OAGARRAF - Part 3

Ideal Places for Stargazing

Stargazing is a fun and relaxing way to let go of stress and unwind. However, if you live in the city or near a lot of lights, it can be just about impossible to find a good stargazing location. There are some places to go stargazing when the city lights are just too much.

Suburban parks are often a great place for stargazing. They are not as lit as city parks, so it’s possible to see the sky without interference. Suburban parks are also very quiet; since they are surrounded by homes and not businesses, they are a great place to have a quiet night of stargazing.

National parks and wilderness reserves are another good stargazing location. National parks are often required to have few lights, since too much lighting can disturb the animals and ruin their simulated habitat. The only downside is that these parks may often close before it’s dark, preventing any stargazing. There are those that allow visitors in at night, and it’s one of the most peaceful places for stargazing.

Deserts, while not easily accessible for most of the population, are the perfect spot for stargazing. They are flat, free of pollution light from streetlights or light-up signs, and very quiet. If you stargaze in the desert, you’ll have a clear, unobstructed view of the sky.

Islands are also good stargazing locations. Hawaii has a dedicated area just for stargazing. In that area, there are no lights and the view of the sky is completely uninterrupted.

Even if you live in the city, there are obviously lots of places you can go to get away from it all and enjoy the night sky. Bring a blanket, a good friend, and try one of these locations next time you want to go stargazing. You’ll feel more relaxed immediately.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Hawaii, Night sky

Why Pluto Isn’t a Planet

In 2005, the solar system lost its smallest and newest planet. People who had grown up learning about the nine planets of the solar system as well as a host of memory devices for remembering them were shocked to learn that Pluto had dropped from its planet status. In 2006, Pluto officially became a dwarf planet rather than its own planet.

Pluto is the most recently discovered planet in the solar system. In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto. It did not come as much of a surprise; for many years prior, scientists referred to a mystery “Planet X” that they believed would turn up.

Pluto and its moons are located in the Kuiper Belt. It was previously believed that Pluto was the only planet in that area, and the moons simply orbited it. However, the belief is now that Pluto and its moons are several of many astronomical objects floating around in the Kuiper Belt.

The International Astronomical Union has several criteria in place for determining whether a body is a planet. The first requirement is that the object orbits around the sun. Pluto does this. The second requirement is that the object has substantial gravity for turning into a sphere. The third requirement is what trips Pluto up. In order to be a planet, the body must have cleared the area of its orbit.

To do so, the planets must become the main gravity body in their particular orbit around the solar system. Upon encountering other objects, they either absorb them or throw them far away due to the gravitational pull. However, Pluto does not have enough mass to be the main gravitational body in its orbit. As a result of this finding, Pluto was downgraded from a planet to a dwarf planet. Eventually, Pluto may collide with another celestial object and gain enough mass to become a planet.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Pluto

How Christianity Changed Astronomy

Nowadays, astronomy is known as a hard science. It has definite laws and theories that have been tested and demonstrated to be true. However, this exciting science has not always had such a scientific base. In medieval times, astronomy was primarily a Christian topic.

In medieval times, the Bible was read and interpreted literally. Although the Bible made note of God creating heaven and Earth, there’s no mention of any of the other planets. Ancient astronomers noted that other planets certainly existed, since they were visible both with the naked eye and with rudimentary astronomy tools.

However, that is where they diverged from previous classical thought. The Catholic Church abandoned the astronomical findings of ancient scientists, findings that are still true today. They were remarkably advanced for their time, so it’s very unfortunate that they were so easily dismissed. The Catholic Church moved forward in astronomy by declaring that since man was created in God’s image, man was clearly the center of the Earth. Rather than the Earth revolving around the sun, which is what we now know to be true, they claimed that everything revolved around the Earth.

Although Christianity did significant damage to the growth of astronomy during the Dark Ages, Islamic astronomers continued to make great strides during this time. They based their work off of Greek and Roman astronomy findings, and they continued to perfect them. Additionally, they took European findings and refined them. These findings eventually advanced European astronomy again.

As Europe entered the Renaissance, the veil of the Dark Ages was lifted from the continent. Once again, astronomy began making massive strides. As the power of the church dissipated, people became curious about astronomy and made their own findings. It is the findings from the Renaissance that created part of the base of what we now know about astronomy.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Astronomy, Renaissance

What is the Milky Way?

Although we all live in it, there’s a lot of confusion about what the Milky Way is and how far it extends. Known more formally as the Milky Way Galaxy, the Milky Way is a disk that has a diameter of about 120,000 light years. It bulges in the middle, since it has been distorted by Magellanic clouds that lie on either side of the galaxy. The large and small Magellanic clouds continue to pull at the Milky Way, and so it continues changing and stretching.

90% of the mass of the Milky Way lies in a dark matter halo that it has. The halo of dark matter can’t be seen by the human eye, so the beauty of the Milky Way that we are able to see is really less than 10% of the entire galaxy. It is a fairly formidable galaxy; it’s considered a middleweight, so while it is far from being the largest known galaxy it’s also pretty large. Scientists estimate that the Milky Way has 200 billion stars. At any given point, about 2,500 stars are visible from any given point on the Earth.

The Milky Way didn’t get to be a middleweight by chance. Rather, the Milky Way is constantly expanding because it is absorbing other galaxies. Far back in the galaxy’s history, it took in the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy. Even now, the Milky Way is in the process of consuming the Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy. It is still technically its own galaxy, although it is the closest one to the Milky Way. This is due to the Milky Way taking Canis Major Dwarf’s stars. Since it is almost 14 billion years old, the Milky Way has consumed many galaxies.

One of the most exciting parts of astronomy is the constant change; our galaxy is a perfect example of the unstable nature of space.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Dark matter, Milky Way

Comparing Binoculars and Telescopes for Astronomy

Although most people use a telescope when they want to go stargazing, there is another viable alternative. Binoculars can be used to look at the stars, and there are advantages to both tools.

To start, binoculars are more lightweight and portable than telescopes. Even lightweight telescopes can be a heavy strain after a while, but it is rare to find a pair of binoculars that are heavy enough to be noticeable. This makes them a particularly good alternative for nights when you may be traveling between several different stargazing locations.

Binoculars also tend to be much more affordable than telescopes. A beginner’s pair of binoculars is very inexpensive, typically less than $100. However, finding a telescope that is worth toting around can cost several hundred dollars. If you aren’t sure whether or not you want to take up astronomy as a serious hobby, trying it out with an inexpensive set of binoculars is much more cost-effective than trying it out with a telescope.

However, there are also advantages to using a telescope for astronomy. Telescopes are known for their magnification levels. While binoculars can zoom in quite a bit, it doesn’t even compare to what a telescope can do. Binoculars that are made for astronomy use tend to have 20x zoom; however, telescopes may have more than 100x magnification.

Telescopes are also more flexible for stargazing. Although they are known for having high magnification levels, they can also be used with lower magnification lenses. It’s much easier to get a telescope with several different lenses than it is to find a pair of binoculars that has all the varying magnification levels you need for stargazing.

Clearly, there are benefits to both options for stargazing tools. Both are excellent choices; the right choice depends entirely on your preferences, budget, and long-term astronomy goals.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Telescopes Tagged With: Astronomy, Telescope

Aperture and Focal Length in a Telescope

Those who love stargazing and looking at constellations need only their eyes to find popular constellations and enjoy the view. However, if you are looking at planets and distant stars, a good telescope is a worthy investment.

Some people think that when they are buying a telescope, the only thing to worry about it the zoom. However, there a lot of factors to look at when considering the features of a telescope. Aperture is one of the main factors to take into consideration. Aperture refers to the diameter of the telescope. Therefore, when the aperture is larger, more light can be seen. When you focus, the focal length is important as well. It is the length of refracted light.

Another thing to consider when looking at aperture is the usage of the telescope. A larger aperture usually means that the telescope is heavier; if you plan on taking long hikes out to different fields and areas to look at stars, you probably don’t want something that is very heavy. Although a smaller aperture doesn’t let you see as much, you can take it many more places. Finding a good compromise between aperture size and telescope weight can help you get the views you want without breaking your back.

Since focal length and aperture are related, you should also factor focal length into your decision. If your telescope has a short focal length, it will tend to give you brighter images. That’s good for stars and smaller objects, but it’s not good for planets. Looking at planets with a short focal length leads to poor images. Longer focal lengths lead to a dimmer image that is better for viewing large celestial bodies.

When you go to pick out your telescope, remember to look at aperture and focal length over magnification. Using those criteria will help you get the best telescope for your needs.

Filed Under: Telescopes Tagged With: Focal length, Telescope

Constellations to Look for in Winter

While most people think of constellation-hunting as a spring or summer activity, there are many beautiful constellations to look for in the chilly winter months. Since parks and fields are quiet, due to the lack of people willing to brave the cold, winter can be the perfect time to lie out with a friend or partner and admire the night sky.

There are twelve main constellations that can be seen during the winter months. Several of these are constellations that have the same name as signs of the zodiac. Cancer is a small constellation that corresponds with the zodiac sign. It is primarily known as a zodiac constellation, but also means “crab”. It appears as a beautiful cluster of stars to the naked eye. Gemini, known as “the Twins”, is situated on the Milky Way. It depicts twin brothers with their arms around each other.

Other constellations are named after animals. Canis Major, known as the big dog or the great dog, is another important winter constellation. It’s easy to see the shape of a dog in the stars that create it. Canis Minor is similar to Canis Major; it means “little dog” and it is fairly close to Canis Major in the sky. Leo and Leo minor are lion constellations. Leo, like Cancer, is in the unique position of being both an animal constellation and a zodiac constellation. Lynx is a smaller constellation that isn’t as noticeable in the night sky. Hydra is the Water Monster, and it depicts a gigantic water snake in the sky.

Hydra has several companion constellations that are near it. Crater, Corvus, and the Sextans constellations all appear as if they are riding on Hydra’s back. They are all considered attendant constellations of Hydra. Looking for all of these constellations can make for a fun and romantic night of stargazing.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Canis Major, Constellation

We Are Anceint At Heart

Have you ever wondered the role that Astronomy has played in the history of mankind? Think about how the Inca’s built their pyramids, or Machu Picchu, the Egyptians, or even Idol worship. While these sound like foreign histories today, these ancient people groups have helped us understand the cyclical motion of the cosmos. We have discovered that their construction was based on annual or semi-annual astronomical phenomena. The basic understanding of our galaxies, and the patterns that exist within, have allowed us to enjoy simplicities like the calendar, predictable wave patterns, and even animal migration. The ancient peoples only understood that there was a larger force beyond their control that could control the magnitude of day and night. The people even took it so far as to provide human sacrifices to the “gods” that could control the earth they knew, as means of ensuring good crops, or blessings of good weather.
Today we understand that the basics of Astronomy, and the role that planets, solar systems, and entire cosmos has on our tiny planet called Earth. We have a concept of light years, distance from other planets, and have even been so brave as to leave Earth for research endeavors. The link between our logic now and the ancient people is not that unlike. Both civilizations, their and ours, have tried to unlock the secrets behind Space, discover scientific meaning, and even try to forecast the end of time based on trends seen in our own galaxy. We have Hubbell in the air taking pictures, and allowing us to see the infinite vastness that Space is. Other than the providing the sun human sacrifices, it seems as though humans are just as fascinated with the Cosmos today, as they were thousands of years ago, before they knew what to call the great void in the sky.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Astronomy, Earth, Machu Picchu

Is Space Growing?

We are all interested in the idea of when the world is going to end. We assume that it has before simply by the fact that we had a beginning, and all things that have a beginning, usually have an end as well. So the likelihood of our solar system being the one and only beginning could be quite a stretch. There is a new theory on the market, however, that sums up the process. This also semi-answers the question of when the world is going to end. The theory is simple, that Space is expanding, or growing essentially. The basic premise is that Space can only expand to a certain point, and then POP, the existence as we know it, is not more. Others, have also called this POP a BANG, the cycle begins again.
Scientists have been working on this theory once they realized that certain planets were further away than they were before. This led to more research, using the Hubbell Satellite, which when directed at the Milky Way showed changes in the speed of movement. The difference in speed has led Scientists to believe that there is a force being produced that is allowing Space, and all the galaxies within, to expand further out. Then like a balloon at capacity, it ceases to expand and is destroyed. The controversial twist to this idea, however, is that the explosion of Space creates a force that somehow reconciles the formulas for life, and the cycle begins again. It is almost like how a forest fire can destroy the forest, but is necessary in order for there to be new life, and for the nuts to open and plant into the earth. So, while this does not give us an exact date of our end, it does give us the potential way we will end.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Astronomy, Milky Way, Solar System, Space

I Named It Joe.

Have you ever wondered where the names of comets or stars come from? Well, it is simple enough, the first person who saw the star or comet, or at least confessed to seeing it, is allowed to name it. Most times, the name is after the “owner,” of the first sighting. So how would one go about naming a star or comet? It is simple. You can register online, or you can send in your paperwork via regular mail. There are some things that you would need to prove in order to claim as seeing the star or comet first, and you will have to find out if it has been claimed by anyone else. After you are able to fulfill all the requirements, and pay a small fee, you will have a star that is yours to name. That star or comet will also be noted in annuls and journals by the registered name that you have provided.
You can also have your named star be purchased as a gift. There are societies available that have located stars or comets, and have set them aside for purchase. Again, whatever you choose to name the star will be what is recorded in astronomy documents from that point forward. Many people tend to find that purchasing a star that is within their astrological chart to be appealing, while more individuals tend to lean to the more scientific for their purpose behind naming a piece of our vast galaxy.
Whatever the purpose behind discovering, or purchasing your own star may be you will always have the satisfaction of knowing that you will own a piece of space, that there is a place in the heavens with your fingerprint on it. You can even pass down to your future generations, your findings or your gift.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Astronomy, Comet, Name, Solar System

Observations in Astronomy