Out in the suburbs of our galaxy
The sky includes star balls called globular clusters
May 17 2013 | Posted in Tom Burns | Read More »
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An incredible sight: A grand conjunction
When two planets get close together in the nighttime sky, we call the event a conjunction. When three come together, especially when one of them is elusive Mercury, we call it a “get the heck out there and look” event.
May 12 2013 | Posted in Tom Burns | Read More »
The phases of Venus
Even the most casual sky watcher will notice the planet Venus at some time over the next few months. The second planet from the sun shines a brilliant white. Look for it low in the west during bright evening twilight.
May 8 2013 | Posted in Tom Burns | Read More »
Strange star in the Northern crown
Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown, sits high in the east just after dark right now. Look for the bright semi-circle of stars. This time of year, I always spend a moment glancing at the constellation’s interior. Under most circumstances, you won’t see a single star with the unaided eye. Binoculars generally reveal only two stars.
Apr 28 2013 | Posted in Tom Burns | Read More »
Vesto Slipher measures the universe
When amateur astronomers first look at galaxies in telescopes, they are invariably disappointed. “Is this what I paid $500 for?” they ask. “A smudge, a gol-danged fuzz ball?”
Apr 14 2013 | Posted in Tom Burns | Read More »
The little bear and his mother
For most people, spring is a joyous time — a time of birth and new growth and a time when the cold winter gives way to the promise of summer. For the stargazer spring is often a painful time. It rains all the time, and when it isn’t raining it’s cloudy.
Apr 8 2013 | Posted in Tom Burns | Read More »
Matchless astronomy
Recently, I received a widely circulated email report about gentle Mr. Rogers, who graced the children’s programming on PBS television outlets for decades. He was, according to the report, a trained killer with the Navy Seals. He had 25 confirmed kills to his name.
Mar 31 2013 | Posted in Tom Burns | Read More »
A vision of spring
Spring has come at last. This I know because Virgo is finally rising in the evening sky, and with her comes the promise of new birth and burgeoning life.
Mar 24 2013 | Posted in Tom Burns | Read More »