Find out how to spot Sirius, the brightest star as seen from Earth. Learn the mythology behind this dazzling light and how it earned the nickname of the Dog Star. Source: https://earthsky.org/brightest-stars/sirius-the-brightest-star…
Tag: venus
Venus flytraps produce magnetic fields when they eat
These carnivorous plants generate tiny magnetic signals when they clamp down on insects. Source: https://www.livescience.com/venus-flytrap-magnetic-field.html
Moon and Antares before dawn February 6
Let the moon show you Antares, the red supergiant star, on the morning of February 6, 2021 Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/moon-antares-scorpius-feb-before-dawn…
Observer’s challenge: Venus-Saturn conjunction February 6, 2021
Can you still see Venus in the east before sunrise? It’s easier from Earth’s Southern Hemisphere than from the northern half of the globe. If you can see it, you just might catch the furtive rendezvous of Venus and Saturn at dawn on February 6, 2021. Source: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/venus-saturn-conjunction-feb-6-2021…
Doubts cast on ‘signs of life on Venus’ claim
A new paper has cast doubt on the presence of phosphine gas in the atmosphere of the planet Venus. Back in September of last year there was much excit… Source: https://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/news/343506/doubts-cast-on-signs-of-life-on-venus-claim…
Purported phosphine on Venus more likely to be ordinary sulfur dioxide, new study shows
In September, a team led by astronomers in the United Kingdom announced that they had detected the chemical phosphine in the thick clouds of Venus. The team’s reported detection, based on observations by two Earth-based radio telescopes, surprised many Venus experts. Earth’s atmosphere contains small amounts of phosphine, which may be produced by life. Phosphine on Venus generated buzz that the…
Top 12 brightest objects in the solar system
Can you name the top 12 brightest objects in the solar system? How many have you seen without the aid of binoculars or a telescope? Source: https://earthsky.org/space/what-are-the-brightest-objects-in-our-solar-system…
Update on the 7 Earth-sized planets orbiting nearby TRAPPIST-1
A new study of the seven Earth-sized exoplanets around TRAPPIST-1 indicate that all 7 planets are extremely similar to each other in makeup, but potentially quite different from Earth. Source: https://earthsky.org/space/7-trappist-1-planets-similar-composition-unlike-earth…
Newly found Comet Leonard might become 2021’s brightest
The first comet to be found in 2021 – labeled C/2021 A1 (Leonard) – might become the brightest comet of this year! Charts and more info here. Source: https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/bright-comet-c-2021-a1-leonard-2021-2022…
Planetary trio – Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury – low in west at dusk
For the first time since October 2015, sky watchers will have the chance to view a planetary trio, or 3 planets all bunched up together on the sky’s dome. Two are Jupiter and Saturn, fresh from their much-viewed December conjunction. The 3rd planet is elusive Mercury. Source: https://earthsky.org/tonight/planetary-trio-low-in-west-at-dusk…