Space Weather News for Dec. 29, 2007
After a 13.6 year absence, Comet 8P/Tuttle is once again traveling through the inner solar system. On Jan 1 and 2, 2008, it makes its closest approach to Earth--only 24 million miles away. The emerald-colored comet will brighten to a predicted magnitude of 5.8, visible to the unaided eye from dark-sky sites and a fine target for backyard telescopes anywhere.
Two nights before closest approach, on Dec 30 and 31, something extraordinary will happen: Comet 8P/Tuttle has a beautiful close encounter with spiral galaxy M33. The comet and the galaxy may even overlap! This is a can't-miss opportunity for astrophotographers around the world.
Visit SpaceWeather.com for sky maps, photos and more information.#
Emerald green? Very groovy! and since campaign "debates" got no rebuttal, give them up and look for Tuttle!
Showing posts with label Comet Tuttle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Comet Tuttle. Show all posts
Dec 29, 2007
Dec 23, 2007
Mars and Dec 23's Full Moon
Space Weather News for Dec 23, 2007:
MOON AND MARS: Please don't miss this: At sunset on Sunday, Dec 23, the full Moon and Mars will rise in the east less than two degrees apart. So close together, the two brightest objects in the evening sky look absolutely dynamite. The display will be visible all night long, even from brightly lit cities, and requires no telescope to enjoy.
URSID UPDATE: Observers in Europe report a modest outburst of Ursid meteors last night. The intensity and timing of the flurry is in good accord with predictions that Earth would run into a stream of dust from Comet 8P/Tuttle on Dec 22.
Now that the meteor shower is over, attention turns to the comet itself. After a 13.6 year absence, 8P/Tuttle is once again traveling through the inner solar system. At closest approach to Earth on Jan 1 and 2, 2008, the comet will brighten to 5th or 6th magnitude--a fine target for backyard telescopes and digital cameras.
Visit SpaceWeather.com for sky maps, photos and more information.#
Astronomically this sounds lovely, but astrologically speaking--not so much with testy Mars, god of war, in the security-minded Cancer-Capricorn mix.
See previous post Full Moon in Cancer Dec 23, 2007 for more details.
Here's a Rhymery Alert:
A political limerick has just been perpetrated on the subject of campaign "debates" at Lim's Limericks, if you're game.
MOON AND MARS: Please don't miss this: At sunset on Sunday, Dec 23, the full Moon and Mars will rise in the east less than two degrees apart. So close together, the two brightest objects in the evening sky look absolutely dynamite. The display will be visible all night long, even from brightly lit cities, and requires no telescope to enjoy.
URSID UPDATE: Observers in Europe report a modest outburst of Ursid meteors last night. The intensity and timing of the flurry is in good accord with predictions that Earth would run into a stream of dust from Comet 8P/Tuttle on Dec 22.
Now that the meteor shower is over, attention turns to the comet itself. After a 13.6 year absence, 8P/Tuttle is once again traveling through the inner solar system. At closest approach to Earth on Jan 1 and 2, 2008, the comet will brighten to 5th or 6th magnitude--a fine target for backyard telescopes and digital cameras.
Visit SpaceWeather.com for sky maps, photos and more information.#
Astronomically this sounds lovely, but astrologically speaking--not so much with testy Mars, god of war, in the security-minded Cancer-Capricorn mix.
See previous post Full Moon in Cancer Dec 23, 2007 for more details.
Here's a Rhymery Alert:
A political limerick has just been perpetrated on the subject of campaign "debates" at Lim's Limericks, if you're game.
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