronomy.com. I will be happy to discuss the program more with you. To support your star parties, Astronomy magazine will help publicize the events with our own networks and aid you with local media contacts in your area. We will also send you a Star Party Action Kit, consisting of brochures, magazines, and premium booklets that explain the exciting world of astronomy to newcomers.
This activity will no doubt help the vitality of your astronomy club. I'm sure you have noted the “graying” of the hobby as the majority of young people these days are captivated by entertainment rather than science. The February 2011 issue of Astronomy contains a special article, “Why Gen X and Y should care about astronomy” by Karen Jennings. Reprints of this story will be included in the star party kit. I am asking you to help spread the excitement of astronomy for the good of future generations, too, who we hope will embrace and become experts on serious subjects like astronomy, for the good of the vast future.
Where In The Universe #130
Here’s this week’s Where In The Universe Challenge. Take a look and see if you can name where in the Universe this image is from. Give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft, telescope or instrument responsible for the image. We provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until tomorrow. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. And please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
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Where In The Universe #129
Here’s this week’s image for the Where In The Universe Challenge, to test your visual knowledge of the cosmos. You know what to do: take a look at this image and see if you can determine where in the universe this image is from; give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft/telescope responsible for the image. We’ll provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until later. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. Please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
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Where In The Universe Challenge #128
Ready for another Where In The Universe Challenge? Here’s #128! Take a look and see if you can name where in the Universe this image is from. Give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft responsible for the image. As usual, we’ll provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until later. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. Please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
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Read the rest of Where In The Universe Challenge #128 (0 words)
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Discovery triples the number of stars in the universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:12/2/2010
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Where In The Universe #127
It’s time once again for another Where In The Universe Challenge. Name where in the Universe this image was taken and give yourself extra points if you can name the telescope or spacecraft responsible for the image. Post your guesses in the comments section, and check back on later at this same post to find the answer. To make this challenge fun for everyone, please don’t include links or extensive explanations with your answer. Good luck!
And you can now find the answer to last week’s WITU challenge (which was of the image below) back at the original post (sorry for the delay in posting the answer!)
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Hubble astronomers uncover an overheated early universe
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:10/11/2010
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Where In The Universe Challenge #126
Here’s this week’s image for the Where In The Universe Challenge, to test your visual knowledge of the cosmos. You know what to do: take a look at this image and see if you can determine where in the universe this image is from; give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft or instrument responsible for the image. We’ll provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until later. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. Please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess.
And happy Thanksgiving to everyone who will be celebrating on Thursday.
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First giant structures of the universe discovered
Astronomy Magazine News Article – Released:10/14/2010
Astronomy.com News – Presented by Astronomy Magazine
Where In The Universe #125
Ready for another Where In The Universe Challenge? Here’s #125! Take a look and see if you can name where in the Universe this image is from. Give yourself extra points if you can name the spacecraft, telescope or instrument responsible for the image. We provide the image today, but won’t reveal the answer until tomorrow. This gives you a chance to mull over the image and provide your answer/guess in the comment section. And Please, no links or extensive explanations of what you think this is — give everyone the chance to guess. (…)
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Post tags: Where In the Universe?
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