"The large-scale homogeneity of the universe makes it very difficult to believe that the structure of the universe is determined by anything so peripheral as some complicated molecular structure on a minor planet orbiting a very average star in the outer suburbs of a fairly typical galaxy."

— Steven Hawking

Blogs

Man on the Moon, Future and Past

With two currently functioning orbiters, and five more missions planned in the next year, Earth's Moon may soon have seven active probes operated by five nations, with even more coming soon. NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon by 2020 are moving steadily ahead, with some concrete prototypes and initial designs beginning to emerge. Called the Constellation Program, NASA's vision involves new and upgraded launch vehicles, exploration vehicles, autonomous rovers, new spacesuits, crew and cargo vehicles, and much more.

New Dwarf Planet

The IAU has designated "Makemake" a dwarf planet, with Ceres, Eris and Pluto, that brings the total to
four. Makemake (pronounced MAH-kay MAH-kay) is named for the Easter Island creator of humanity.

Ready for dinner!!

We are digging in!!.. Trying a fork poke first....        


How would you feel getting poked in the side! LOL    

Where are they NOW !

Not concerned about the lack of Sunspots but more so as to where are the bats, mosquits, and flying insects in general.  Since the report of bats having a white substance on their nose and wings which seems to be the cause of their dying, I have notice that the bats normally flying in my area are no longer here.  They definately kept the mosquitos away.  Last week there were some mosquitos flying around my head (at night), that's when I noticed that the bats were gone.  A couple of nights later, no flying insects.  The street lights had no flying insects around them

International Year of Astronomy 2009 and the Telescope

Galileo wasnt the first to have or use a telescope, but the first to put it towards the heavens and make use of it for studies in astronomy

The attached power point file offers a great explanation of the evolution of the early use of the telescope.

Whats with the Sun!!!

Sure now I have a solar telescope, a solar shield for my other telescope and the Sun is in the duldrums!!! The last one last 500 years!!!! (Maunder Minimum)   

 

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/11jul_solarcycleupdate.htm?list880574     

 

I dont have 500 years to spare !!!

 

NJAG party

During the May meeting several members suggested we have a party again.  Phil, Jim P, and I have been looking at several restaurants for ideas.  The plan was to decide by the July meeting.  If any of you folks have an idea, please share it with us. 

 

John

Scientists Think Big Object Whacked Mars

LOS ANGELES (June 25) - Why is Mars two-faced? Scientists say fresh evidence supports the theory that a monster impact punched the red planet, leaving behind perhaps the largest gash on any heavenly body in the solar system.

See full article:

http://news.aol.com/story/_a/scientists-think-big-object-whacked-mars/20...

Amateur astronomer stars for NASA

FORMER miner Trevor Barry scanned the night sky with his backyard telescope and became a star.

The passionate amateur astronomer caught the instant attention of NASA when he observed and photographed an extremely rare celestial event.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23901831-2862,00.html

Views of icy Mars

As we now have news of ice on mars in what is believed to be water ice. there are photos in the galleries, showing the latest finds, and a gif showing the evaporation process!

http://njastro.org/agx/image/a-gif-image-showing-disappearance-exposed-i...

 Enjoy