New analyses of Saturn’s rings reveal how and when they were made, from what, and whether they’ll last. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/history-saturns-rings…
Tag: Comet
Image: Small object spotted orbiting 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Last week marked five years since ESA’s Rosetta probe arrived at its target, a comet named 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (or 67P/C-G). Tomorrow, 13 August, it will be four years since the comet, escorted by Rosetta, reached its perihelion—the closest point to the sun along its orbit. This image, gathered by Rosetta a couple of months after perihelion, when the comet activity was still…
IAU approves 2nd round of names for Pluto features
New Horizons provided what will be the only close-up images of Pluto many of us will see in our lifetimes. The new feature names from the International Astronomical Union recognize the mission’s forerunners in Earth and space mythology and history. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/iau-approves-new-pluto-feature-names-2019…
Peak Perseid mornings: August 11, 12, 13
Unfortunately, during the 2019 peak of the Perseid meteor shower, the moon is nearly full and in the sky nearly all night. Still, you might catch a meteor in moonlight, or after moonset, shortly before dawn. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/peak-night-for-the-perseid-meteor-shower…
Top 10 tips for watching 2019’s Perseid meteors
The 2019 Perseid meteor shower will likely peak August 12-13, unfortunately under the light of a bright moon. But the shower is already rising to its peak. Tips here for getting the most from this year’s Perseid shower. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/perseid-shower-best-between-midnight-and-dawn…
How to find Delta Aquariid radiant point
How to spot the radiant point for the Delta Aquariid meteor shower, going on now. Plus … why meteors in annual showers have radiant points. Source: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/skat-radiant-for-delta-aquarid-meteors…
Delta Aquariid meteors peak around now
This meteor shower doesn’t have a definite peak, but is spread out over many weeks. With little to no moonlight before dawn now, late July and early August are a good time to watch. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/delta-aquarid-meteors-peak-in-late-july…
Find M4 near the Scorpion’s Heart
If you’ve never found a deep-sky object on your own before, M4 – a globular star cluster, one of the nearest to our solar system – is a grand place to start. It’s near the bright red star Antares in the easy-to-spot constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. To spot it, you’ll need a dark sky. Source: https://earthsky.org/clusters-nebulae-galaxies/find-m4-a-globular-cluster-by-the-scorpions-heart…
Perseid meteors 2019: All you need to know
The Perseid meteor shower has already begun its slow and steady rise to its peak. In 2019, the peak mornings – around August 11, 12 and 13 – will be troubled by moonlight. Plan to watch for Perseid meteors in early August this year, then be prepared for moonlight at the peak. Source: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-perseid-meteor-shower…
Delta Aquariids 2019: All you need to know
Late July presents the nominal peak of the Delta Aquariid meteor shower, but this long and rambling shower is officially active from about July 12 to August 23 each year. Source: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-delta-aquarid-meteor-shower…