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Tonight is the peak of the Ursid Meteor Shower

The Ursids is a low intensity meteor shower that peaks around the winter solstice and it generally goes by unnoticed due its occurrence during the holiday season.

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Photo by Neale LaSalle on Pexels.com

The Ursids is a low intensity meteor shower that peaks around the winter solstice and it generally goes by unnoticed due its occurrence during the holiday season. The hourly rate of visible meteors is low, especially compared to that of the Geminid shower, which peaked generally close the same time period, the week before.

The Ursid (URS) meteor activity begins annually around December 17 and runs for over a week, until the 25th or 26th. This meteor shower is named for its radiant point, which is located near the star Beta Ursae Minoris (Kochab) in the constellation Ursa Minor.

The parent of the Ursid meteor show is comet 8P/Tuttle.

Depending on where you live, if live in light pollution free area, you are willing to brave the frigid temperature and, by a stroke luck, you get a break in the winter storms that are occurring around the United States and Canada, then take a look. The peak of the Urids 2022 will occur during a near new phase of the Moon.

Watch for Ursid meteors on December 22 and 23, before dawn.

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

astronomy for hobbyist

Exploring the Subtle Beauty of a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse

Embrace the subtle beauty of the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on March 24-25, 2024, as light and shadow converge in the celestial dance above.

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As the celestial dance continues, the night sky is poised to offer us a mesmerizing astronomical event—the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse on March 24-25, 2024. This eclipse, though subtle in its appearance, bears a unique charm that captivates skywatchers worldwide.

A subtle shading on the moon during the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.
Girl looking at lunar eclipse through a telescope. My astronomy work.

Commencing at 4:53 UTC on March 25, 2024, this penumbral eclipse will reach its peak at 7:12 UTC, showcasing a penumbral magnitude of 0.9577. During this crescendo, the moon will be enveloped in Earth’s outer penumbral shadow, creating a delicate darkened shading across its surface. This phenomenon, while lacking the stark contrast of a total or partial eclipse, promises a sight of understated elegance.

Lasting 279.9 minutes, this eclipse invites us to ponder the intricate interplay of celestial bodies. The moon’s journey through Earth’s penumbral shadow unveils a spectacle where light and shadow merge in a subtle embrace, highlighting the beauty of cosmic alignments.

Despite its gentle nature, the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse holds a special allure for avid sky gazers. The question of its visibility remains a topic of intrigue—some may detect the shadow upon the moon’s immersion in 2/3 of the penumbral shadow, while others may perceive it instantaneously. The experience is shaped by atmospheric conditions, visual acuity, and observational acumen, adding a layer of mystery to this celestial event.

In the grand tapestry of celestial phenomena, the March 25 eclipse stands as a testament to the harmonious movements of the cosmos. Positioned in the constellation of Virgo the Maiden, the moon gracefully traverses Earth’s penumbral shadow, painting a picture of celestial elegance for those who pause to observe.

As we marvel at this lunar spectacle, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of celestial events. The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, forms part of a larger eclipse season, underscoring the cyclical nature of astronomical occurrences. The juxtaposition of these eclipses offers a glimpse into the intricate rhythms of the cosmos, inviting us to witness the celestial ballet unfolding above.

A subtle shading on the moon during the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.
Girl looking at lunar eclipse through a telescope.

As we await the next eclipse season in September-October 2024, featuring a partial lunar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse, let us cherish the fleeting moments of cosmic alignment. Each eclipse, whether grand or subtle, serves as a reminder of the vastness and beauty of the universe, beckoning us to gaze skyward and marvel at the wonders above.

In the stillness of the night, under the watchful gaze of the moon, let us embrace the subtlety and grace of the Penumbral Lunar Eclipse, a celestial spectacle that invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the mysteries of the cosmos.

What is a Penumbral lunar eclipse?

A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs when part or all of the Moon passes into the Earth’s penumbra.[5] No part of the moon is in the Earth’s umbra during this event. The penumbra causes a subtle dimming of the lunar surface, which is only visible to the naked eye when about 70% of the Moon’s diameter has immersed into Earth’s penumbra.[6] A special type of penumbral eclipse is a total penumbral lunar eclipse, during which the entire Moon lies exclusively within Earth’s penumbra. Total penumbral eclipses are rare, and when these occur, the portion of the Moon closest to the umbra may appear slightly darker than the rest of the lunar disk. (wikipedia)

https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/penumbral-lunar-eclipse-march-24-25-2024/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Unveiling the Mysteries of Comet 12P/Pons Brooks: The Devil Comet’s Rare Celestial Show

Explore the enigmatic beauty of Comet 12P/Pons Brooks, the “Devil Comet,” as it graces our skies with rare eruptions and celestial displays.

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Comet 12P/Pons Brooks, known as the “devil comet,” is an intriguing celestial visitor that has captured the attention of astronomers and stargazers alike. This comet, with a diameter of about 10.5 miles (17 kilometers), follows a highly elliptical orbit around the sun, completing its journey approximately every 71 years. What sets 12P apart is its cryovolcanic nature – an ice volcano in space.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks photographed by the Virtual Telescope Project facility in Manciano, Italy on March 2, 2024. (Image credit: Gianluca Masi/Virtual Telescope Project)

The icy shell of 12P occasionally erupts due to solar radiation, releasing a mix of ice and gas known as cryomagma into space. This process significantly expands the comet’s coma, the cloud of gas and dust surrounding its nucleus, making it appear brighter for a few days. In July 2023, astronomers witnessed 12P erupt after nearly 70 years, with subsequent eruptions occurring more frequently.

During earlier eruptions, the comet’s expanded coma gave it a unique appearance resembling demonic horns. However, recent observations show that these horns seem to have vanished, replaced by a distinctive green glow caused by high levels of dicarbon in its coma and tail, a rare phenomenon in comets.

For sky watchers in the Northern Hemisphere, viewing opportunities are optimal before April 21, when 12P makes its closest approach to the sun. Post this date, the comet will become visible to those in the Southern Hemisphere until the year’s end. To catch a glimpse, head to the countryside away from city lights. While visible to the naked eye, binoculars can enhance the viewing experience.


12P has surprised observers with unexpected brightness, including a rare flare that transformed its gas cloud into a horseshoe shape, earning it monikers like the Devil Comet or Millennium Falcon Comet. Additional flares have been detected, hinting at potential future surprises as the comet approaches Earth.

The cause of these flare-ups remains a mystery, with some astronomers speculating about rare volcanic activity on the comet’s surface. When planning a stargazing outing, target days closest to a new moon to avoid moonlight interference. Checking the weather forecast is essential to ensure clear skies for optimal viewing conditions.

Upon arrival at your stargazing spot, allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, especially if you’ve been exposed to bright screens. Patience is key, as celestial wonders like Comet 12P/Pons Brooks often reveal themselves gradually, rewarding those willing to wait.

As you gaze at this unique cosmic spectacle, reflect on the transient nature of comets and the vast mysteries of the universe they represent. The journey of Comet 12P serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of celestial phenomena, inviting us to marvel at the wonders of the cosmos and contemplate our place within it.

https://www.space.com/watch-comet-12p-pons-brooks-zoom-past-andromeda-galaxy-livestream

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Unveiling the Mystery Galaxy Shape: A Northern Lights Chase in Iceland

Unveiling the mystery galaxy shape amidst Iceland’s northern lights, a celestial spectacle captivates onlookers, blending awe and wonder.

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In the ethereal dance of the northern lights, a captivating anomaly recently stole the show in the skies above Iceland. The enigmatic display, captured by an avid aurora chaser named Shang Yang, unveiled a celestial spectacle that left witnesses in awe and wonder.

Yang’s Reddit post, shared just four days ago, showcased a striking image of a mysterious galaxy shape amidst the vibrant green hues of the northern lights. Positioned against a snow-covered Icelandic landscape, the scene was nothing short of mesmerizing.

According to Yang’s account to Newsweek, the photograph was taken near Akureyri on March 5, in the early hours of the morning. With a keen eye on the Icelandic Meteorological Office’s forecast of heightened aurora activity, Yang and companions ventured to a remote location, seeking refuge from city lights to witness nature’s luminescent masterpiece.

Check out the article in Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/northern-lights-iceland-mystery-galaxy-reddit-1877428

As the clock struck 1 a.m., a peculiar phenomenon unfolded before their eyes. What began as a small circle of light in the northern sky swiftly evolved into a grand spiral shape, seemingly drawing closer before dissipating after a brief but unforgettable five-minute display.

Astronomer Valerie Rapson shed light on the mystery, attributing the spectacle to the recent SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from California. The rocket’s maneuvers, particularly the spinning of its second stage and fuel venting, likely gave rise to the mesmerizing spiral pattern witnessed in the Icelandic skies.

Yang’s supplementary images and video further captured the unfolding drama of the spiral’s formation, offering a glimpse into the otherworldly experience that unfolded that night. Descriptions of the event evoke a mix of astonishment and trepidation, as the observers grappled with the surreal sight before them.

This extraordinary sighting comes amidst a promising year for aurora enthusiasts, with 2024 anticipated to host one of the most vibrant northern lights displays in recent memory. Driven by heightened solar activity, this year promises a visual treat for sky gazers across the globe, potentially extending the auroral spectacle to lower latitudes than usual.

As the curtain rises on this celestial theater, the unfolding narrative of the mystery galaxy shape serves as a poignant reminder of the boundless wonders that grace our night skies. In a world where the ordinary often eclipses the extraordinary, moments like these remind us of the magic that still resides in the realms beyond our reach.

(Source: Newsweek)

https://www.newsweek.com/northern-lights-iceland-mystery-galaxy-reddit-1877428

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