Tuesday, February 3, 2009

2-03-09 Pleiades And Luna Waltz Street Astro

Our weather continues to be wonderful - the sky offers plenty of celestial goodies for the public to see - like tonight's occultation! Most people are somewhat familiar with eclipses of the Sun and Moon but do not realize that other similar events happen very regularly between the Moon and objects such as stars and planets - like tonight's event with the Pleiades - a wonderful naked eye star cluster in Taurus. What a opportunity to see first hand movement of the Moon against one of the most well know sky objects! And it did not disappoint! Events like these open up tremendous opportunities to answer all kinds of astronomical questions ranging anywhere from the nature of the Moon and Stars to celestial movements to the history of how we understand the universe! Not only do I field questions but I want to hear about my guests experiences with the sky and astronomy . In the pic is Juan. He is a member of our country's National Guard with a rank of Sargent. He was glued to the scope! He works in computer science and would like to pursue more astronomy in his life. He received 2 CD's to take home so he can begin to educate his young daughter about the universe. Thanks Juan for your service to this nation and your devotion to your daughter's education!

7 comments:

NiteSkyGirl said...

aww that's so great! the guy wants to teach his kids astronomy. lucky kids, love seeing the pics of people peeking thru the telescopes! i updated my tonight's sky page and an article on saturn. I enjoyed writing it. did you get to see the comets yet?

Sidewalk Universe said...

I have seen the comets! We finally had morning clearing for Lulin - and our evenings until yesterday have been awesome for the Taurus comet. I can not remember it's name right now!

I will check out your page later to get up to speed with all the goodies on it!

Astronomy Rocks at the Valley said...

You're so blessed with the number of clear nights you have. We are not so lucky in western NY. I love how you include the human interest/mini bios of your astronomy visitors to your reports. It is in part what makes it so much fun doing what we do.

Sidewalk Universe said...

We have had a very mild winter season so far here in northern Nv. I am very fortunate to have been able to do the amount of events I have. I do not mind at all the cold weather for my personal observing but the public is not as hearty....so I am trying to take advantage of every opportunity!

I want to get to know my visitors and find out what makes them tick and how they see the universe! I hope to expand on this as I go along. Thanks for your encouragement!

NiteSkyGirl said...

hey you!
my friend Keith left a comment for you
on my new post . I'm glad you saw the comets !
my chance is tonight.

NiteSkyGirl said...

yep ! i'll be out looking at the comet for sure! finally clear here too.. Taking out my 8 inch dobsonian' Story ' to take a peek. My telescope have a few discoveries and stories together of our night sky adventures and people tell my my enthusiasm to share space / astronomy reminds them of Story Musgrave.
Right now i'm saving up for Orion Skyquest XT12.
My cats come first so my telescope will come second.
My next one will be named Ambrosia. After my buddie ..if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be an astronomer.

Sidewalk Universe said...

I have not named my scopes yet - though I talk to them when I am observing!

I have a 12.5 Dob that I use for my personal observing - you will love yours!

Ambrosia - it fits!