September 22 2024 – the equinox

In 2024 September 22 is the date of the September equinox and is also the first day of autumn (or the first day of spring if you're one of my readers in the Southern Hemisphere). In this post I’ll talk about the equinoxes and discus the commonly held, but not quite correct, view that they… Continue reading September 22 2024 – the equinox

The Space Shuttle 10 years on

Ten years ago, on 8 July 2011 Atlantis took off for the final mission of a Space Shuttle, bringing to close a programme which had lasted nearly 40 years  and had cost the equivalent of $220 billion in 2021 dollars. In this post I'll review this fascinating and unique piece of technology. The landing of… Continue reading The Space Shuttle 10 years on

The evenings are drawing out already

Updated 13 December 2025 ------------------------------ As I complete this post, it's completely dark outside and it's only 5 o'clock in the afternoon; most people I come across think that it will continue to get dark earlier and earlier in the afternoons until the date of the winter solstice which for the UK in 2025 falls… Continue reading The evenings are drawing out already

The Science Geek is now Explaining Science

When I started my Science Geek blog back in April 2014, I never expected it still to be up and running five years later.  Over these five years its popularity has gradually increased, and I now have around 2,300 followers.   However, after five years of blogging I feel now that it is time for… Continue reading The Science Geek is now Explaining Science

The darker mornings.

Updated 14 December 2025 As I complete this post from my home in Manchester, England, it is 4:30 pm and already  dark outside. Many people think that it will continue to get dark earlier each day in the afternoon until we reach the winter solstice , which in 2025 occurs on 21 December in the… Continue reading The darker mornings.