Technology and Prosperity Through Knowledge of the Sky
Astronomy:
Comet Holmes Continues To Shine:
After its wonderful passage near the bright star Mirfak in late November, the comet will continue to be a binocular sight. Look high in the NE after sunset, as the comet is still well within the constellation of Perseus.
A favorable window of observation exists in early December, at least till December 18th, when the Moon will brighten too much.
Another amazing fact about this comet, is that its size is larger than the diameter of the Moon!
Best views will still be had with small to larger binoculars.
The comet is described by some as a “celestial jellyfish”, as it seems to swallow up stars in its flight path.
Here are some additional links to the comet and how to find it, as well as advice on how to photograph it!
Special Note:
Comet Holmes 17P, will pass very close to the Demon Star; Algol on the nights of January 21-23. Don’t’ miss this one!
Also, another comet; Comet Tuttle 8P, will grace our late December and January skies. This comet is also in the same vicinity as Comet Holmes 17P.
Pay special attention to a rare passage of Comet Tuttle 8P, right over the galaxy M33 in the constellation of Triangulum.
Here are the fine details:
http://www.aerith.net/index.html
Here are current links to the latest with Comet Holmes 17P:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/10775326.html
http://cometography.com/pcomets/017p.html
http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/iau/Ephemerides/Comets/0017P.html
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=41491
Astronomy:
Geminid Meteor Shower Peaks:
The annual Geminid meteor shower, will peak on the night of December 13/14.
Look to the NE sky in the direction of the planet Mars.
This is the region that the meteors will radiate from. In astronomy, we call this the radiant!
This shower produces many bright meteors in the form of bright fireballs.
Another little known fact about the Geminids, that they are not from a traditional comet, as most meteor showers are; but rather from small near Earth asteroid: 3200 Phaethon.
3200 Phaethon may be the remains of a dormant comet. The story of the asteroid connection is very interesting. Learn More here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3200_Phaethon Expect to see as many as 80 or more meteors per hour, as the radiant gets higher in the sky; this occurring well after midnight on the 13th.
This is one event which requires little in the way of equipment; just warm clothing, a clear sky and some patience.
Enjoy!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_shower
http://meteorshowersonline.com/
http://meteorshowersonline.com/geminids.html
Astronomy:
Mars At Its Best In December:
The bright orange colored object is the planet Mars!
Mars will once again come close to the Earth, reaching its own opposition, on the night of December 24th.
At that time, Mars will be some 55 million miles away from the Earth.
In small telescopes, some surface detail is visible, including the polar area of Mars.
To learn more about this opposition and best to observe it, we have added this interesting links:
http://www.google.com/mars/
http://www.google.com/mars/about.html
http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/~spider/spider/Mars/mars2007.html
http://seds.org/~spider/spider/Mars/marsopps.html
http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~rhill/alpo/mars.html
http://marsrovers.nasa.gov/home/index.html
Space:
STS 122 Set To Launch To ISS:
This 11 day mission, with a crew of seven, will be the maiden voyage of a new European space module known as; Columbus.
Columbus, will be attached to the ISS, during a series of complicated spacewalks.
This will be the 121st flight of the shuttle program, as the ISS is to near completion in 2010.
To learn more about the mission, the crew and Columbus, please visit these sites:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts122/index.html
Mission Profile:
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/203212main_sts122_presskit3.pdf
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts122/columbus122preview.html
http://www.esa.int/esaHhttp://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/ shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts122/columbus122preview.htmlS/ESAAYI0VMOC_iss_0.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Station
Aviation:
2007 Aviation Nation Air Show:
This was a great time for people to get to see some of the best aircraft in action!
This year was a special year indeed; as this was the 60th anniversary of the US Air Force.
Let us hope that these types of events, will continue to be available to the public, to show the pride that our US Armed Forces have in doing the jobs that they do!
This is a salute to the many proud young men and women, who are helping to keep us free!
One of the main highlights of this show, was getting to meet former Apollo 11 astronaut; Dr. Buzz Aldrin; as well as meeting Morris Jeppson; one of the last living crew members aboard the Enola Gay.
This was the B-29 that dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan.
To listen to a special interview that Dr.Sky conducted with Morris Jeppson; please visit this link:
http://teentalknetwork.com/sky.htm
Here are some links and photographs to remember this great air show:
http://www.aviationnation.org/
http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/shows/showdate-world.htm
Weather:
2008 Global/Regional Forecast:
With growing concern about “global warming”; here is what we think we can expect.
http://www.spacemart.com/reports/Accurate_Weather_Service_For_2008_999.html
http://www.almanac.com/weather/
http://www.rapidwx.com/
Space:
UPDATE ON COMET HOLMES (17P):
Here are a few charts to show it's predicted motion and orbital path.
Right now, the comet is some 152,000,000 miles from Earth and moving rapidly. Will the comet remain bright?, grow a tail?, or just disintigrate from the forces of the solar wind?
Stay tuned!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2d/Comet_Holmes_trajectory_TLR1.gif
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/Comet_Holmes_orbit_2007.gif
http://cometography.com/pcomets/017p.html
COMET HOLMES UPDATE:
PHOTO'S:
What is important is that these are photo's taken of a comet in Full moonlight!
I have used my green laser from "Wicked Lasers" , to point out the comet!
The comet is bright enough to be seen in moonlight and proves the point that ANYONE with a limited budget, can capture the wonders of the sky!
A photo has been added, to show just how bright the Full Moon is!
Stay tuned, for more updates on Comet Holmes.
In my 8" scope, the comet looks amazing.... a bright yellow nucleus, surrounded by a bright yellow/green coma.
In ALL my years of observing...this is the most unusual comet, I have ever seen!
Photo's Copyright: Dr.Sky.com Inc.
NEWS FLASH!
COMET HOLMES (17P) SURGES IN BRILLIANCE!
This very faint comet was totally invisible to the naked eye, up till the morning of October 25th, as a large event has taken place at the nucleus of this periodic comet.
It may be that a large chunk of the comet has blown away, releasing an incredible surge of ice and dust, sunward!
The comet is now bight enough to be seen with the naked eye...even in the light of the Full Hunters Moon.
The comet has flared once before, back in 1892, but this may be a record for any comet of this size.
The comet looks like a "yellow star" to the naked eye and is now in the constellation of Perseus.
The great thing about this comet, is that it will be in the sky, all night for observers in the northern hemisphere.
Here are some related links and ways to find the comet!
Send you photo's to us at: drsky@cox.net
You are seeing history in front of your eye's.
More on this amazing object, later!
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/10775326.html
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/071025-comet-holmes.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17P/Holmes
Astronomy:
Orionid Meteor Shower:
We will not expect to see Halley’s comet again, till the year 2061, but the next best way to remind us about Halley, will be in the form of the annual Orionid meteor shower.
The shower will peak on the morning of October 21st.
An observer, looking high in the S sky, will get to seat least 10-25 bright reminders of Halley’s comet. All meteor debris that we see is made up of material from comets!
This year, the 9 day old moon will set around 1AM, providing us with a great view (weather permitting), of this exciting event.
The above captions, photo, show us the region of the radiant as well as a photo of the source of these meteors… the nucleus of Halley’s comet!
Peak activity will be around 5AM EDT on the 21st.
Here are some additional details regarding this shower:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/meteors/Meteor_Showers_in_nbsp_2007.html
http://www.imo.net/calendar/2007
http://www.earthsky.org/radioshows/51729/orionid-meteors-before-dawn-on-october-20-22
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteoroid
Listen To Meteors:
http://www.roswellastronomyclub.com/radio_meteors.htm
Astronomy:
Dark Energy Debate Continues:
According to some in the business, the universe that we see, is only 5% of the total!
Dark Energy may make up 70% of the remainder and that another 25% of the universe may be made up of Dark Matter!
How little we are…… and how little we know!
This “force” of Dark Energy is one of the hottest topics in physics and cosmology today!
Recently, I had the honor of interviewing to very special scientists who study these problems, from the world of cosmology and theoretical physics.
Dr. Kip Thorne at Caltech and Dr. Alan Guth of MIT!
Both have a lot to say with regard to the evolution of this problem and the current status of cosmology.
I suggest that you visit this Dr.Sky link and search for these interviews….good stuff!
http://teentalknetwork.com/sky.htm
Here are some additional links to this most important subject:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_energy
http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/print/19419
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/mysteries_l1/dark_energy.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_matter
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l1/dark_matter.html
http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/
Space:
Expedition 16 Crew Arrives At ISS:
This 3 person crew, arrived at the ISS, in mid October and will remain on the station till April of 2008.
Dr. Peggy Whitson; is the new commander on this mission. She is a veteran of the ISS, having served on Expedition 5 and will be the first female to command an ISS expedition.
To learn more about the mission and Dr.Whitson, please review these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expedition_16
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy_Whitson
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition16/index.html
Space:
STS-120 Set To Launch To ISS:
STS-120 will be launched on or about October 23rd. This will be the 23rd mission to the ISS.
The major goal of this mission, is to deliver the Harmony node to the ISS.
Basically, the Harmony node will help link other international modules to the station.
Here is some basic information regarding the Harmony module and how it came to be:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/node2.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmony_Module
Harmony is basically a ”Utility Hub” in space.
Here is additional information regarding STS-120:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/
This mission will be commanded by retired Air Force colonel Pamela Ann Melrose:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/melroy.html
For the first time in history, we have two female astronauts in command of two missions at the same time…. The ISS and the shuttle Discovery!
Aviation:
Wirefly X-Prize Cup Returns To New Mexico:
This is a MUST see for all of you that love space and the promise of private space ventures.
Here are some links to this years show and events:
http://space.xprize.org/x-prize-cup/
http://xprize.wirefly.com/blog.html
Weather:
Space Weather Update:
It is important to study the Sun, so we can learn more about how solar cycles effect the Earth and not jump to conclusions, that the events we call “Global Warming” are, the fault of mankind alone!
Here are some links to the study of Space Weather:
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/AboutUs/index.html
http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/SWN/
Here is a link to the new TV series with Dr.Sky; The Space Weather Report.
Astronomy:
Total Eclipse Of The Moon:
This is the night that many observers in N. America, will get to see a very deep Total Eclipse of the Moon.
The western regions of the USA, will be favored for seeing this event in it’s entirety.
Total eclipses of the Moon are safe to view and very exciting.
This eclipse of the Moon, places the Moon, deep in the shadow of the Earth.
Observers, west of the Mississippi, will have the best view.
This eclipse offers serious viewers, some exciting view of the Moon, passing into the central umbral shadow of the Earth.
The Moon will spend some 90 minutes in the umbra!
This is a great time to view and photograph the Moon in this rare celestial position.
Here are the details on this total lunar eclipse and the details regarding this phenomenon.
http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/LEmono/TLE2007Aug28/TLE2007Aug28.html
Animation:
http://www.shadowandsubstance.com/
http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/LEprimer.html
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/UpcomingEclipses.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_eclipse
Astronomy:
Mars Hoax 2007:
The internet is ripe with information!
Some of the things we read on the net are not credible and have no scientific foundation!
This applies to a hoax that has made it’s way into many e-mail boxes and science classes.
Simply stated: Mars was to appear in the sky, the size of the Full Moon and come very close to Earth on August 27th, 2007.
Sadly, this will NOT happen!
Mars was closest to Earth on this very date, back in 2003, at a distance of less than 35 million miles!
On August 27th 2007, Mars will be well over 109 million miles from the Earth and is visible in the NE sky, just after midnight.
Even though Mars will not appear like the internet said it would, you still Have an opportunity to see Mars, very close to a red star in Taurus, the Bull.
This star is known as Aldebaran, some 65 light years away from your eye.
And speaking of eye’s; Mars and Aldebaran will look like two red eyes, looking back at you, from space.
To learn more about this hoax:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/07jul_marshoax.htm
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/050708_mars_hoax.html
http://www.snopes.com/science/mars.asp
Mars will come close to Earth, once again in December of this year!
This opposition of Mars, requires a telescope to see any detail on the planet.
http://seds.org/~spider/spider/Mars/mars2007.html
http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~rhill/alpo/mars.html
Astronomy:
TrES-4 Largest Exosolar Planet:
Dr. Georgi Mandushev and his team from the Trans-Atlantic Exoplanet Survey, detected this strange object, using the transit method of detection.
The planet has a surface temperature of some 1,300 degrees C.
This discovery, moves the total of expolanets up to at least 250!
To learn more, please visit these links:
http://www.lowell.edu/
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/070806_largest_exoplanet.html
Dr.Sky Exclusive:
Visit our radio archive, for a recent interview with Dr. Georgi Mandushev discoverer of TrES-4 and Dr.Sky:
http://teentalknetwork.com/sky.htm
Astronomy:
POSSIBLE METEOR SHOWER- September 1st. 2007:
The Earth will pass into debris shed from a comet!
The shower will peak during the early morning hours of September 1st and favor observers in the western USA.
We may get to see bright meteors with unusual colors!
To learn more about this event, please follow these links:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/08aug_aurigids.htm
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20320625/
http://www.erasmatazz.com/Aurigid/Aurigid.html
Astronomy:
The Return of the 2007 Perseid Meteor Shower:
Get set for the 2007 Perseid shower, with clear skies and no moonlight, one may get to see, well over 100 meteors per hour!
The Perseids are a major event and this year, we hope to remind people all over the globe, to plan your observations, early!
For observers in the USA, 2007 is a great time to view this shower. Simply, look high in the NE sky, after midnight on the night of August 12. The region that the meteors originate from, is the near center of the constellation of Perseus the Hero.
Perseid meteors are debris from a comet that was discovered around 1862, by two independent astronomers, Swift and Tuttle.
Binoculars will help with your enjoyment of this shower.
Here are links to Perseus and the shower named in his honor:
Perseus:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseus
The 2007 Perseid Shower:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/11jul_greatperseids.htm
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/060817_meteor_shower.html
http://www.imo.net/calendar/2007
Listen To Meteors LIVE: In case your weather is poor or you just want to listen to what is going on above you. (Not always online).
http://www.spaceweather.com/glossary/nasameteorradar.html
http://red.phoxes.com/red/FMRadioMeteorObservingWhatsthisallabout/tabid/62/Default.aspx
NEWS FLASH:
JOIN DR SKY ON THE DOLLY STEAM BOAT FOR OUR 2007 PERSEID DINNER CRUISE:
For more information, please visit:
http://www.drsky.com/appearances.shtml
(Book by August 8th, for best seats ). See you on the cruise!!!!
Space:
Shuttle Mission- STS-118 Set To Launch:
STS-118 is set for a night launch as the seven person crew is headed once again to the International Space Station.
The mission details are to deliver additional sections to the station as well as conduct some science experiments.
Another highlight of the mission, is the return of the Teacher in Space program.
Astronaut Barbara Morgan will be on board to conduct some experiments.
To learn all about the mission of STS-118, please review this NASA PDF file, which includes information on the entire mission.
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/182728main_STS-118_Press_Kit.pdf
To learn more about Barbara Morgan:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Morgan
Teacher In Space Program:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teacher_in_Space
http://womenshistory.about.com/library/bio/blbio_christa_mcauliffe.htm
Aviation:
60Th Anniversary of the US Air Force:
Many special events are taking place around the country and the world.
The culmination of the this celebration, will be the Nellis AFB Air show to be held on November 10-11, 2007.
Static aircraft as well as flying teams from around the world, will be at this major event.
Plan early, so you can attend this once in a lifetime event.
To learn more, visit:
Weather:
Find A Forecast Fast!:
Astronomy:
Dr.Sky Introduces-"Keep Pluto Alive" Website:
The August 2006 decision to remove Pluto from the main sequence of planets, has been quite a story!
The (IAU) International Astronomical Union, removed Pluto from it's planetary status and placed Pluto into a "dwarf planet" category.
This decision has been view by many as a wrong decision!
Why?
Many feel that Pluto should remain a major planet, for no other reason, than the recent definition of what a planet is!
Children love the "small" nature of Pluto as well as many scientists and adults, who will look at Pluto as a major planet…forever!
During some of my college days at New Mexico State University, I had the honor of knowing Dr. Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered this amazing planet in 1930 from the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.
After years of radio interviews with him and a general feeling of disappointment with the IAU decision, I decided to put together an archive of Pluto photo's and audio interviews, on why Dr.Sky feels that Pluto should remain a planet.
The new website: www.keepplutoalive.com , is a living memorial to the life and work of Dr. Tombaugh.
You can also send an e-mail of your thoughts and protest to the IAU, to let them know, why you feel, Pluto should always be a planet, not a dwarf planet or less!
Dr. Tombaugh passed away in 1997, but he lives on forever at www.keepplutoalive.com
Enjoy!
Space:
Eta Carinae / A Star To Monitor!:
The southern constellation of Carina (The Keel), houses one of the most unusual stars in the entire heavens Eta Carinae, encased deep in the star cluster NGC 3372, forms a portion of a larger nebula, known as the Great Carina Nebula.
This is also known as the Keyhole Nebula.
The star, Eta; is a massive blue star that has had a strange history!
In 1843, Eta, started to grow brighter, making it one of the brightest stars in the sky!
Recent HST (Hubble Space Telescope) photos reveal a massive explosion moving out from the poles of the star, as well as an additional release of high energy particles from the equator of the star.
Eta, is some 7,500 light years from Earth and a star that we all should start to pay attention to.
Eta, may go supernova at any time!
If this did occur, we would have a ringside seat to one of the most massive stellar explosions in modern times!
The last major supernova in our galaxy, occurred in the year 1604.
Here are some links to learn more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_3372
http://www.etacarinae.iag.usp.br/
http://www.solstation.com/x-objects/eta-car.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SN_1604
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernova
Space:
Phoenix Mars Mission Set To Launch:
The next major mission to Mars is about to be placed into orbit!
The Phoenix Mars mission is in it's final checkout and set for an August 2007 launch.
This is the first major Mars mission that will be managed by a major university the University of Arizona.
The Phoenix lander will explore the northern polar regions of Mars, In search of life, deep within the water ice of the pole.
To learn more about this mission, please refer to these links:
http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/future/phoenix.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(spacecraft)
Global Rocket Launch Schedule For 2007:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_spaceflights_%282007%29
Space:
Zero G Flights:
Zero Gravity Corporation offers an exciting new way to experience the thrill of weightlessness!
Learn more about this amazing flight and how you can be a part of it!
Flights are scheduled during 2007 and beyond!
This is a Dr.Sky favorite!
To learn more:
http://www.gozerog.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weightlessness
Aviation:
A Tribute To The US Navy/ Blue Angels:
The Blue Angels are the US Navy’s flight demonstration team!
They are also known as the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.
They have a proud history and are known all over the world.
This special air demonstration team has been around since 1946!
Flying the advanced F-18 fighter, the Blue Angels, suffered a major loss with the sudden death of one of it’s team members at a routine air show in South Carolina on April 21, 2007.
LCDR Kevin J “Kojak” Davis, who was flying the # 6 aircraft, died in an accident, while performing at this air show.
In Memory Of LCDR Kevin J "Kojak" Davis
We salute LCDR Davis and dedicate this column to his memory and the memory of all those who served in our armed forces.
Here are links to the Blue Angels and the accident:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Angels
http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Blue_Angels_South_Carolina_crash
Weather:
The Solar Connection To Global Warming:
Here are some additional links to the Solar connection to global warming!
It may be that the Sun is the primary cause of this phenomenon and not just greenhouse gases from human activity!
Interesting stuff!
http://www.research.noaa.gov/spotlite/archive/spot_sunclimate.html
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/sun_output_030320.html
Astronomy:
Sunspot Minimum Arrives?
The Sun has been “spotless” for at least the past 10 days and we may Entering the period, when the Sun produces, little in the way of these cooler regions in the solar photosphere.
During the last Solar Minimum, 1996, the Sun had NO detectable sunspots for a period of over a month.
With the worlds attention being focused on the subject of Global Warming, I feel there is no better time than now, to start educating the masses on the fact that the solar connection to our weather is NOT fully understood and that we need to place more emphasis on the study of our nearest star, so we may fully come to grips with the fact that man may not be the single source of concern in this debate!
All weather is driven by the Sun and we need more study on the cycles which produce sunspots and related solar phenomenon?
The following links, will provide a detailed explanation, regarding the Sun and its chemistry, along with links to many of the new satellites, which are providing us with data and images, of our life giving star; the Sun!
http://ircamera.as.arizona.edu/NatSci102/lectures/sun.htm
http://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunspots
http://www.ucar.edu/news/releases/2006/sunspot.shtml
Links To Spacecraft Observing the Sun:
The HINODE Mission Solar B:http://solarb.msfc.nasa.gov/
The SOHO Mission:http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/
The RHESSI Mission:http://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/hessi/
The STEREO Mission:http://stereo.gsfc.nasa.gov/
The TRACE Mission:http://trace.lmsal.com/
The Ulysses Mission:http://ulysses.jpl.nasa.gov/
Space:
ASU Opens School of Earth and Space Exploration:
Link: http://sese.asu.edu/
I had a rare opportunity to meet with and interview, Dr. Harrison Schmitt, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo 17, currently, the last man to have stepped on to the Moon; the only geologist to walk on the Moon and former United States senator.
The actual audio interview can be heard, along with many of our special guests, from science, politics and the arts; at: http://teentalknetwork.com/sky.htm
Dr. Schmitt was presented with a special award; The Eugene Shoemaker Memorial Award. This award will be given by ASU annually, to a scientist, in honor of Dr. Shoemakers work on space and space geology.
It was a rare treat to be able to speak with a “Moonwalker” who did so much, to help us learn about the nature of Earth’s nearest neighbor.
Also attending the ceremony, was the widow of Dr. Shoemaker, Carolyn Shoemaker, who is also a great astronomer in her own right!
Photos of both of these historic individuals appear above!
Dr.Sky has assembled a series of great links to help you better understand the individuals that we are speaking about:
For more information about Dr. Harrison Schmitt:
http://clas.asu.edu/newsevents/newsreleases/2007/SchmittShoemaker_04042007.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_17
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/history/apollo/apollo-17/apollo-17.html
http://www.solarviews.com/eng/apo17.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Schmitt
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/schmitt-hh.html
Dr. Schmitt’s new book: “Return To The Moon”
http://www.thespacereview.com/article/522/1
Information on Eugene and Carolyn Shoemaker:
http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/sl9/news81.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Shoemaker
http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/About/People/GeneShoemaker/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolyn_S._Shoemaker
http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/About/People/CarolynShoemaker/
Aviation:
The Legendary B-17:
The “Flying Fortress” is really a work or art in motion!
Did you know that there were well over 12,000 B-17’s made during WWII and that only a few remain in the skies today!
One such aircraft is the CAF/ Arizona Wings, B-17, known as the “Sentimental Journey”.
Dr. Sky will be flying on board this great aircraft and we will be shooting a new TV series, on aircraft of this era!
Stay tuned to learn more!
To learn more about the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force: http://www.arizonawingcaf.com/
To learn about the mighty B-17: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B-17_Flying_Fortress
http://www.warbirdalley.com/b17.htm
A new website will be developed by my brother, Joe Kates, who is a world class aviation photographer!
This website will feature some of the best in military/civilian photography!
Take a sneak peek by visiting: http://www.photorecon.ifp3.com/
Weather:
Major Weather Links:
http://cirrus.sprl.umich.edu/wxnet/servers.html
Astronomy:
Update On ExoPlanets!:
At present, we know of some 212 planets that have been identified, around other star systems!
In 1995, astronomers confirmed that they had discovered the first exoplanet around the star 51 Pegasi.
Today. Lots of research is being conducted to help identify these amazing objects in other solar systems.
To learn much more, please visit these great sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extrasolar_planet
http://exoplanets.org/
http://vo.obspm.fr/exoplanetes/encyclo/encycl.html
http://jumk.de/astronomie/exoplanets/index.shtml
Space:
LCROSS Mission/ To Hit The Moon:
Many scientists believe that water ice is under many of the lunar craters near the South pole of the Moon.
A new spacecraft is being developed, known as the LCROSS ( Lunar Crater and Sensing Satellite), will deploy to the Moon in 2008 and orbit the Moon to give us at least a year of high resolution images of our nearest celestial neighbor.
Then, in 2009, the craft will deploy a 2,000kg impactor, into one of the large craters surrounding the lunar South pole.
The crater that is being considered for the impact: Shackleton…named for S. Pole explorer; Ernest Shackleton, who explored, the S. Pole (1907-1909)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Shackleton
The resulting plume, should be visible to spacecraft as well as smaller telescopes on Earth.
The impact will help NASA, to build permanent structures on the Moon!
To learn more about this mission, please review these sites:
http://spacescience.arc.nasa.gov/lcross/
http://lcross.arc.nasa.gov/
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/060410_lro_moon_crash.html
Aviation:
The “Phoenix Lights” 10 Years Later:
This “craft” was visible my thousands of people along it’s path of motion.
Many believe that this “object” was a classic UFO and that for the first time in many years, a real UFO case had unfolded!
Dr. Sky has been covering this story for many years and has been reporting on it ever since!
There has been much controversy surrounding this sighting!
I want to make a very clear distinction in what I feel occurred during that evening of March 13,1997!
The first sighting of an object “sailing” across the sky, occurred for viewers in Phoenix, after 8PM.
This object was described as large triangular craft, moving slowly in the sky, with marking lights on it’s leading edge!
Once again, the object was seen, by thousands and was REAL!
A second series of “lights” were seen by observers looking to the SW of Phoenix, around 9:30PM
These were seen by thousands also!
I have reviewed and interviewed many people on this subject and have come to the following conclusions!
I feel the first sighting was a real craft of some sort!
I DO NOT believe that this is an extraterrestrial craft or that it involved and alien component!
I feel that it’s origin is man made!
I also believe that the second sighting of lights, were FLARES!
What was the first object?
I feel that this craft that “sailed” over the fifth largest city in America, was a lighter than air version of a High tech UAV, or Unmanned Air Vehicle, with some type of new stealth layering technology, know as electro chromatic panels, carried aloft on a “stealth airship” platform.
The fact that it passed over, Phoenix, was well known to the military at the time and that the intentional deployment of the flares, (second) event, was to take away any credibility, as to the first sighting!
This may sound or seem strange to those that believe in mystery alien spacecraft, but I have long since discarded that hypothesis!
Will we even know what the first, object really was….I guess not!
Here are some of my links, to help make my case that this object was of man made origin and that the layers of government secrecy, still apply to this event, even 10 years later!
Technology explains the craft:
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/pages/cloak.html
http://www.rense.com/general5/wink.htm
http://www.chameleo.net/richard.html
http://www.chameleo.net/news.html
http://hometown.aol.com/norio1944/myhomepage/profile.html
http://www.dreamlandresort.com/team/norio.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stealth_Blimp
http://www.virtuallystrange.net/ufo/updates/2002/aug/m06-005.shtml
http://www.nationalufocenter.com/curiousities/stealthblimp.shtml
http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/technology/black_triangle_020805.html
General Links To The “Phoenix Lights” Event:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Lights
http://www.lightsoverphoenix.com/
http://www.thephoenixlights.net/
A New Movie:
http://www.nightskiesmovie.com/
Weather:
Aurora Season Heats Up!:
Here are some sites to help you learn all about this phenomenon as well as know when and where to look!
www.spaceweather.com
http://www.spacew.com/www/aurora.php
http://www.joeorman.shutterace.com/Linksaurora.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_(astronomy)
Astronomy:
Comet Mc Naught / Simply Amazing!:
After some 10 days of searching the western sky, I had the opportunity to view this interesting object for the first time!
My observations were made with (20X80) binoculars and the comet was nearly naked eye visibility in Arizona on January 8th , 9th , 10th.
Still low in the SW at sunset, The comet was a beautiful sight to see!
As the world was looking at this developing spectacle, I had the rare opportunity to view the comet in broad daylight on January 14th, a mere 5 degrees from the limb of the Sun.
This dangerous act, placed the comet in my binoculars at what I estimated magnitude of –6 on the magnitude scale.
I have NEVER seen objects that close to the Sun and that bright!
Searching the SW after dark on the night of January 13th, 2007, placed the comet easily in the binoculars, as it set against the local tall buildings of Phoenix.
The next night, with local 3TV covering the event with us, the comet had moved below the horizon for Phoenix!
The comet was now going to be a real treat for observers in Australia and New Zealand!
Here are some photo’s that were sent to me by some observers in South Africa. Show just how wonderful this rare celestial visitor, actually was!
Here are some photos to share with the world, about Comet Mc Naught!
Here are some links to more information on the Great Comet of 2007!
http://www.spaceweather.com/comets/gallery_mcnaught.php
http://cometography.com/lcomets/2006p1.html
http://www.nightskyhunter.com/Comets%20Visible%20Tonight.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_McNaught
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_H._McNaught
http://msowww.anu.edu.au/~rmn/C2006P1new.htm
A spiritual quote from the Revelation Of John The Divine, 12.14, regarding Comets?
“There was a sign in the Heaven and behold a great red dragon. And his tail draweth a third part of the stars in Heaven”
Space:
Phoenix Mars Lander Mission 2007:
The Phoenix Mars Lander, will be launched in August of this year and reach Mars in 2008.
The project is the first in a series of spacecraft that are part of the Mars Scout Program.
The Phoenix project is being manager by Peter Smith of the University of Arizona and you
can listen to a Dr.Sky exclusive interview with Mr. Smith at:
http://teentalknetwork.com/sky/htm
Recently, images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, suggest that the intended polar landing Area, may have too many large boulders for a safe landing.
The search continues for an alternative site.
The University of Arizona, is the first university to lead a mission to Mars!
Good luck Mr. Smith! To follow this mission, please visit these links:
http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/
Aviation:
2007 Air Show Season To Open:
Get set for some real exciting air shows in 2007!
Here are some links to some special events locally and globally!
http://www.airshows.org.uk/
http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/asgcal/usjan.htm
http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/asgcal/ewjan.htm
The Paris Air Show 2007:http://www.paris-air-show.com/en/
Reno Air Races 2007:
Luke Days 2007- Luke AFB March http://www.luke.af.mil/
http://www.flyincalendar.com/event_detail.cfm?e=2818&m=3&y=2007
Aviation Nation 2007/Nellis AFB/Las Vegas/Nevada http://aviationnation.org/06/relationships/
Weather:
The Never Ending Myth Of Global Warming:
Here is one book to read to expose the media’s obsession with this topic.
May it help to make your case on this topic!
http://hornet2.conservativebookservice.com/products/BookPage.asp?prod_cd=c7022
Astronomy:
New Comet May Brighten Rapidly!:
Lucky sky watchers with a clear sky and an unobstructed view of the SW sky may get a glimpse of a rather bright comet!
Comet Mc Naught C/2006/P1, discovered by veteran comet observer, R H Mc Naught back on August 7th 2006.
The comet is racing towards the Sun and will then dart below the horizon for N Hemisphere observers.
The best time period to see this rare comet, would be from January 1st-12th 2007!
The comet will be very low against the horizon and it is possible that it may be many times brighter than
Venus, but without the benefit of a large tail.
Either way, get out those holiday gifts and start to search for this elusive comet!
Here are some links to the comet and how best to see it:
http://www.aerith.net/comet/catalog/2006P1/2006P1.html
http://skytonight.com/observing/home/5089276.html
http://skytonight.com/observing/home/5089276.html
http://cara.uai.it/index.php
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/070104_comet_mcnaught.html
Space:
New Mexico Spaceport In The Works:
The State of New Mexico is busy developing America’s first major spaceport!
New Mexico has a rich history with space and space related activity, going back to the days of WWII and the White Sands Missile Range.
Plans call for a major spaceport to be built in the vicinity of Upham, New Mexico during the next few years.
The facility, once completed, will be use to support space tourism and private space ventures.
The following is a short list of groups and corporations that will be a part of this Unique facility; Starchaser, X-Prize Cup, Rocket Racing League, Virgin Galactic, UP aerospace and many others.
To learn more about this facility, please visit this interesting website:
http://www.spaceportamerica.com/home.html
Aviation:
RedBull Mig Demonstration Team:
One of the great air show demonstration teams, has to be Bill Reesman’s Red Bull Mig!
On a recent visit to Aviation Nation in Las Vegas, Nevada, “Dr.Sky” had the opportunity to meet a most interesting man and his Mig-17F aircraft.
The Red Bull Mig is a must see for fans of air shows and aviation in general.
This classic Mig 17F performed some amazing loops and inversions and really makes any air show come to life!
Bill also puts on a very rare nighttime air show, making his Mig 17F turn into a Mig Meteor!
Dr.Sky had the opportunity to interview Bill Reesman and the audio interview can be heard here: http://teentalknetwork.com/sky.htm
Visit the Red Bull Mig at:
www.redbullmig.com
Weather:
What Are Jet Streams?:
Jet streams are narrow tubes of fast moving air at heights of about 36,000 ft above sea level!
They are thought to be the boundary between two types of air pressure and are controlled by the rotation of the Earth.
To learn more about this often talked about, but little understood weather phenomenon, please enjoy these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_stream
http://www.jracademy.com/~wotawaj/index.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/vanished/jetstream.html
ASTRONOMY:
December Conjunction Of Planets:
Early December will be a great time to explore one of nature’s most impressive events!
A conjunction of planets!
Look low in the SE sky on the mornings of December 8-9-10, as the planets, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter, form a real close Conjunction in the pre dawn skies!
Best views will occur on the morning of December 10th, with the star Beta Scorpii, very close to the “planets”. All of these objects will fit within 1.1 degrees!
Here are some links to help you better understand the term conjunction as well as some additional links to get you to Understand more about the magic of the Star of Bethlehem!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
http://skytonight.com/observing/home/3304101.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_conjunction
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syzygy
http://sciastro.net/portia/articles/thestar.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_Bethlehem
AVIATION:
X-51 Wave Rider Cruise Missile:
The Us Air Force is testing a new version of the common cruise missile, one that will have The potential of “cruising” at speeds of Mach 7!
Recent reports claim that this object will be known as “Wave Rider” as now secret propulsion System, will move the vehicle to its intended target at hypersonic speeds.
The X 51 will be deployed by fighter aircraft or by a larger B-52 bomber.
Here are some links to help you understand this great technology:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/x-51.htm
http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/x-51.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-51
http://www.onera.fr/conferences/ramjet-scramjet-pde/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scramjet
http://www.geocities.com/spacetransport/hypersonic.html#hsf
http://www.howstuffworks.com/hypersonic-plane.htm
Space:
Get Set For The Rocket Racing League:
Get set for the new RRL (Rocket Racing League) coming to future X-Prize events in New Mexico!
Often describes ad NASCAR for rockets, promises to be a whole new venture and in Dr.Sky’s Opinion, a great new sport for the entire family!
Here is a set of links to this amazing technology:
http://www.rocketracingleague.com
http://www.space.com/news/060119_rocket_racing.html
WEATHER:
AL Gore And “Global Warming”:
With concerns about “Global Warming” coming from many in science, what is Your opinion regarding Al Gore’s new DVD documentary “An Inconvenient Truth”?
Some claim that this is a real issue to be concerned about, while others feel that The Earth goes into periods of climate change that are just natural? To find out
More, visit these links:
http://www.climatecrisis.net/
http://www.slate.com/id/2142319/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming
ASTRONOMY:
Leonid Meteor Shower Returns:
The Leonids are set to return, later this month!
Get ready for a potential “storm” of meteors, as the 2006 Leonid shower will occur during some optimal viewing conditions for most of North America.
This very website had it origins with our reporting on the 1998 Leonids!
Leonid meteors are some of the fastest known and tend to leave some bright “trains” behind them. This year, 2006, expect to see many Leonids, starting around November 9th-22nd , with rates peaking on the evening hours of November 18th. The peak of this year’s shower will occur at 11:45PM EST/8:45PM PST.
Observers can expect to see between 10-150 meteors per hour, depending on the interaction of the Earth with a narrow ribbon of material that came off Comet Temple-Tuttle in 1932. The best news for this years shower: NO Moon to interfere with your observations!
The Leonids, have a distinct period of 33 years and many of you may remember the great “storms” of 1966 and recently in 2001! Best advice, get set to observe the morning skies on the 17th –19th, by looking due east from 3AM till dawn. The radiant of the Leonids, lies in the “head” area of the Lion!
Final note: The peak of the Leonid shower will favor Europe and by the time the radiant rises in North America, rates may be back to some 10-25 meteors per hour!
Here are some important Leonid links:
http://www.arm.ac.uk/leonid/2006/info2006.html
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/061017_leonids_2006.html
Visibility of the 2006 Dust Trail:
http://www.arm.ac.uk/leonid/dustexpl.html
http://fas.kaicho.net/tenshow/meteor/55p2006/v01.htm
A great Leonid site to learn more about the shower and its peak:
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/blobrana/news/leonids.html
LISTEN TO THE LEONIDS:LIVE:Here is an interesting series of links to learn about radar observation of Leonids:
http://science.nasa.gov/NEWHOME/headlines/ast22dec98_1.htm
LISTEN LIVE:
http://www.roswellastronomyclub.com/radio_meteors.htm
Send your Leonid photo’s to share with the world! Send your photos to: drsky@cox.net We will publish the best and credit your photo! Good luck with the 2006 LEONIDS!!!!!
Space:
Astronaut Story Musgrave- An American Space Pioneer:
Recently, Dr.Sky had the rare opportunity of meeting former NASA astronaut, Story Musgrave.
Dr. Musgrave was in Mesa, Arizona, to deliver a special program on his career, to a very interested audience!
Strory Musgrave is a true pioneer of the US Space program with well over 1,200 hours in space as well as six shuttle missions.
He may be most remembered for his 1993 servicing mission of the Hubble Space Telescope.
Notable for having flown six space shuttle missions (including the first) and for helping to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, Story Musgrave's resume spans the professions of American astronaut, pilot, professor, scientist/mathematician, and surgeon. Musgrave is also credited for helping to develop much of the spacesuits, life support systems, airlocks and manned maneuvering units that are used for space walks and other extravehicular activity on the Space Shuttle missions.
Musgrave has been awarded a number of medals for distinguished service as well as educational fellowships and other awards. Along with fellow astronaut Joe Allen, Musgrave served as a consultant for the film Mission to Mars (2000).
During his visit, I had the opportunity to interview him and will be placing a copy of a past interview on this site, in future updates.
To learn more about this fascinating man, with a world of knowledge, please visit these sites:
http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/musgrave.html
http://www.spacestory.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Story_Musgrave
http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/interview_story_musgrave.html
Story Quoted:
"Getting out of the comfortable path, that's what exploration is all about."
Space:
Get Set For STS-116:
The next shuttle mission, STS-116 is set to launch by December 7th, 2006!
This 12 day mission and the 20th mission to the ISS, will perform additional construction on the ISS and its development.
This will be the 117th mission of the US Shuttle program.
To learn more about the mission and its crew, please visit these support sites:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts116/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STS-116
The Official STS-116 Mission Kit:
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/162182main_STS-116_Press_Kit.pdf
SPECIAL INTERVIEW:Dr.Sky had the opportunity to interview Mark Polansky, the Commander of STS-116. To hear this interview, plus many others, please visit this link:
http://teentalknetwork.com/sky.htm
Aviation:
Aviation Nation 2006:
Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada was the home of this years Aviation Nation Air show!
Dr.Sky attended this two-day event!
Stay tuned for some REAL exciting images from one of the best air shows in the nation!
Enjoy the highlights of the past few years of Aviation Nation and get set for one of the
Largest air shows in the world, the 2007 Aviation Nation/ 60th Anniversary of the US Air Force!
Here are the links:
http://www.richard-seaman.com/Aircraft/AirShows/Nellis2004/Highlights/
http://aviationnation.org/
http://aviationnation.org/AF60/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airshow#Major_airshows
Major Air Shows 2007:
http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/asgcal/usjan.htm
http://www.deltaweb.co.uk/asgcal/ewmar.htm
Weather:
The Global Warming Debate Continues:
Do you believe that Global Warming is real?
Are we just going into an extended period of natural weather activity on Earth?
What is the latest regarding this important topic?
http://www.ucar.edu/research/sun/climate.shtml
http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming
Astronomy:
Get Set For The Transit Of Mercury- November 8th 2006:
A rare transit of Mercury, will take place on Wednesday, November 8th 2006!
We have not seen a transit of Mercury since 2003 and observers in North America should prepare for this exciting event.
For some observers, Mercury will take some 5 hours to cross the solar disk!
All observers that would like to see this event , need to obtain the proper solar filter for your telescope, as serious eye damage may occur for those that take this lightly.
Mercury will appear as a “black” spot on the disk of the Sun and should be an easy target , wit the lack of sunspots at this period of the solar cycle.
For more information, including times of passage, please review these links!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transit_of_Mercury
http://www.nao.rl.ac.uk/nao/transit/M_2006/
http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/OH/transit06.html
http://www.vt-2004.org/mt-2003/
Space:
Anousheh Ansari- Female Space Tourist:
Anousheh Ansari has been making space history, as the first female space tourist to visit the ISS.
After many years of training, Anousheh has attained the rank of astronaut as she has been on board the ISS, since her launch on September 18th.
She is also the first Iranian in space and the First Iranian-American in space.
She is a true hero of the space program and an inspiration to all women of the world.
Learn more about Anousheh and her exciting mission to the International Space Station.
http://www.anoushehansari.com/
http://spaceblog.xprize.org/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spaceexplorer/
http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/astronauts/english/ansari_anousheh.htm
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition14/exp14_advancer.htm
Aviation:
Honda Develops New Corporate Jet:
The Honda Corporation has been developing a new state of the art corporate jet that is turning a lot of heads and is near ready for production.
The new jet, is the culmination of well over 20 years of development and uses some new and interesting materials.
To learn more, please visit these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Jet
http://world.honda.com/jet/
http://www.ainonline.com/Features/newbusinessaircraft02/nba_hondajet.html
http://www.hondajets.net/index.htm
Weather:
The Old Farmers Almanac-:
The Old Farmers Almanac has been a source for more than weather since 1792.
Explore the rich history of this American icon and what it has to say about our weather in 2007and much…much more!
Astronomy:
The Solar System Is Changing!:
The Solar System as we know it is changing fast!
Recent debate as to what is a planet?, has come to the center of astronomical conversation and opinion!
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has formally decided by vote, that we will have 8 official planets in the Solar System and the object that we call Pluto, will cease to be known as a planet.
All this and more to help add a whole series of new categories as well as objects that fit into those categories.
What is a planet?
Here is a summary of what the IAU now tells us a planet is and what new objects and classifications that will help to populate the “new” Solar System:
Here's how it all shakes out. The International Astronomical Union has decided that, to be called a planet, an object must have three traits. It must orbit the sun, be massive enough that its own gravity pulls it into a nearly round shape, and be dominant enough to clear away objects in its neighborhood.
To be admitted to the dwarf planet category, an object must have only two of those traits -- it must orbit the sun and have a nearly round shape. And no, moons don't count as dwarf planets. In addition to Pluto, Ceres and 2003 UB313, the astronomical union has a dozen potential "dwarf planets" on its watchlist.
What's to become of the other objects in our solar system neighborhood, the ones that are not planets, not dwarf planets and not moons? The organization has decided that most asteroids, comets and other small objects will be called "small solar-system bodies."
Despite the establishment of these three distinct categories, there are bound to be gray areas. As technologies improve and more objects are found, the International Astronomical Union will set up a process to decide which of the three categories are most appropriate for specific objects.
Courtesy of SPACEFLIGHT NOW
The final draft of the IAU on August 24tgh reads:
The final definition, as passed on 24 August 2006 is: [32][33]
The IAU...resolves that planets and other bodies in our Solar System be defined into three distinct categories in the following way:
(1) A "planet" [1] is a celestial body that: (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.
(2) A "dwarf planet" is a celestial body that: (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape [2], (c) has not cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.
(3) All other objects [3] except satellites orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as "Small Solar System Bodies".
Footnotes:
[1] The eight planets are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
[2] An IAU process will be established to assign borderline objects into either "dwarf planet" and other categories.
[3] These currently include most of the Solar System asteroids, most Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), comets, and other small bodies.
We will continue to follow this debate and report on the latest changes to the Solar System!
In the meantime, here are some important links to help you understand what is going on and why!
http://www.iau2006.org/mirror/www.iau.org/iau0601/iau0601_release.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_redefinition_of_planet
http://www.newscientistspace.com/article/dn9818-astronomers-lean-toward-eight-planets.html
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-pluto25aug25,0,1238679.story?coll=la-home-nation
http://skytonight.com/news/3728231.html
http://skytonight.com/news/3707031.html
http://skytonight.com/news/3580231.html
Space:
STS-115 Set To Launch:
STS-115 (Atlantis) is set to launch by the 28th of August!
This, after some weather related delays.
This will be the 19th mission to the ISS and the crew of six, will deliver a very important truss to the station as well as conduct some important space walks, to help complete the station, by the 2010 deadline.
To learn more about this mission, please review these educational links:
NASA Press Kit on STS-115 Mission:
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/154433main_sts115_press_kit3.pdf
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
Information on the next mission STS-116, set to launch December 14, 2006:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts116/index.html
Aviation:
Recent Aviation Disasters:
With all the recent concern centered around terrorism on aircraft, it is very important to study aviation disasters that are caused by non-terrorist activity.
While civil aviation is generally “safe” in the USA, we need only look at the track record of the world and some local events too!
These links will help us all to better understand what the “real” problems are that face the aviation industry in the 21st century:
http://www.airdisaster.com/
http://www.planecrashinfo.com/worst100.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accidents_and_incidents_in_aviation
Weather:
Update On The 2006 Hurricane Season:
So far, 2006 has been a rather weak hurricane season!
Here are some links to help us better understand this years events:
http://www.livescience.com/forcesofnature/hurricane_guide.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Atlantic_hurricane_season
Astronomy:
Mars Myth Circulates On Internet!:
Recent activity on the Internet suggests that the planet Mars will be coming closest to the Earth in late August of this year!
Many reports also indicate that Mars will appear as large as the Full Moon in the sky!
These articles also claim that Mars will be closest to Earth than it has in well over 60,000 years!
Some of the Internet HOAX, actually uses true data from the last close passage of Mars, back in 2003!
Dr.Sky has been receiving many, many requests to qualify these Internet reports!
Here are the facts!
Mars DID come closest to Earth back in 2003!
Mars NEVER appeared as large as the Full Moon!
Mars cannot appear as large as the Full Moon…and will not in 2006, or ANY year!
Here is a link to help explain this hoax, as well as a number of other Internet hoaxes that have been circulating around this world for some time now!
http://www.snopes.com/science/mars.asp
Here is a link that exposes some additional hoaxes and pranks, well before the age of the Internet!
http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/P0/
So, sad to say, Mars will NOT be anywhere near Earth in August of 2006!! Sorry!!!!
Now on to some serious Mars news!
Both Martian Rovers, SPIRIT and OPPORTUNITY have continued to out perform their original “warranty” in terms of days or “Sols” on Mars!
We have gathered a wealth of data from these tiny rovers and will continue to explore the data that has been sent back, for many years!
Here is a page to help you better understand the results that we have gained from these mighty rovers:
http://marsrovers.nasa.gov/home/
It’s never too late to update your knowledge on the planet Mars!
Dr.Sky suggests this informative link, for people like you, who want the best!
http://www.nineplanets.org/mars.html
Here is a listing of links to major Mars sites, updating current missions, future missions, as well as the concepts of a manned mission to Mars…enjoy!
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/
http://marsweb.jpl.nasa.gov/mgs/
http://www.marssociety.org/
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mro/
http://www.androidpubs.com/
http://www.geocities.com/marsterraforming/mannedmissions.html
http://www.sec.noaa.gov/primer/primer.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Mars
Astronomy:
Perseid Meteors Coming!:
PERSEID PEAK 2006- August 12th 7PM EDT
Once again, it’s time for one of the year’s best meteor showers!
The annual Perseid meteor shower will peak on the nights of August 12-13.
This year’s shower will be hampered by the nearly Full Moon, but observes will still be able to see some bright fireballs and regular Perseids, if you know when and where to look!
Look high in the NE sky after 1AM local time, till dawn.
This is the best time period to see Perseids.
Observes can expect to see at least 10-20 meteors per hour under clear but near Full Moon conditions.
Dr.Sky has included a series of links to help you learn much more about this
Important event!
Clear Skies!
http://www.amsmeteors.org/showers.html
http://skytour.homestead.com/met2006.html
http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy_calendar_2006.html
http://www.serve.com/wh6ef/comets/meteors/showers/perseids.html
Space:
Rocket Contrails Visible in Western USA-:
Observers in the far western United States (Arizona, New Mexico and California) have been seeing some very interesting rocket contrails in the pre dawn and early evening sky!
The rocket contrails that are seen in the eastern sky are part of an on going military project known as (THAAD) Theatre High Altitude Area Defense System.
In it’s development stages, THAAD is an anti ballistic missile defense system, that once perfected, may have the capability to defend city and military installations from foreign mid to long-range missiles.
For more information on the THAAD project, please refer to these links:
http://fas.org/spp/starwars/program/thaad.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_High_Altitude_Area_Defense
http://www.missilesandfirecontrol.com/our_products/airdefense/THAAD/product-THAAD.html
http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/thaad.htm
In light of the recent missile launches from Korea and potential threats from Iran, the USA needs a system that will intercept these types of missiles.
The recent THAAD test from White Sands New Mexico, was a great success.
Here are some of the press accounts of that recent test, (July 12th), that produced a major contrail, visible in the skies of New Mexico, Arizona and California.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/news/ci_4087369
Successful Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Intercept Flight Achieved
Air Force Lieutenant General Henry "Trey" Obering, Missile Defense Agency Director, announced that a successful test for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Element was conducted today at approximately 5:20 a.m. MDT (7:20 a.m. EDT) at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.Initial indications are that all planned flight test objectives were achieved. This was a fully-integrated flight test of all THAAD Components, including the Launcher, Radar, Fire Control and Communications, and Interceptor. The primary objective was to demonstrate interceptor seeker characterization of a ballistic missile target in the high-endoatmosphere (just inside the earth's atmosphere). A unitary (non-separating) Hera target missile was launched for the test and although it was not a primary objective, a successful intercept of the target occurred. Other objectives included verifying integrated system operations in a high-endoatmospheric engagement and demonstrating the interceptor's kill vehicle's response to in-flight communication and its ability to acquire and track an incoming ballistic missile target. The THAAD radar participated by acquiring and tracking the interceptor and target and providing in-flight target updates.
THAAD soldiers from the 6th Air Defense Artillery Brigade participated in this test with two soldiers conducting radar operations, two soldiers assisting contractors at the Launcher, and one soldier assisting contractors at the THAAD Fire Control and Communications. Their interaction with the complete THAAD system proved a valuable test experience for the soldiers, and provided insight into overall system performance.
While the previous two THAAD flight tests, also conducted at White Sands Missile Range, were focused on interceptor fly-out and performance, the remaining flight test program is providing verification of the integrated THAAD element at increasingly difficult levels.
THAAD uses technologies developed in earlier Missile Defense Agency programs and during the THAAD Program Development and Risk Reduction Phase. It is the first weapon system with both endo- and exoatmospheric (outside earth's atmosphere) capability developed specifically to defend against ballistic missiles. The THAAD element will provide upper-tier defense in the terminal phase segment (approximately final minute of a missile's flight) of MDA's integrated Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). The BMDS is capable of providing a layered defense for the U.S., deployed forces, friends and allies against ballistic missiles of all ranges in all phases of flight. The higher altitude and theater-wide protection offered by THAAD provides more protection of larger areas than lower-tier systems alone. THAAD is designed to defend against short, medium, and intermediate range ballistic missiles. THAAD is a highly-mobile, integrated weapon system consisting of a Radar, Fire Unit, Launchers, and Interceptors.
The THAAD Program is managed by the Missile Defense Agency in Washington, DC, and executed by the THAAD Project Office in Huntsville, Ala. Lockheed Martin Corporation is the prime contractor.
There will be three opportunities to downlink video footage of todays test. The first will be from 12:30 to 3 p.m. from Galaxy 10R/24K, downlink frequency 12166.500 horizontal. The second will be from 2 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. from SBS6 TR9, downlink frequency 11921 horizontal. Additionally, video and still images will be available from www.chinfo.navy.mil/lighthouse.html Launches also occur in California at Vandenberg AFB.
These rocket contrails may be seen by a large portion of the population of S. California and the western USA.
Best time to see the contrails from these launches, would be just after sunset, local time!
Here is a great link, to help provide information on what is going on and how best to see the launches.
Information on White Sands Missile Range:
From the X-1 to the present day X-43 and more, X planes are changing the way that we look at manned flight!
The mysterious X-47:
To learn more about these flight wonders and the most recent developments, please visit these vital links:
What are some of the weather extremes and just how high and low have temperatures?
Been here on Earth, since man has been recording them!
Some of the links and data below, may surprise you!
The US Space program has not seen a manned launch in well over a year!
STS-121 and it’s crew, are scheduled to launch on July 1st at 3:49PM EDT.
Weather concerns are a big factor in the July 1st launch, as this is the time in central
Florida, that sees some heavy afternoon thunderstorms.
In spite of all this, this would be the 115th launch of a Shuttle and the 32nd launch of Discovery.
To learn all about this mission in great detail, please visit this link:
http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/149873main_sts121_press_kit.pdf
This seven person crew; (on launch), will help to complete the ISS (International Space Station)
As well as provide much needed supplies to the ISS.
If all goes as planned, STS-121, will be in space for some 11 days on the 18th service and support
Mission for the ISS.
Observers from the ground will have some exciting opportunities to view the shuttle and station as
They pass over our skies!
Observers in the northern hemisphere will have some of the best views as the station and shuttle
and station complex will be “flying” in the full light of the Sun, as the Earth is tipped in that direction
With summer in the northern hemisphere.
Here are some helpful links, to aid in your sighting of the ISS and shuttle:
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=ga&id=99&aid=4331
Stay tuned for a photomontage of “Dr.Sky’s” recent trip to the Kennedy Space Center!
The asteroid 2004 XP 14, will pass the Earth by 268,873 miles on the morning of July
3rd, 2006.
This passage is so close, that observers with moderate sized telescopes will be able to
Track the asteroid, if they know when and where to look!
This is very similar to the 2002 passage of asteroid 2002 NY40.
For a quick review of the event, please visit this site:
http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~rhill/alpo/minplan/flyby.html
This Apollo type asteroid will be a most amazing sight to see and will challenge even
The best observers.
To learn more about this object and the whole subject of asteroids, please review these
important links:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5135974.stm
To learn about Asteroids and Near Earth Asteroids:
http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/db_shm?des=2004%20XP14
Here are the coordinates to help you locate asteroid 2004 XP 14.
As a long time member of the US Air Force, Col. Joe Kittinger Jr., was one of the early
Pioneers that explored the upper reaches of the Earth’s atmosphere; in balloons!
These early manned flights never seemed to get the same publicity that the early astronauts
of the Mercury and Gemini programs, experienced.
The most amazing parachute jump of all time occurred on August 16th 1960, as Col. Joe
Kittinger, jumped from his airborne capsule at some 102,800 feet above the New Mexico desert.
His jump, set many records that have not been eclipsed, even today!
http://www.spacearchive.info/vafbview.htm
http://www.socal-skylights.org/sky_vandenberg.html
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/launches/launch_schedule.html
http://mocc.vandenberg.af.mil/launchsched.asp?past=1
http://www.spacearchive.info/
http://www.wsmr.army.mil/pao/FactSheets/jfk.htm
http://www.wsmr.army.mil/pao/FactSheets/navy.htm
http://www.qsl.net/w2vtm/launchsites.html
Note: No launch schedule is available for the White Sands Missile Range
Aviation:
X- Planes Update:
X-planes have a rich and interesting history!
http://www.air-attack.com/MIL/_EXP/x47/x47_header.jpg
http://users.dbscorp.net/jmustain/xpmain.htm
http://www.boeing.com/phantom/xplanesdt.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-plane
Weather:
Weather Records:
This year (2006) has produced some record cold temperatures as well as record heat!
http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/severeweather/extremes.html
http://www.almanac.com/weathercenter/
http://www.weathermatrix.net/weather/extreme.shtml
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/content_pages/record_subcategory.asp?subcategoryid=29
Space:
:Space Shuttle Launch Coming!
As July 2006 opens, the launch of the next Space Shuttle (STS-121) is getting closer!
http://www.heavens-above.com/orbitdisplay.asp?satid=25544
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Station
http://www.hobbyspace.com/SatWatching/
Filled with exciting photos of the new Space exhibits and much more!
Astronomy:
Asteroid To Pass Earth/ Moon/ July 3rd 2006!
A large (600 meter) in diameter asteroid known as 2004 XP14, will pass the Earth by
just a little more than the distance of the Moon. Closest approach to Earth, will occur at
12:25AM EDT (July 3rd), 9:25PM PDT (July 2nd0 2006.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,201355,00.html
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/space/2006-06-27-asteroid-encounter_x.htm?POE=TECISVA
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/060626_asteroid_close.html
http://www.nineplanets.org/asteroids.html
Good luck in viewing this rare celestial event:
2004 XP14Date RA declination delta Vmag Speed* PA
=======================================================================
3 Jul 2006 3h24m01.02s N 5 46' 43.9" 0.003 12.5 22199 341.9
3 Jul 2006 1 3h16m13.33s N11 38' 13.5" 0.003 12.5 24928 341.6
3 Jul 2006 2 3h07m03.58s N18 11' 54.9" 0.003 12.3 27336 341.1
3 Jul 2006 3 2h56m10.39s N25 21' 35.6" 0.003 12.2 29037 340.0
3 Jul 2006 4 2h43m05.53s N32 54' 15.7" 0.003 11.9 29685 338.4
3 Jul 2006 5 2h27m11.72s N40 30' 45.5" 0.003 11.7 29135 336.1
3 Jul 2006 6 2h07m40.73s N47 48' 51.9" 0.003 11.5 27512 332.7
3 Jul 2006 7 1h43m33.02s N54 27' 39.7" 0.003 11.3 25148 328.0
3 Jul 2006 8 1h13m43.36s N60 10' 50.6" 0.003 11.2 22433 321.7
3 Jul 2006 9 0h37m20.04s N64 47' 51.8" 0.003 11.1 19690 313.6
3 Jul 2006 10 23h54m25.38s N68 13' 44.1" 0.004 11.1 17124 303.7
3 Jul 2006 11 23h06m46.11s N70 29' 08.0" 0.004 11.1 14836 292.6
3 Jul 2006 12 22h18m00.66s N71 41' 03.1" 0.004 11.1 12851 281.0
*Speed is arc seconds per hour
Aviation:
Aviation Legend: Col. Joe Kittinger Jr.
One of the more interesting if not amazing stories in the world of aviation, has to be that
Of US Air Force (Ret.); Col. Joe Kittinger Jr.
To learn more about this amazing man and his life story