Astronomy and Cosmology

[Dotini]

An Australian physicist is notifying us that the Earth may have 2 suns by the year 2012, and that night may be turned into day. If this happens, it will likely get the attention of many people on Earth who are not accustomed to looking up at the sky. Plants and animals would surely notice this as well.

But on the other hand, an event just like this is not known in recorded history, and will be a great observational test of the Stellar Evolution Hypothesis.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/20/two-suns-twin-stars_n_811864.html

 

[Submerged]

....Interesting, but I wonder if it was just news about the possibility of something happening, but not actually news that this will definately happen. It didn't say how long there would be "two" suns, just mentions the possibility for an additional really bright thing in the sky for an undisclosed length of time.

 

[Dotini]

....Interesting, but I wonder if it was just news about the possibility of something happening, but not actually news that this will definately happen. It didn't say how long there would be "two" suns, just mentions the possibility for an additional really bright thing in the sky for an undisclosed length of time.

There is an old saying, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread". Some scientists, being very properly cautious, might hesitate to say the "Sun will definitely rise in the East tomorrow morning".

So I take this as news of a possibility based upon an unproven hypothesis. I cannot say it won't happen, but I'd bet on it not happening - in 2012, or even ever.

Respectfully yours,
Dotini

 

[Submerged]

Oh, I understand the saying. It was just that the headline of the article was slightly mis-leading when I first read it.

If it does happen though, it would be really quite strange.

Although as I remember, the scientist in the article did mention that 99% of the stuff that got blasted out is harmless. He (or she, cannot remember the name) never actually mentioned what the other 1% stuff was. Unless I missed that bit....

 

[Neal]

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[Aldo]

Good lord... Imagine if Jupiter orbited us, that would be amazing (even though it would be impossible)
Very cool video 👍

 

[Dotini]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C/2010_X1
http://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/sbdb.cgi?sstr=C/2010 X1
http://secchi.nrl.navy.mil/STEREOorbit/C2010_X1.html

Here are some links regarding a new visitor coming to our solar system, Comet Elenin, due to arrive in September/October, this year of 2011.

This comet will make a close approach to both the Sun and Earth, 0.44 AU and 0.25 AU respectively, and could result in the most spectacular heavenly display ever seen by living humans!

This is because Elenin is thought to have a high period of about 38,000 years, and will have built up a negative charge relative to the Sun and Earth. It will be speeding quickly through the solar system, could be glowing brightly like a star, have a coma and tail. It is thought that Earth will pass through it's debris trail in November, resulting spectacular auroras.

Edit: The period is now estimated to be over 3,000,000 years.

Respectfully submitted,
Dotini

 

[Dotini]

For hundreds of years, astronomers have noted strange lights and flashes coming from some lunar craters. Now NASA has a possible explanation for electrified craters at the lunar poles.
http://www.universetoday.com/63231/shocking-lunar-craters-may-be-electrified/

 

[PeterJB]

Just thought I'd mention that tonight will mark 230 years since William Herschel discovered Uranus. And I'll be in Bath! How fitting!

 

[Dotini]

Notice the curious coincidence of the CME and subsequent "spacequake" with the great 8.9 Japan earthquake.

CAUTIONARY TALE: Today is the 22nd anniversary of the Quebec Blackout. On March 13, 1989, a geomagnetic storm brought down Hydro-Québec's power grid and blacked out the entire province. Brownouts and other power irregularities were experienced across much of North America. Today's "smart power grids" are even more vulnerable because they are interconnected by high voltage lines spanning thousands of miles. In good times, this arrangement allows ultilities to guide power wherever it might be needed. During geomagnetic storms, however, it spreads the danger of a blackout far and wide. What we need is a Solar Shield.

SUBSIDING STORMS: The geomagnetic storms of March 10th and 11th are subsiding. Earth's magnetic field began shaking on March 10th in response to a CME impact; the reverberations continued for more than 24 hours. In Sweden the auroras were so bright, they competed with campfires:
http://spaceweather.com/

Spacequakes: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/27jul_spacequakes/

 

[PeterJB]

The MESSENGER Spacecraft has successfully entered into orbit with Mercury and will begin scientific observations on Wednesday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12761025

 

[Dotini]

http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2007AGUSMIN33A..03J
Abstract
We present the study of 682 earthquakes of ¡Ý4.0 magnitude observed during January 1991 to January 2007 in the light of solar flares observed by GOES and SOXS missions in order to explore the possibility of any association between solar flares and earthquakes. Our investigation preliminarily shows that each earthquake under study was preceded by a solar flare of GOES importance B to X class by 10-100 hrs.

Respectfully submitted,
Dotini

 

[Dotini]

http://news.discovery.com/space/is-the-sun-emitting-a-mystery-particle.html

http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-Sun-Influences-the-Decay-of-Radioactive-Elements-153704.shtml

Radioactive decay races for substances such as carbon-14, silicon-32 and radium-226 were thought to be unchanging and constant. That's what the textbooks say. Now all that is thrown out due to a possible new particle from the sun.

 

[PeterJB]

The Hubble Space Telescope discovers a fourth Moon orbiting Pluto.

http://www.space.com/12356-pluto-fourth-moon-discovery-hubble-photo.html

 

[Stevisiov]

The Hubble Space Telescope discovers a fourth Moon orbiting Pluto.

http://www.space.com/12356-pluto-fourth-moon-discovery-hubble-photo.html

I have to say, that since Pluto's relegation from a planet, I have found it to be of much less interest to me. Does anyone else feel this way?

 

[Dotini]

I have to say, that since Pluto's relegation from a planet, I have found it to be of much less interest to me. Does anyone else feel this way?

I agree. However, should Pluto suddenly start to glow brightly, grow a tail or change orbit , my interest would perk up. Too bad it's so far away and expensive to visit. In this time of limited budgets, I'm grateful for all that NASA, the Europeans and Japanese are able to do.

Respectfully,
Steve

 

[Sprite]

Trojan asteroid seen in Earth's orbit by Wise telescope

Ive not posted in this thread before just been reading all the interesting stuff you guys dig up, im by no means a scientist but I love Space related stuff. The sheer size of objects and area it covers is mid blowing. I read the article first thing this morning on my way into work and I though you guys might like to read.

 

[Vince_Fiero]

Trojan asteroid seen in Earth's orbit by Wise telescope

There are still a lot of undiscovered things out there, with some scientific certainty we can state that the deep seas and outer space hold more surprises then certainties for the moment.

Nice to see new telescopes discovering new things. Next thing up a cloaked Alien Vessel?

 

[DQuaN]

Got this for my Birthday:

What I'd like to find now is some kind of motorised adapter. Trimming up and down is quite easy as it has a fine tuning arm, but moving side to side is cumbersome and difficult. Anyone know of any such kits I could get?

 

[Dennisch]

I'm a total astro geek, but in the Netherlands it has little to no use to buy a telescope, as there are virtually no good dark spots out here.

I've set a goal for myself, to go to the other side of the world and equator, just to see the Milky Way in the sky.

 

[Sprite]

Ok thread bump time. I've decided to get the old man a telescope, and after reading reviews especially sky at night they recomended this the Bresser Messier N150.

It's supposed to be a great entry level scope. I just hope he likes it.

 

[PeterJB]

Refactor or Reflector? How large is the lens?

 

[Touring Mars]

Refactor or Reflector? How large is the lens?

It's a reflector - you can tell because there's no lens at the front, and the eyepiece is also at the front. I presume the 150 in the name means it's a 150 mm aperture/mirror i.e. 6 inches, which is the same as mine - ideal starter scope 👍

 

[tezster]

Many beginners find astronomy a little daunting to get into as there is a lot to learn. A couple of good introductory books can go along way into helping someone learn the basics and get comfortable with using their scope properly. Better yet, joining a local astronomy club and/or having an experienced guide at your side is invaluable.

 

[PeterJB]

It's a reflector - you can tell because there's no lens at the front, and the eyepiece is also at the front. I presume the 150 in the name means it's a 150 mm aperture/mirror i.e. 6 inches, which is the same as mine - ideal starter scope 👍

Thats a really good size. I've been looking into getting a good refractor, better for viewing planets. I could get a 7 cm lens for £110, but I'll probably ned something a bit more powerful.

Many beginners find astronomy a little daunting to get into as there is a lot to learn. A couple of good introductory books can go along way into helping someone learn the basics and get comfortable with using their scope properly. Better yet, joining a local astronomy club and/or having an experienced guide at your side is invaluable.

I joined my local astronomy club a few months ago. Lots of experts on deep sky objects, of which my knowledge is very poor. But I'm your man if you're looking for solar system objects!


Anyway, interesting times coming up. Venus is now visible in the western sky after sunset, Jupiter even more so in the east (having been at opossition only a month ago), they'll gradually creep towards each other over the next couple of months. The Earth is slowly catching Mars up, which rises around 11:30 pm at the moment (Opposition in March). It will eventually join Venus and Jupiter in the evening twilight, accompanied by the conspicuous Orion constellation. Saturn will come into view again in the evening and around February/March time.

 

[Sprite]

Refactor or Reflector? How large is the lens?

It's a reflector - you can tell because there's no lens at the front, and the eyepiece is also at the front. I presume the 150 in the name means it's a 150 mm aperture/mirror i.e. 6 inches, which is the same as mine - ideal starter scope 👍

TM is correct the 150 is 150mm so six inches and its a relector, this is the blurb from the scope:

Bresser Messier N150 Newtonian Telescope Ref: 4750120
The Messier N150 is the classic 6" aperture telescope that will provide stunning views of both planetary and deep sky objects whilst retaining portability. Tack sharp optics and a quality equatorial mount and three eyepieces combine to enable a wide range of astronomical targets for the user of this superb package. With the long focal length higher magnifications are easier to use on this instrument.

Diameter 150mm
Focal length 1200mm
Includes equatorial mount and tripod
8X50 finderscope
Eyepieces included 10, 12.5, 25mm 1.25" plossls
Total Weight 22.45KG

It was recomended that the 25mm eyepiece might not be great but can be upgraded, also ive been looking at filters for light polution, i live in yorkshire and a bit out towards the countryside but im not in the sticks so he will find the light polution a problem i bet, have any of you guys had and use of said type of filters? Also does anyone recomend some good eyepieces.

Many beginners find astronomy a little daunting to get into as there is a lot to learn. A couple of good introductory books can go along way into helping someone learn the basics and get comfortable with using their scope properly. Better yet, joining a local astronomy club and/or having an experienced guide at your side is invaluable.

its a great idea, he also has an iPad so im sure digital books or apps will help him allot. the reason I got it for him is that he has suffered with cancer and thought he was in remition he has now found that its back, so they are recomending he has his kidney out, thus he will be off work and mooching around the house for some time afterwards, his main hobby is metal detecting but he wont be able to trek around fields all day long so i hope this will keep him occupied while at home, once he gets bored of it (if he does) i might percure it if he gets into it in a big way then i might have to get one myself.

[edit-02/12/2011]

It arrived yesterday, I've just had a check to make sure it's all there and it looks great. I can't wait to see his face Christmas day. All wrapped and ready for the tree.

 

[PeterJB]

Lunar Eclipse today at 3:40PM GMT. Totality will be seen in The Americas, only the end stages will be seen in Europe, as the moon will be very low in the eastern horizon.

 

[Dotini]

Comet in Sun's Corona Wiggles Like a Zygote!
http://sungrazer.nrl.navy.mil/index.php?p=images/lovejoy/euviA_lovejoy_anim.gif

Respectfully submitted,
Steve

 

[Sprite]

Well we have just put up my dads telescope I got him, it's a little bigger than I was expecting.

 

[homeforsummer]

Well we have just put up my dads telescope I got him, it's a little bigger than I was expecting.

Tell me about it. Mine's a big'un too, takes up half my room. However, after finally getting some clear, afternoon sky, I managed to fluke this shot with my iphone through the wider-angle of my two lenses:

Quite chuffed with it. And as far as actually seeing the moon up that close (and even closer with a more magnifying lens: wow. Really scoots across the sky at higher magnification goes, though!

Edit: And here's another:

One thing I've just realised is that due to the way the eyepiece relays the image, both of those shots are technically upside-down. So if you want to view them correctly, turn your screen the other way up...