Monthly Archives: August 2011

Earth and moon seen from far, far away

Posted on August 31, 2011 by astrobob

Ain’t much to look at, is it? Yet it contains everything precious in our lives. This photo of the Earth and moon was taken by the Jupiter-bound Juno space probe from a distance of about 6 million miles last Friday … Continue reading →

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Cepheus the King stands in the shadow of his Queen

Posted on August 30, 2011 by astrobob

Anybody can find the W of Cassiopeia the Queen. Even if you’ve never seen the constellation, all I have to do is point and say “See that zigzag of five stars?” and it’s instant recognition. Not so with Cassiopeia’s husband … Continue reading →

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Pinwheel Galaxy supernova headed for the record books

Posted on August 29, 2011 by astrobob

Well, it finally happened. Supernova 2011fe in the Pinwheel Galaxy broke the 12th magnitude barrier overnight and now joins a select group of about 14 other supernovae that peaked at that brightness or better. And the fun’s not over yet. … Continue reading →

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Comet Elenin tired of doomsday finger pointing

Posted on August 28, 2011 by astrobob

Maybe it just couldn’t take all the publicity. It appears Comet Elenin might be breaking up and fading. Recent observations from Australian comet observers indicate the comet, which began dimming a week ago, is still fainter than expected. A likely … Continue reading →

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How to find the new supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy

Posted on August 27, 2011 by astrobob

I’m very short on time just now, but wanted to take a few minutes to post a couple little maps to help telescope users find SN2011 fe, the new and bright supernova in M101 the Pinwheel Galaxy. Last night, it … Continue reading →

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Astronomers spinning over new supernova in the Pinwheel Galaxy

Posted on August 26, 2011 by astrobob

Wa-hoo! One of the closest supernovas in years was discovered at a very early stage in the bright galaxy M101,  the Pinwheel Galaxy, in Ursa Major. The galaxy can be found just above the Handle of the Big Dipper in … Continue reading →

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See a star shrink and swell right before your eyes

Posted on August 25, 2011 by astrobob

Watching a star physically change in a matter of a week is something you’d think impossible to see. On the contrary. The star Eta Aquilae (AY-tuh AK-will-uh), located just down the block from the bright star Altair in the Summer … Continue reading →

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Moon and Mars meet face to face tomorrow morning

Posted on August 24, 2011 by astrobob

Insomniacs and those rising early for work can look to the east tomorrow morning for a great view of the waning crescent moon and planet Mars. The two will be only about 3 degrees apart and form a very distinctive … Continue reading →

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Comet Elenin is fading; Doodlebugs on Mars?

Posted on August 23, 2011 by astrobob

The other day I wrote how unpredictable comets can be, one of the main reasons they’re so fun to follow by eye and telescope. After a nice show of steady brightening in the last few weeks, at least two dedicated … Continue reading →

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Rock out under the space disco ball tonight

Posted on August 22, 2011 by astrobob

In a Saturday Night Fever mood? Break out the medallions and your best polyester – we’re heading outdoors tonight to spot the 7-foot diameter orbiting disco ball called Hydrangea Flower (Ajisai in Japanese). Known better among satellite watcher by its … Continue reading →

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