The 2017 total solar eclipse attracted massive attention, with approximately 200 million Americans within driving distance of its path. An estimated 7 million travelers joined 12 million others witnessing the eclipse. This event marked one of the largest human migrations for a natural phenomenon, enhanced by unprecedented social media coverage.
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
Is 196 a Lychrel Number?
Discusses the intriguing mathematical question of whether 196 is a Lychrel number, defined as a number that never results in a palindrome through repeated "reverse and add" processes. Despite extensive computational attempts, no palindrome has been found for 196, making it a leading candidate for a Lychrel number.
12-13 August 2017 – the Perseids
For revised post containing more tips on how to view the Perseids see The Perseids 2021. Anyone who is disappointed that they will be missing the total eclipse can console themselves with another astronomical event - providing that they live in the northern hemisphere, that the weather is favourable (no clouds, please) and that they… Continue reading 12-13 August 2017 – the Perseids
Solar Eclipse 21 August 2017
On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse captivated millions across a narrow path in the US, the first since 1979. Although eclipses occur every 18 months globally, total eclipses are rare for any specific location. Factors like the Moon's orbit affect visibility and duration.
Voyager 40th anniversary
Nearly 40 years ago, on 20 August 1977, the Voyager 2 space probe was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a mission to study the Solar System's four outermost planets. It was followed 15 days later by the launch of an identical spacecraft, Voyager 1. The Voyager spacecraft -Image from NASA Although Voyager 1 was… Continue reading Voyager 40th anniversary
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