Category: astronomy

MWN Lightning Round: A trio of astronomical events on Friday!

March 18, 2015

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Erik Proseus

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astronomy, eclipse, equinox, lightning round, spring, supermoon

The MWN Lightning Round returns! This Friday, March 20, will feature not one… not two… but THREE astronomical events! Vernal Equinox – SPRING! The official first day of spring is Friday, March 20. Specifically in Memphis, the equinox occurs at 5:45pm CDT, when the sun crosses the equator from south to north. For the next…
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Supermoon tonight! But what makes it so super?

June 22, 2013

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Erik Proseus

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astronomy, supermoon

A couple of years ago, a “new” term started to be used for the phenomena that will occur again tonight. A “supermoon” is best described as a perigee moon in it’s full phase. In other words, a full moon that is at it’s closest approach to Earth. That’s what makes it so super! Not to…
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Comet PanSTARRS viewing opportunities

March 12, 2013

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Erik Proseus

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astronomy, space

UPDATE – March 13: I got a chance to see PanSTARRS last night and have updated the viewing tips accordingly. I could not see it without binoculars, but with them I could make it out once I knew where to look. This was in a subdivision with street lights, but it helped to move away…
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Space invaders: details on Earth’s upcoming close encounter with an asteroid

November 7, 2011

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Erik Proseus

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astronomy, space

During the early evening on Tuesday, November 8 (tomorrow if you are reading this on Monday), an asteroid called 2005 YU55 will make a close encounter with Earth. Now don’t worry – NASA has assured us that we are not in harm’s way and no species will be extinct Wednesday morning from a collision! However,…
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I have bad news… and bad news. Which do you want first?

December 20, 2010

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Erik Proseus

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astronomy, eclipse, holiday, snow

I’ll start with the bad news for Christmas first… I’ve been hemming and hawing (is that how you write that, I don’t think I have ever actually typed those words…) on the threat of wintry precipitation for Christmas Eve / Christmas Day. As of this afternoon, the MWN Forecast this afternoon will only reflect rain…
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Out of this world! Astronomical adventures of December 21, 2010

December 19, 2010

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Erik Proseus

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astronomy, eclipse, solstice

A couple of events in the world of astronomy will line up on Tuesday for the first time in 372 years and won’t happen again for another 84 years. Most people probably know of both, but may not have put two and two together yet to realize they happen on the same day. The most…
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Welcome to summer!

June 21, 2009

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Erik Proseus

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astronomy

…and you’re thinking, “what rock have you been under? It’s been 95 for four days with no end in sight!” Well, I can technically say “welcome to summer” today because June 21 is the official first day of summer. The summer solstice occurred this morning at 12:45am CDT. The solstice is the point in time…
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Did you see it?

December 13, 2008

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Erik Proseus

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astronomy, full moon

Did you get a glimpse of the perigee full moon last night? It was pretty cool. Very bright, very large, especially on the horizon. Anti-climactic? Perhaps a little, but still a sight to see. I tried to take some pics, but it’s difficult with a digital point-and-shoot with something that far away. It’s always smaller…
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Full moon mania tonight!

December 12, 2008

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Erik Proseus

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astronomy, full moon

Remember that tonight is the night for the biggest full moon of the year – literally! See my previous blog on the subject. Moon rises at 4:46pm, sun sets at 4:48pm. Sky conditions should be optimal.
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The largest full moon of 2008

December 11, 2008

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Erik Proseus

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astronomy, full moon

Tomorrow (Friday) evening, Dec. 12, might be a good time to take in a little astronomy. According to NASA, the moon will be at perigee (it’s closest point to the earth) at the same time that it is full, promising a spectacular view (provided there are few or no clouds) of the largest full moon…
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