Are there any possible astronomical explanations for the Star of Bethlehem or Christmas star? Source: https://earthsky.org/human-world/was-the-christmas-star-real…
Tag: alpha
December solstice starts shortest season
Shortest season – between the December solstice and March equinox – is about 89 days. Longest season – June solstice to September equinox – is about 94 days. Here’s why that happens. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/years-shortest-season-starts-with-december-solstice…
Mirfak is Perseus’ brightest star
Mirfak isn’t as famous as Algol, its brother star in the constellation Perseus. But Mirfak is easier to find and can help guide you to Algol. Source: https://earthsky.org/brightest-stars/mirfak-perseus-brightest-star…
Why is Mars sometimes bright and sometimes faint?
In 2018, Mars was brighter in our sky than it had been since 2003. In 2019, Mars was mostly faint and inconspicuous. But 2020, here we come! Source: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/why-is-mars-sometimes-bright-and-sometimes-faint…
Ohio Neighborhood Temporarily Evacuated Over Misplaced Fears of a Homemade Nuclear Reactor
“A 911 call Thursday led to a precautionary evacuation of an entire street in a Northwest Side neighborhood in Columbus over concerns about a possible small nuclear reactor and alpha waves reported by a resident who said he sustained burns in his garage on the device,” acocrding to the Columbus Dispatch. Slashdot reader k6mfw shared their report: In the end, authorities…
Mars-Zubenelgenubi conjunction December 12
This next week, before dawn, watch as the red planet Mars sweeps by the Zubenelgenubi, the constellation Libra’s alpha star. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/mars-zubenelgenubi-conjunction-december-12…
Orion, the Bull, the Pleiades and a meteor
A long bright meteor, too, and on the night of the elusive Unicorn meteor shower … but not a Unicorn meteor. Source: https://earthsky.org/todays-image/orion-the-bulls-face-the-pleiades-and-a-meteor…
Pisces? Here’s your constellation
How to see the constellation Pisces. Plus sky lore and science. Source: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/pisces-heres-your-constellation…
Exoplanet-tilt study boosts hope of complex life elsewhere
Most sunlike stars have at least one other star as a companion. Prior research has shown planets can exist in these systems, but how likely are these planets to evolve complex life? A new study sheds some light, by looking at how planets spin in double star systems. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/exoplanets-axial-tilt-evolution-of-complex-life-earth…
Mercury farthest from sun in sky on November 28
Late November – and the first week or even two of December 2019 – should provide a good view of Mercury in the morning sky for northerly latitudes. The view is less good from the Southern Hemisphere. Catch Mercury now because this world will become lost in the glare of sunrise before the year ends.. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/mercury-lights-up-early-morning-sky…