The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program is seeking proposals to continue promising studies for which it has supported the first phase. These cutting-edge concepts have the potential to transform future exploration missions, enable new capabilities, or significantly alter current approaches to launching, building, and operating aerospace systems. “These transformative concepts have the potential to…
You may have noticed that the Night Sky Observer was offline earlier this week. That’s because the webhost I was with was having capacity problems and I had to move the site to a new webhost. Not an easy task given that this site is 15 years old and has accumulated a lot of stuff…
Note to sky watchers: Put on your winter coats. What you’re about to read might make you feel an uncontrollable urge to dash outside. The brightest planets in the solar system are lining up in the evening sky, and you can see the formation – some of it at least – tonight. Go out at…
Members of the public are being asked to join the hunt for nearby planets that could support life. Volunteers can go to the Planethunters website to see time-lapsed images of 150,000 stars, taken by the Kepler space telescope. They will be advised on the signs that indicate the presence of a planet and how to…
This video presents the key events in 2012 for the European Space Agency (ESA). André Kuipers continues his PromISSe mission aboard the International Space Station until May, the fourth ESA long duration mission. During his stay the third European ATV cargo ship will bring food and supplies to the orbital outpost. Early in the year…
T’was the Night after Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring … …because everyone was outside watching the planets align? It’s true. On Dec. 26th, the night after Christmas, Venus and the slender crescent Moon will gather for a jaw-dropping conjunction in the western sky. The action begins shortly before sunset….
Here are a few telescopes that are currently for sale at a discount: 1. Celestron AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope On Sale for $149.98 (60% off List Price) 2. Meade ETX-80AT-TC Astro Telescope with AutoStar On Sale for $229.98 (23% off List Price) 3. Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Reflector Telescope On Sale for $399.99 (43%…
August 28: A Supernova (2011fe) has been discovered in M101 (NGC 5457). The AAVSO would like any reports about this supernova from amateur astronomers. August 26: In early June the Mars500 crew celebrated their one full year inside the modules simulating an interplanetary spaceship. They are now flying virtually back to Earth and due to…
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory has spotted one of the largest new sunspots to appear on the surface of the sun in years. It is nearly 25,000 miles wide, or more than three times larger than the Earth. The enormous sunspot was seen rotating over the sun’s northeastern limb on Nov. 3. Any backyard astronomers with…
Just a quick post to let you know about two new offers on 2012 calendars if you’re in the mood to stock up on Christmas presents this early. 2 Day Sale: October 11-13 Only $1 shipping on all U.S. orders (no coupon code required) Use Coupon Code FIFTEEN – get 15% off 2012 calendars All…
Just got notified by Calendars.com that they’re having a 1-day sale where they’re offering 50% off 2012 calendars. So now’s the time to grab some calendars for yourself or as early Christmas presents. Get them from this link: Shop the Calendars.com One Day Sale! 50% Off Select Titles & Free Shipping. You can also get…
NASA and the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) are launching a national radio program and podcast series that features compelling stories of revolutionary ideas, emerging technologies and the people behind the concepts that are shaping our future. ‘Innovation Now’, the series of 90-second radio segments, debuts Sept. 1, online and on WHRV 89.5 FM in…
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The Sun Now (H-Alpha light) |
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Aurora Oval (Northern Hemisphere) |
Aurora Oval (Southern Hemisphere) |
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