Monthly Archives: October 2011

A flood that would make even Noah turn and run

Posted on October 31, 2011 by astrobob

Massive floods are not only common on Earth but 3.5 billion years ago they raged across the Martian landscape. One of the most dramatic issued from a breach in a rift called Mangala Fossae. ‘Mangala’ is the Sanskrit word for … Continue reading →

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Join me for a spot of tea at one hellacious overlook

Posted on October 30, 2011 by astrobob

After 2 1/2 hours of hiking in the boreal wilderness yesterday, I finally reached my goal – a high point on a ridge line nicknamed the Hellacious Overlook. I sat down to enjoy the spectacular view of hills, beaver ponds … Continue reading →

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Hey Pluto, come meet your new brother

Posted on October 29, 2011 by astrobob

I was surprised how easy it was to see Venus and the moon last night. 20 minutes after sundown the crescent stood out sharp as scythe in the west. Well off to the moon’s right Venus was unmistakeable. I got … Continue reading →

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Will the Ghost Nebula ring your doorbell this Halloween?

Posted on October 28, 2011 by astrobob

Was finding Venus a little too challenging earlier this week? I thought so. Maybe tonight it will be easier with the help of the crescent moon. If you have an open view to the southwest, look about 15-20 minutes after … Continue reading →

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Aurora spectacle from outer space

Posted on October 27, 2011 by astrobob

Just this week, NASA’s Earth Observatory released a timely photo of the northern lights over the U.S. Midwest and Canada in their weekly e-newsletter. It was photographed by one of the Expedition 29 crew members on board the International Space … Continue reading →

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Jupiter closest to Earth this week and a splendid sight

Posted on October 26, 2011 by astrobob

By now many of you have seen the big, bright, blazing “star” in the eastern sky at nightfall or perhaps noticed it low in the west at dawn. Either way, you’re looking at Jupiter, the brightest planet easily visible in … Continue reading →

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WOW! Aurora sparks excitement across the country

Posted on October 25, 2011 by astrobob

First off, I want to thank everyone who sent along a comment or observation of the aurora last night. It was thrilling to read how spectacular the display was and how far and wide it was seen. People wrote from … Continue reading →

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Aurora alert for tonight Oct. 24-25

Posted on October 24, 2011 by astrobob

A coronal mass ejection (CME) or plasma spray from the sun bumped into Earth’s magnetic field starting around 1 p.m. Central time today and is likely to stimulate auroras for northern latitudes including the northern U.S. and Canada. CMEs are … Continue reading →

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Venus returns at dusk and how water helped us to see

Posted on October 24, 2011 by astrobob

If you’ve been pining for Venus, the goddess of beauty, your days of anguish will soon be ending. Venus has returned to the evening sky after a long daytime engagement with the sun. Put plainly, it’s been too near the … Continue reading →

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The ghost of Comet Elenin haunts the morning sky

Posted on October 23, 2011 by astrobob

For those of you who checked yesterday’s blog, you already know that the German ROSAT (Roentgen X-ray satellite) burned up in the atmosphere last night between 8:45 and 9:15 p.m. CDT. To the best of my knowledge, after digging around … Continue reading →

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