Citizen Scientist Topics
The Pull of Jupiter
2006 — April 6, 2011
Right now, Jupiteris having a close encounter with Earth. The giant planet is very bright in the night sky and looks terrific through backyard telescopes.
Martian Misinformation
2006 — April 6, 2011
Contrary to a wide-spread report, Mars will not look as big as the full Moon on August 27th. In fact, The Red Planetwill be nearly invisible to the human eye. There is, however, something real to see on August 27th--a morning alignment of Venus and Saturn.
The 2006 Geminid Meteor Shower
2006 — April 6, 2011
The best meteor shower of the year peaks this week on Thursday, Dec. 14th.
See the Incredible Shrinking Planet
2006 — April 6, 2011
Mercury makes a rare appearance in the evening sky this week.
Thanksgiving Skies
2006 — April 6, 2011
Flying somewhere for Thanksgiving? Think of it as a sky watching opportunity. There are some things you can see only through the window of an airplane.
Lunar Olympics
2006 — April 6, 2011
If winter Olympic Games were held on the moon, where would they be? The lunar Alps, of course.
2006 Transit of Mercury
2006 — April 6, 2011
Mark your calendar: On Wednesday, Nov 8th, the planet Mercury will pass directly in front the Sun.
Weekend Fireballs
2001 — April 6, 2011
This weekend a flurry of sensational fireballs startled onlookers in western Europe and parts of the United States. What were the vivid lights? Read this story and find out.
A Close Encounter with Mars
2001 — Sept. 20, 2011
Today Earth and Mars will experience their closest encounter in a dozen years. Stargazers won't want to miss The Red Planetblazing bright in the midnight sky.
Eclipse Safari
2001 — Sept. 20, 2011
On Thursday, June 21st, the Moon's shadow will race across southern Africa for the only total solar eclipse of 2001. The display will delight some creatures and put others to sleep.