By the best estimates, Comet C/2020 A3 will not be in proximity to Earth for another 80,000 years. That is a nearly incomprehensible timespan. The last time A3 was near Earth, wooly mammoths were still around. In this article I try to put this time in perspective, with the help of a few AI models.
Astronomy
Replacing Dust Covers on My Dobsonian Telescope
After seven years, the dust covers on my Dobsonian telescope needed replacing. In this article, I explain what I did to procure new covers, and show the results.
The Planet Hunter: Neptune!
I detail my process for finding the planet Neptune, using Stellarium, binoculars, and finally sketching through my Dobsonian telescope.
A Meteor During the Eclipse
During this month’s Lunar Eclipse, I witnessed a bright and large meteor streak from approximately Zenith into the Southwest.
Trees and Planets and Light Pollution
I took this picture with my iPhone quickly as I was packing up my telescope on Jupiter’s opposition night.
First Spotting of a Comet
Tonight was the first time I ever saw a comet. I missed Halley’s as a kid in 1986.
Hunting for Galaxy M61
I am under no illusion that seeing galaxies is possible from my location on Earth.
Sketching the Stars – M3 Globular Cluster
Here is what I hope will be the return of an observation technique I have not done for a while – sketching.
Venus and the Pleiades in April 2020
Inspired by other blogs such as Heads UP! taking cool pictures of Venus near the Pleiades, I knew I had to get in on the action myself.
Astropolitics and the “Lost Focus” of The Hubble Space Telescope
As an undergraduate studying computer engineering 24 years ago, I read a book that molded my perspective on science, scientists, and politics.