Astronomy | Observations in Astronomy

A Double Star With Two Planets

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In an article recently published in the journal of Astronomy & Astrophysics, a German research team of astronomers reported finding a double star with two planets. The formation may indicate that the group has survived major changes in the solar system.

Led by Klaus Euermann, a researcher with the Georg-August-Universitat in Germany, the team reported two planets, about the size of Jupiter, orbiting the double star. The group found the double star and its planets in the NN Serpentis solar system, which is an estimated 1,670 light years away from Earth. The discovery was the result of analyzing information collected between 1988 and 2010.

Part of the date for the analysis came from the University of Texas at Austin, which has a telescope equipped to capture images. Don Winget is the main astronomer who operated the telescope during the time it collected the data.

Earth’s location along the same plane in the binary star system allows astronomical equipment to capture an eclipse of the double star group every 3 hours and 7 minutes. The eclipse occurs when the large star blocks the light of the other star. The eclipses allowed the astronomers to detect changes in the double star group based on the timings of the eclipses.

Out of the two planets, one is almost 6 times as large as Jupiter. It circles the double star, also called a binary star, on schedule of one rotation every 15.5 years based on six Astronomical Units. The other planet is smaller, weighing in at only 1.6 times the size of Jupiter, and it completes its rotation in a little under eight years.

In the grand scheme of things, the new discovery won’t help astronomers in the search for hospitable plants; however, it will allow researchers to learn more about red dwarfs and white dwarfs.
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Filed Under: Astronomy, Universe Beyond Tagged With: Astronomy, Binary star, Earth, Jupiter, NN Serpentis, Solar System, Star, University of Göttingen

$500,000 Grant Helps Space Programs in Florida

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As scientists and other researchers continue to build bigger and better technological advances for space exploration, the current race among universities and other astronomical associations is to locate Earth-like planets. While these planets don’t need to have continents, mountains, or other things you may associate with Earth, they do need to have an atmosphere that can support life. The new research tools are continuing to expand the range of exploration, leading to the possibility that an Earth-like planet is just around the proverbial corner.

While it certainly sounds fun to be at the forefront of space exploration, devoting time and resources to finding Earth-like planets takes funding. For one university, a new grant will take care of that need, allowing researchers to focus on finding proof of another habitable planet. The Dharma Endowment Foundation of Alachua recently donated $500,000 to the University of Florida in order to help the university further the knowledge of the universe. The grant also supports the search for extra solar planets that could harbor life.

Jian Ge is the lead astronomer with the university and the main recipient of the grant. He hopes to find an Earth-like planet near bright stars. Ge will be able to use the grant to build the third high precision Exoplanet Tracker and form a network for research. The university hopes to have seven instruments to use in its exploration. The instruments will scan the sky on a 24-hour basis rather than waiting until nightfall.

The Exoplanet Tracker will use technology developed over several years and will incorporate the Doppler technique. Researchers have used the Doppler technique to find over 80 percent of the discovered planets. The technology may make it easier to detect exoplanets with less mass.

Using the funds from the grant, the university expects to have the network completed by 2014. The university will continue to raise funds to try to complete the network sooner.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Universe Beyond Tagged With: Andrew Howard, Astronomy, Earth, Extrasolar planet, Kepler Mission, NASA, Planet, University of Florida

Using Halloween for Astronomical Education

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Have you ever laid out in field and looked up at the stars and night, wanting to learn more about the solar system and the stars twinkling above? At some point in time, almost every person has done this or will do this. Many people take this fascination to the next level by purchasing a home telescope, which allows them to get a better view. The idea of appreciating the stars in such a way is the principal behind sidewalk astronomy, and Halloween is a great time of year for it.

In most places, kids will stay up past dark to go trick-or-treating, making it a perfect time to extend the nighttime hours long enough to look at some stars. To help make sure you can show your kids something cool, consult the seasonal night sky map, which will give you several things to look for while you’re enjoying your time as an astronomer. Possible things to look for through the telescope include Jupiter, the moon, and the Owl Cluster in Cassiopeia, which is perfect for Halloween.

Some people may even want to set up a telescope near the candy station and allow kids to take a peek as they come around to collect goodies. If you want to get a better view than the sidewalk affords, check with local astronomy clubs to see what local spots they recommend for stargazing. As a general rule, the further you are away from the lights of a city, the easier it will be to see the stars clearly through your telescope.

Also, keep an eye on the weather. Certain conditions, such as a cloudy sky, will affect your ability to see the stars. Of course, if the weather is good enough to go door to door with the kids, it should be good enough to watch some stars.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Astronomy, Cassiopeia, Halloween, Jupiter, NGC 457, Solar System, Star, Telescope

Earth-Like Planet Lectures Come to UC Santa Cruz

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From the moment man took an interest in the stars, people have wondered what else space might hold. Is there another planet capable of sustaining human life? With new developments in astronomical tools, NASA and other space researchers are learning more now than they ever had.

That’s why Greg Laughlin, an astrophysics and astronomy professor with UC Santa Cruz, will be hosting a free public lecture on November 17. The lecture will take place at 7 p.m. at Santa Cruz’s Rio Theater, and the topic will be “The Search for Other Earths.”

The lecture is free to the public as part of the Halliday Lecture Series, which uses donor gifts to the UCSC astronomy and astrophysics department to fund public awareness events, such as Laughlin’s lecture. The professor is a recognized expert in detecting extrasolar planets. He has degrees in physics and astronomy.

In his lecture, Laughlin will present information regarding UCSC’s research to find planet with conditions like Earth’s. Many believe these habitable planets may be as close as the nearest neighbors to the sun. Researchers are using new tools, such as NASA’s Kepler space telescope and the Automated Planet Finder Telescope to learn more about these Earth-like planets. These tools are producing more data than researchers have been able to collect in a decade-long period.

Laughlin’s own research projects include studying orbital dynamics, modeling hydrodynamics and atmospheres, observing the search for plants using the newer tools, and using the latest photometric transit techniques.

In addition to teaching, Laughlin maintains a Systemic blog, where he updates the public on the latest developments in astronomy and astrophysics. Laughlin co-authored “Five Ages of the Universe: Inside the Physics of Eternity,” which is a book investigating the long-term fate of the universe, the galaxy, the Earth, and the solar system.

Those who can’t attend this lecture can check the Halliday schedule for the next free lecture.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Observatory, Telescopes Tagged With: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Earth, Greg Laughlin, Kepler Mission, NASA, University of California Santa Cruz, W. M. Keck Observatory

Binoculars for astronomy

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Astronomy is something that people like to do once in a while or all the while. When you see stars, not when you bump into something, but when you look up, you need a pair of good binoculars to support your view.

Binoculars that are only dedicated to be used for astronomical purposes are used. Whether you are serious about star-gazing or planet gazing as a career, or want to do it only for recreation, then good binoculars will help.
There are plenty of binoculars to choose. So it becomes kind of hard to choose between the best and latest. You should understand how binoculars work, and which ones are best suited for astronomy. It helps to initially understand the workings of a binocular before even venturing out to buy one.

Binoculars have a simple concept: A pair of telescopic lens that have the power to see far-away places. At the far end, there is a large lens which is called the objective lens. The main seeing lens are called ocular lens. A prism is attached to the binocular. The prism reflects light, and is triangular in structure. By getting the light path to bend, it makes sure that the binocular does not have to be as long as the telescope. Apart from that it gives the images a steady appearance, with the right dimensions. Different prisms have different light bending mechanisms. It all depends on the type of astronomical observation being done.

The ratio of the lens size is also important. The objective lens size will have a magnifying ratio. The size of the objective lens is proportional to the magnifying power of the binocular. In astronomy, different sizes of lens are used. And different binoculars are used. It all boils down to what is needed for your interests in astronomy. Like any other field, even astronomy is a learning process. Gradually you will also learn to understand things that are required for astronomy.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Telescopes Tagged With: Amateur, Amateur astronomy, Andromeda Galaxy, Astronomy, Binoculars, Business, Earth, Learning

Writing to Reach Amateur Astronomers

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A person with a journalism or English degree can be just as useful to astronomy as an astronomy or physics degree. Doing the actual science is vital to astronomy, obviously, but so is the dissemination of the information and conclusions drawn from the research.

Many people without official astronomy training have made contributions through the written word. Robert Burnham’s three-volume “Burnham’s Celestial Handbook” is recognized as one of the most comprehensive astronomy guides ever created. In 2,138 pages, Burnham included a multitude of charts, photographic plates, diagrams and tables, as well as the history and easy-to-understand explanations of the different concepts in the book. “Burnhams’s Celestial Handbook” taught amateur astronomers just about everything they needed to know to study the objects in the sky. Even more impressive, Burnham did not receive any formal schooling past high school.

Walter Scott Houston earned an English degree from the University of Wisconsin. He combined his diploma with this boyhood hobby of astronomy to write the “Deep-Sky Wonders” column for Sky and Telescope magazine. Houston contributed these articles for 50 years. It inspired many amateurs to go beyond the typical stars, moon and planets, and instead observe galaxies, nebulae and star clusters. In addition to his columns in Sky and Telescope, Houston wrote and published The Great Plains Observer, a regional newsletter for amateur astronomers.

Like Houston, Robert Cox wrote an article for Sky and Telescope magazine. His column, “Gleanings for ATMs,” (Amateur Telescope Makers), ran for 21 years. His aim was to not only get amateurs to make telescopes, but to help them design and create high-quality telescopes that provided good images of the heavens.

Although Burnham, Houston and Cox became fascinated with astronomy when they were boys, they were still amateurs. Their main contribution was furthering the interest in the science communicating with the public through the written word.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Observatory Tagged With: Amateur, Amateur astronomy, Astronomy, Beginners, Houston, Magazines, Sky & Telescope, Walter Scott Houston

Too Much Light Affects More Than Just Astronomy

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It is a well-known fact that it is harder to practice astronomy in a big city. The millions of lights make the it almost impossible to view and study the night sky. Increased technology has been both a boon and a bane to astronomers. Technological advances have increased the ability of equipment, but it has likewise increased the size and brightness of non-rural areas. Usually, an astronomer can’t just go out on his porch and study the celestial objects above him.

The effect created by the lights of populated areas is called skyglow. To prevent this glow from hindering astronomy, the surroundings of most observatories are controlled in an attempt to prevent light pollution from eliminating the crucial contrast in the night sky.

Light pollution harms more than just the observational astronomy prospects of both amateurs and professionals. It can also be a danger to the health of humans and detrimental to the environment.

Too much light, called over-illumination, can cause headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure and increased stress in humans, as well as effect their mood and attention to detail. Being over-exposed to light in the night time can hold back melatonin production, thereby increasing the risk of breast cancer in women.

Excessive lighting creates a clutter that makes driving a car less safe. It has a tendency to blind drives for a moment. It usually lasts only a small amount of time, but it is enough time to cause an accident with another vehicle or put the lives of cyclists and pedestrians in danger.

Light pollution wastes massive amounts of energy. It is believed that over-illumination uses up over 2 million barrels of oil per day. It also affects the natural instincts of animals and plants.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Observatory Tagged With: Astronomer, Astronomy, Earth, Environment, Light pollution, Night sky, Regulation, Skyglow

Fun Facts About Comets

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If you’ve ever seen a shooting star, it’s most likely actually a comet or even an asteroid. Not many people understand what comets are, or even know much about them at all. There are some interesting facts about comets. Because of how a comet looks, the word comet actually comes originally from the word for hair in Greek. Comets are composed of rocky debris, ice, and dust. It’s believed that most comets come from some of the farthest areas of our solar system. In fact, they are so far out that even the orbit of Pluto doesn’t reach them. They are still in our solar system, though.

There is a chance that at some point in our futures a comet could hit earth and cause major destruction, but you are much more likely to win at your favorite sports betting sites than die from a comet crashing into the planet.

It was once believed that comets were a show of power from the gods. They were also seen by many as a curse, or a warning that something bad was about to happen. Others believe that a comet is the device which angels are carried through heaven.

You may see Halley’s comet again in your life, depending on your current age. It only comes around every 76 years. The next time it is estimated to come near our planet again is in the year 2061. There is at least a few meteor showers every year. In fact, the Perseid shower happens in August of each year.

Comets have been seen throughout recorded history. Some people have revered them, while others were terrified. We know today what comets are, and can track them through the skies. The orbits of comets are similar to earth’s orbit; an egg shape. Usually, these flying bits of rock and ice have a much, much larger orbit than earth.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Comets and Asteroids, General, Observatory Tagged With: Astronomy, Comet, Halley's Comet, Meteor shower, Meteoroid, NASA, Pluto, Solar System

Movie Astronomy

Numerous movies about outer space are release in theaters every year. Some of them are about exploring space. Others deal with preventing an attack by extra terrestrial beings. There are others where a ship on an exploratory or observatory mission encounters something that they must defend themselves against. There is one group of people, who would be heavily involved if any of the aforementioned scenarios ever occurred in real life, that often aren’t featured in prominent roles in these space movies: astronomers.

Astronomers aren’t completely left out, though. Some movies do give them some semblance of the respect their profession deserves. For instance, in the popular 1997 movie, “Contact,” Jodie Foster plays an astronomer of sorts who is obsessed with trying to communicate with extra terrestrials. Eventually she does.

“Deep Impact,” released in 1998, features a young amateur astronomer, Leo Biederman, who notices a strange object in the sky during a star party. He goes to a nearby observatory and notifies Marcus Wolf, a professional astronomer, of his finding. Wolf learns the object is a comet and estimates that it is on a crash-course for earth. Although a car accident claims the life of Wolf before he can alert everyone of the on-coming threat, Leo and Marcus played a big role in preventing the earth from being destroyed. True to real life, the comet was dubbed Wolf-Biederman after its co-discoverers.

A less-known movie astronomer is Roxanne in the 1987 comedy, “Roxanne.” Daryl Hannah plays the title character, an astronomer, who watches a new comet fly over the earth when she isn’t getting wooed by two local fireman. Roxanne’s occupation takes a backseat to the romance, and Steve Martin’s enormous nose, but at least somebody in the movie business is looking out for astronomers.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Observatory Tagged With: Astronomer, Astronomy, Daryl Hannah, Deep Impact, Jodie Foster, Roxanne, Stars, Steve Martin

Band With Named With Astronomy

Sometimes naming a band is like naming a kid. Hours, maybe days, are spent trying to come up with the name that fits perfectly. Choosing a moniker for a musical group might be even tougher than naming a child because of the hundreds of books that are full of thousands of names for humans. Bands don’t have the luxury of merely selecting the option like most. They have to come up with something creative and original. Oh, and like a child’s name, half the people will dislike what you came up with.

A few lucky bands come up with a name instantly, others have to search high and low for something they like. Some go as high as outer space, choosing names containing words from the world of astronomy.

Star is one of the most common astronomy words to appear in band names. A Canadian indie pop group felt merely Stars would be a perfectly suitable moniker. When rappers Mos Def and Talib Kweli teamed up to make one album in the late 1990s, they dubbed themselves Black Star.

The name Atmosphere has served independent hip-hop group Atmosphere well. Renowned production duo Pharrell and Chad Hugo do their work under the name The Neptunes, inspired by the furthest planet from the sun. Some use a more generic astronomy word, like legendary East Coast hip-hop crew Digable Planets.

Sometimes a band’s name contains an astronomy-type word, but it is purely by coincidence. Irish indie pop outfit Oppenheimer chose their name because it sounded good. They say the moniker doesn’t come from Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist who is known for playing a crucial role in the Manhattan Project. He also made important contributions to astronomy, most notably to the modern theories about black holes.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Observatory Tagged With: Astronomy, Chad Hugo, Digable Planets, Manhattan Project, Mos Def, Musical ensemble, Neptunes, Talib Kweli