I figure I won't be alone in here, I'm sure there are more who did S.E.T.I. and things like that over the years - maybe even still do.
Are you a sky watcher? Night Sky fan? I was just looking at what there is to see this month considering I missed the moon last night due to cloudy skies. Anyone else a fan or have other resources they like to use for this?
I didn't know about this - interesting!
I always look for the moon every morning on my early morning walks. I recall the Navajos had a lot of spiritual beliefs about the moon. I count on the moonlight to see better on the walks.
So many cultures were influenced by the moon. There is a town in Colorado (two I think) that went through extra efforts to reduce light pollution so the sky was even more visible. Just saw a video on it.
I've been thinking about how I might get someone in my own town to watch that video and take steps to achieve the same.
While I enjoy gazing at the moon, I'm a sunset person. Especially over water. I love the different colors and how the light changes with the clouds.
That reminds me of my safari in South Africa - either at night or early in the morning - it always felt like you were closer to the sky in South Africa (no pictures by me, will try to dig some others up as well).
Space nerd? Yes, I am.
I also ran the CETI/SETI search program on my PC, with all those spare 50MHz cycles. Not sure whatever good that did. Carl Sagan is definitely a role model.
I have a copy of the National Geographics "star map", AKA "Heavens." This version was put out in 1970, which may be the one I had: https://www.natgeomaps.com/hm-1970-heavens . I benefited from Russia's Sputnik launch, where the US poured money into science education, research, and development (Star Trek not withstanding).
One ASUG/Sapphire conference coincided with a space shuttle launch, and I joined colleagues out on the Orlando convention center deck to try to glimpse. And I toured the space center with a couple techie buddies one conference year.
I occasionally compile and run POM.c (or potm.c) on a new machine to make sure it's got the right math libraries. Originally shared on Usenet, I believe.
/*
* Phase of the Moon. Calculates the current phase of the moon.
* Based on routines from `Practical Astronomy with Your Calculator',
* by Duffett-Smith. Comments give the section from the book that
* particular piece of code was adapted from.
*
* -- Keith E. Brandt VIII 1984
*
*/
./pom.x64
The Moon is Full
The newspapers had astronomy columns, once upon a time. Now, not so much, but I did clip this.
I read once the best moon photos are not at full, but at half, as the shadows are more distinct.
Lastly, I'm an astronomy merit badge counselor. The youth typically know more than I do. But I was able to see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn with my telescope.
That is awesome! I actually took my first moon photo last night with my brand new Telescope.
Need to work on staying focused on the object and of course on the camera work but was amazing to just stare at the thing for awhile.
Interesting thought, feels like a plausible explanation (density, etc) might be beyond my current understandings though.
I've been working on refactoring an old python program and just trying to understand conversions of equatorial readings to AltAz readings and the sidereal motion of the planet itself is tough as it is.
Anyone else chase eclipses? We journeyed to North Carolina and Tennessee for a total solar in 2017. My imagery was fair, not worth sharing, but the experience was unforgettable. One gentleman came prepared to put on a show for the crowd using minimalist gear such as a cardboard box. Incredible views, including visible sunspots.
I am a fan of Sunrise, Sunset and the Night Sky. I have photos on my mobile and DSLR camera filled with them.
Recently could get a chance to click the moon through my new mobile phone which has a Supermoon mode ( good zoom nothing fancy ). Attaching the pic :
Nice, mine was my phone as well. I do have a new app supposed to be great for night sky shots so once I actually get clear night skies again I will give it a try.
and despite high winds and waiting a very longtime for the clouds to clear I managed to get a full moon pic.
This was 2 nights ago I think, took me forever to try and get the new eyepiece camera focused and everything - and then the neighbours house actually got in the way before I could try more refining.
... night sky fan ... yes!
No just moon and stars ... also comets, aurora, milky way and other occasions ... here: Comet Neowise over Moritzburg Castle near Dresden
