On the night of 20/21 January 2019 there will be a total eclipse of the Moon, which will be viewable from many areas of the world. This will be worth making the effort to see, especially for my readers in the western USA and Canada for whom it will occur at a sociable hour. The… Continue reading 21 January 2019 lunar eclipse
Author: Steve Hurley
Hi I am Steve Hurley. Although I work in the IT industry. I studied for a PhD in astronomy in the 1980s. My real passion is explaining scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience. My blog (explainingscience.org) covers various scientific topics, but primarily astronomy. It is written in a style that it is easily understandable to the non scientist.
Publications and videos
For links to my books and videos please visit www.explainingscience.org
Chinese Moon missions
Like many people, I was very excited to hear the news on 3 January that the Chinese spacecraft, Chang'e 4, had landed as planned in the Von Karman crater on the far side of the Moon. Chang’e 4 in the Von Karman crater. The crater lies in the South Pole-Aitken basin on the far side of… Continue reading Chinese Moon missions
What altitude does space begin?
Virgin Galactic plans to resume spaceflights for wealthy customers at around $600,000 per flight, lasting 2.5 hours with only 5 minutes above 80 km. The definition of the boundary of space varies, with the Karman Line at 100 km supported by the FAI, while the FAA considers it at 80 km.
December 21 2018 – the solstice
The winter solstice, occurring around December 21, marks the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon's significance is tied to early human cultures, illustrated by Stonehenge, which aligns with solstice events. Celebrations continue today, especially among groups like Druids and Pagans, honoring the gradual return of sunlight.
e-book on Venus from Explaining Science
Updated 7 December 2025 Venus is, the planet closest to the Earth in size and internal composition, and the brightest natural object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. This completly revised e-book covers most of the main areas about Venus. Why is it so bright? The 584-day cycle where Venus goes through… Continue reading e-book on Venus from Explaining Science
Explaining Science 