On Christmas Day 2021, astronomers and scientists around the world got the best Christmas present they could have hoped for – the successful launch of the James Webb space telescope. The cost of the telescope was way over budget and had been delayed more times than one could count. Finally, it was in space andContinue reading “The First James Webb Images”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
What is an Exoplanet?
30 years ago we knew for certain of 8 planets in the Solar System. On the 9th January 1992, the first confirmed planet orbiting another star was announced. A planet orbiting another star is called an exoplanet. Their discovery changed the way we think about the universe. Overnight it was proven that our solar systemContinue reading “What is an Exoplanet?”
What are the Equinoxes?
The Earth orbits the Sun. However, the angle it is orbiting at is tilted. Think of it like a spinning top that is leaning over slightly. The tilt is actually 23.5 degrees and this is what gives the Earth its seasons. The tilt always stays at 23.5 degrees relative to the plane of the solarContinue reading “What are the Equinoxes?”
Solar Eclipse 10th June 2021
Warning- Never look at the sun directly with your eyes, optical equipment or camera without adequate filters. Every year the Earth orbits the Sun and every month the Moon orbits the Earth. Every now and then their paths through the sky appear to cross. When this happens, the Moon appears to pass in front ofContinue reading “Solar Eclipse 10th June 2021”
Sir Isaac Newton
You’ve probably heard the story of a scientist sitting under an apple tree. Suddenly an apple falls and whacks him in the head. Just then he formulates the theory of gravity. It may not have happened just like that, but the scientist featured in the story is Sir Isaac Newton. He was born on 4thContinue reading “Sir Isaac Newton”
What is Light Pollution and Why Should You Care?
If one is lucky enough to live in a rural location you can look up on a clear night and see the Andromeda Galaxy which is 2.5 million lightyears away. That isn’t true for those that live in, or close to a town, village or city. From the heart of a city, one would beContinue reading “What is Light Pollution and Why Should You Care?”
The International Space Station at 20
This week marks the 20th anniversary since the International Space Station was first inhabited. Let’s take a look at what it is and what happens there. The International Space Station is an orbiting space station and laboratory. It was built and is operated by an international consortium of space agencies. The five agencies involved areContinue reading “The International Space Station at 20”
Constellations Explained
Many of us have heard of constellations. Often, one may be familiar with a few of them. But what are they and where did they come from? In general, a constellation is a group of stars that are said to resemble a person, animal, mythological being or object. The thing to remember here is thatContinue reading “Constellations Explained”
Citizen Science
Citizen Science is the term used to describe science conducted by amateurs. In the past all scientists were amateurs. Science was often the hobby of gentlemen scientists who funded their own research. For example Charles Darwin was born into a wealthy family. Nowadays most scientists are professionals. Employed mostly by universities and other research institutesContinue reading “Citizen Science”
Hubble Space Telescope Turns 30
The Hubble Space Telescope or HST for short celebrates its 30th birthday this week. The telescope was launched on 24th April 1990. It is named after astronomer Edwin Hubble. The HST is in orbit around the Earth at a height of approximately 540 Km. The advantage of having a telescope like Hubble in space isContinue reading “Hubble Space Telescope Turns 30”
The Science Shed 