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
Tag: Astronomy
Astronomy Items
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.
Jocelyn Bell and the Breakthrough prize 2018
Pulsars were first detected in 1967 by a research student called Jocelyn Bell when she was taking observations for her PhD thesis. Her supervisor, Anthony Hewish, went on to win the Nobel prize in 1974 for the discovery, and her contribution was overlooked. Many at the time felt that Jocelyn Bell should have been given… Continue reading Jocelyn Bell and the Breakthrough prize 2018
Lunar eclipse 27 July 2018
On 27 July 2018 there will be a total eclipse of the Moon, which will be viewable from many areas of the world. This will be the first total lunar eclipse able to be observed in the UK for nearly three years and it will be worth making the effort to see, especially since, for… Continue reading Lunar eclipse 27 July 2018
The Martian Methane Mystery
In 2014, NASA's Curiosity rover detected methane on Mars, suggesting an unknown replenishing process due to its short atmospheric lifespan. While Earth's methane largely originates from biological sources, the Martian findings remain ambiguous. Subsequent missions, including ESA's Trace Gas Orbiter, reported no detectable methane, deepening the mystery.
Explaining Science 