Galaxy guide: Can you pass this quiz on measuring time?
By Kyle Jeter
Pop quiz! Let’s think about a subject that most of us take for granted: how we measure time. We’ll start with an easy question.
How long does the Earth take to rotate once on its axis?
If you answered “24 hours”, that’s not so bad. I think you deserve partial credit. However, we can be more specific. You may be surprised to learn that the Earth spins on its axis in about 23 hours and 56 minutes, what astronomers call a sidereal daytime.
Our typical 24-hour day is based on the position of the Sun. Ancient peoples used sundials to mark the Sun’s highest position in the sky each day, then eventually civilizations began to divide this solar day into 24 equal segments.
So why the difference of 4 minutes?
Because while the Earth rotates on its axis, it also rotates around the Sun. In a sense, the Earth must rotate four “more” minutes for the Sun to be aligned again at noon.
On other planets, such as Mercury and Venus, the difference between the sidereal day and the solar day is much more pronounced. On Mercury, for example, a solar day lasts two Mercury years!
Let’s try another question. How long does it take the Earth to orbit the Sun once?
Did you guess 365 days?
Again, not bad. Maybe you even said 365 and a quarter days if you remember that we add an extra day to the calendar every four years, a “leap year” to account for that annoying quarter day.
But guess what? This answer is not entirely accurate either. An even more accurate answer would be around 365.242 (you see the picture – it’s not exact).
So how did timekeepers of the past explain the difference between 365.25 and 365.242?
Here is an obscure fun fact for you. We don’t really have a leap year all four years, after all. During century years (1400, 1500, etc.), there is no leap year when the century year is divisible by the number four. So, remarkably, the year 2000, for example, was not a leap year! (Because the number 2000 is divisible by four). Neither will the year 2400 in case you want to plan accordingly.
Even with all of this, our current schedule is still not perfect. Adjustments in the future will still need to be made to account for such an inconvenient and inaccurate number.
Next question: How many days does it take for the Moon to orbit the Earth?
Did you guess 30? 31?
Sorry. You might be surprised to learn that the Moon orbits the Earth in just over 27 days. All it takes is basic high school physics to calculate this number based on the mass of the Earth and the distance between the centers of mass of the Earth and the Moon. 27.3 days is what we call a sidereal month.
The 12 months we know and love (“month” in Old English) are known as synodic month. They are based on the familiar phases of the Moon, the time from one New Moon until the next New Moon. A synodic month lasts about 29.5 days, the length you would expect.
Why is there a difference? While the Moon orbits the Earth in 27.3 days, the Earth is busy orbiting the Sun. So, in a sense, the Moon needs a few more days to “catch up” to the moving Earth and be aligned with the Earth and the Sun again. This is why calendar months last on average about 30 days.
Therefore, days, months and years are based on the physical and orbital properties of the Earth. But the concept of “week” is not.
This brings us to the final question: Why are there seven days in a week?
Ancient people lacked modern equipment such as telescopes and binoculars, of course. But they still figured out that the five planets they could see with the naked eye behaved differently in the sky than the stars.
The term planet comes from the Greek word “planetas”, which roughly translates to “wanderer”. This is because the planets drift or wander through the constellations. Their luminosity also changes significantly (as they orbit further and further away from Earth and the Sun).
Planets occasionally appear drift backward relative to background stars, exhibiting a so-called retrograde motion (important note – the planets always revolve around the Sun in the same direction, despite this illusion).
Thus, the ancient peoples knew that the five planets visible to them were different entities from the stars for all the aforementioned reasons. They were special.
And, it probably goes without saying that all the ancient cultures of the world were intensely interested in the movements of the Sun and the Moon.
So there were a total of seven objects in the sky of particular interest to ancient peoples. This is why we have seven days in our week.
Think about it – what is the first day of the calendar week? SUN-day, of course! And this is immediately followed by the second most prominent object in the sky – the day of the MOON.
The rest of the weekdays are dedicated to the five naked-eye planets. In English, these days are associated with Norse gods (Thor’s Day, for example). But it’s easier to see the connection to the planets using Romance languages like Spanish. In Spanish, Tuesday is Martes – Mars Day. Wednesday is Miercoles – Day of Mercury. Thursday is Jueves – Day of Jupiter. And Friday, or Viernes, is the day of Venus. In English, it is obvious that the last day of the week, Saturday, is named after the beautifully ringed planet.
Well, the time is up!
Whether you passed your pop quiz or learned a few new things along the way, I appreciate you spending some of your time reading my article. Because the most important lesson about time is this: it’s the most precious asset each of us has.
I hope you enjoy every minute, my friends, on this upcoming trip around the Sun.
Kyle Throw has been reading about astronomy since the age of five and has never stopped learning. Since 1994 he has lived in Coral Springs and worked at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. He has a daughter, Kayla, and a son named Kyle. Jeter started the astronomy program in high school in 1997. Follow him on Instagram at @jeterk1971 and subscribe on Youtube.
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The mysterious connection between Sirius and the history of mankind
🌟 From ancient times and across multiple civilizations, Sirius, the Star of the Dog, has been surrounded by mysterious traditions.
Esoteric teachings of all ages have invariably attributed special status to Sirius, and the importance of the star in occult symbolism attests to this.
“What makes Sirius so special? Is it just because he’s the brightest star in the sky? Or could it come from an ancient and mysterious connection with her?
This article highlights the importance of Sirius throughout history and secret societies, and then describes the symbolism that surrounds him.
Sirius is found in the constellation Canis Major and is therefore known as “the star of the dog”. (If you can recognize the constellation Orion, just look below to the left, east, to spot Sirius.
Do not confuse it with Jupiter. Sirius sparkles, while Jupiter’s radiance is fixed. It’s twenty times brighter than our sun and twice as massive. At night, Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, and its clear blue glow has never failed to interest astronomers since the dawn of time. It’s no wonder that Sirius has been revered by virtually all civilizations. But is there anything else beyond the mere fact of its observation?
🌟Artefacts from ancient civilizations have revealed that Sirius was of great importance in astronomy, mythology and occultism.
The Mystery Schools regard it as a “sun behind the sun” and therefore the true source of energy for our sun. If the heat of our sun keeps the physical world alive, Sirius is considered to keep the spiritual world alive. He is the “true light” which shines in the east, the spiritual light, as the sun illuminates the physical world, considered a great illusion.
Associating Sirius with the divine and likewise seeing him as the cradle of humanity’s “great teachers” is not only rooted in the mythology of a few early civilizations: it is a widespread belief that has survived (and has even intensified) until today.
We will study the importance of Sirius in ancient times, analyze his dominance in secret societies, and examine these esoteric concepts as they have been passed down in popular culture.
💙In ancient civilizations🌟
In ancient Egypt, Sirius was seen as the most important star in the sky. Astronomically it was in fact the foundation of the entire Egyptian religious system. He was revered as Sothis and was associated with Isis, the maternal goddess of Egyptian mythology. Isis is the feminine aspect of the trinity formed by herself, Osiris and their son Horus.
The ancient Egyptians held Sirius in such a regard that most of their deities were associated, near or far, with the star. Anubis, the dog-headed god of death, had an obvious connection to the dog star, and Toth-Hermes, the great teacher of mankind, was esoterically related to the star as well.
The Egyptian calendar system was based on the heliacal rising of Sirius which occurred just before the annual summer flooding of the Nile. The celestial movement of the star was also observed and revered by the ancient Greeks, Sumerians, Babylonians, and many other civilizations. The star was therefore sacred and its appearance in the sky was accompanied by festivals and celebrations. The dog star heralded the coming of the heat and drought days of July and August, so the popular term was “heat wave” (from Latin “canis”, the dog)
Several researchers in occultism have claimed that the Great Pyramid of Giza was built in perfect alignment with stars, especially Sirius. The glow of these stars would have been used in Egyptian Mystery ceremonies.
Recent scientific discoveries relating to the Great Pyramid and its mysterious ventilation chimneys have led researchers to further confirm the importance of Sirius to the pyramid.
Translation: the sky above the great pyramid, 2500 BC
The alignment of the star with the Great Pyramid of Giza. Orion (assimilated to the god Osiris) aligns with the King’s Chamber while Sirius (assimilated to the goddess Isis) aligns with the Queen’s Chamber.
A fascinating aspect of Sirius is the consistency of its symbolism and the meanings associated with it.
Several great civilizations have truly associated Sirius with a dog-like figure and visualized the star either as the source or as the end goal of a mysterious force.
To Chinese and Japanese astronomy, Sirius is known as “the star of the celestial wolf”. Several native tribes in North America referred to the star …in canine terms: the Seri and Tohono O’odham tribes of the southwest describe Sirius as a “dog following the bighorn sheep”, while Blackfoot (American Indian) calls him “dog face”. The Cherokees paired Sirius with Antares as the guardian star-dog of the “Path of Souls”. The dog tribe in Nebraska knew him as “the star of the wolf”, while other branches of the tribe called him “the star coyote”. Further north, the Inuit of Alaska called him the “moon dog.”
💙The Dogon tribe and Atlantis🌟
In 1971, American author Robert Temple published a controversial book titled The Mystery of Sirius, in which he claimed that the Dogons (an ancient African tribe in Mali) knew details about Sirius that were impossible to know without a telescope. According to him, the Dogon understood the binary nature of Sirius, which is in fact made up of two stars named Sirius A and Sirius B. This led Temple to think that the Dogon had “direct” connections with beings from Sirius.
While some might say “You can’t be Sirius” (sorry), a lot of secret societies (which have historically had some of the most influential people in the world in their ranks) and belief systems teach a connection. mystic between Sirius and humanity.
In Dogon mythology, humanity is said to have arisen from the Nommo, a race of amphibians who were inhabitants of a planet surrounding Sirius. They would have descended from the sky in a vessel accompanied by fire and thunder. And would have imparted extensive knowledge to humans. This led Temple to establish the theory that the Nommos were extraterrestrial inhabitants of Sirius who traveled to earth at some point in the distant past to teach ancient civilizations (such as the Egyptians and Dogons) about the star system of Sirius as well as our own solar system. These civilizations will then integrate the teachings of the Nommos into their religions and make them converge towards their Mysteries.
The Dogon mythological system is remarkably similar to those of other civilizations such as the Sumerians, Egyptians, Israelites, and Babylonians, for it includes the archetypal myth of a “great teacher from heaven.”
Depending on civilization, this great teacher is known as either Enoch, Thoth or Hermes Trismegistus and is said to have taught mankind theurgic sciences. In occult traditions, it is believed that Thot-Hermes taught the people of Atlantis, who, according to legend, would have become the most advanced civilization in the world before the entire continent was submerged by a great flood (versions flood can be found in the mythologies of countless civilizations).
The survivors of Atlantis traveled by boat to several countries, including Egypt, where they passed on their advanced knowledge. Occultists believe that the inexplicable resemblance between distant civilizations (like the Mayans and Egyptians) can be explained by their common contact with the Atlanteans.
Is Thot-Hermes Trismegistus the equivalent of the Nommos of the Dogons, who they believe originated from Sirius?
💙Ancient texts concerning Hermes describe him as a teacher of mysteries who “came from the stars”. In addition, Thoth-Hermes was directly linked to Sirius in Egyptian mythology.
The interpretation of the mythology of ancient cultures is not an exact science, and the connections are inherently difficult to prove. Yet the symbolic link between Sirius and occult knowledge has appeared throughout history and has continually traveled through the ages. In fact, it is revered today as it was millennia ago.
Modern secret societies, such as the Freemasons, the Rosicrucians, and the Golden Dawn (which are considered Hermetic Orders in that their teachings are based on those of Hermes Trismegistus) all attribute extreme importance to Sirius. A keen look at their symbolism gives a glimpse of the deep connection between Sirius and occult philosophy.
Sirius, occult symbolism and secret societies
To claim that Sirius is “important” to the Hermetic Orders would be a huge understatement.
The dog star is nothing other than the linchpin of teachings and symbols of secret societies. The ultimate proof: many secret societies are still named after the star
🌟In the tarot
The 17th major tarot card is called “The Star” (or “The Stars”, according to the tarot) and features a young girl kneeling with one foot in water and the other on earth; his body suggests the shape of a swastika. She has two urns, the contents of which she pours on the ground and in the water. Above his head are 8 stars, one of them being exceptional ..nt large and bright.
The Count of Gébelin considers that the big star is Sothis or Sirius; the other 7 stars are the sacred planets of the ancients. He believes that the female figure is Isis in action which triggers the flooding of the Nile, accompanied by the rising of the dog star. The unclothed representation of Isis can mean that Nature does not receive her garment of greenery until the waters of the Nile have released the germination of plants and flowers.
Among the Freemasons
In Masonic lodges, Sirius is known as “the fiery star” and a glance at his highlighting in Masonic symbolism reveals his immense importance.
Freemason author William Hutchinson wrote of Sirius: “It is the primary and highest object that requires our attention in the Lodge. Just as the light of Sirius makes its way into the Great Pyramid during initiations, it is symbolically present in Masonic lodges.
In Freemasonry, it is taught that the fiery star is a symbol of divinity, omnipresence (the Creator is present everywhere) and omniscience (the Creator sees and knows all). Sirius is therefore “the sacred place” that all Masons must reach: it is the source of divine power and the divine destination of individuals. This concept is often represented in Masonic art.
Ancient astronomers saw all the great symbols of Freemasonry in the stars. Sirius shines in our dressing rooms like a flaming star. “
🌟 In Freemasonry, it is taught that the fiery star is a symbol of divinity, omnipresence (the Creator is present everywhere) and omniscience (the Creator sees and knows everything).
“Sirius is therefore” the sacred place “that all Masons must reach: it is the source of divine power and the divine destination of individuals.
This concept is often represented in Masonic art.
Masonic artwork depicting Sirius, the Burning Star, as a Freemason’s travel destination.
To achieve perfection, the initiate must understand and successfully integrate the dual nature of the world (good and evil; male and female; black and white, etc.) through an alchemical metamorphosis.
This concept is symbolically represented by the union of Osiris and Isis (the male and female principles) which gives birth to Horus, the child-star, a character similar to Christ, the perfect man of Freemasonry – who is the equal of the burning star.
“The sun and the moon … represent the two great principles … the masculine and the feminine … both shed their light on their son, the fiery star, or Horus.”
The Egyptian hieroglyph representing Sirius has been esoterically interpreted as the representation of the cosmic trinity.
The hieroglyph representing Sirius contains three elements:
a “phallic” obelisk (representing Osiris), a dome similar to a matrix (representing Isis) and a star (representing Horus).
This concept is so crucial to Freemasons that it has been incorporated into most major structures around the world.
🌟The Washington monument, an Egyptian obelisk representing the male principle, is directly connected to the dome of the Capitol, representing the female principle.
Together they produce Horus an invisible energy represented by Sirius.
As Albert Pike stated above, the Egyptian god Horus and the star Sirius are often associated.
In Masonic symbolism, the Eye of Horus (or All-Seeing Eye) is often depicted surrounded by the light of Sirius.
A Masonic board describes the sun above the left pillar (representing the masculine), the moon above the right pillar (representing the feminine) and Sirius above the central pillar, representing the “perfect man” or Horus, the son of Isis and Osiris. Note the “Eye of Horus” on Sirius.
The Eye of Horus within a triangle (symbolizing divinity) surrounded by the glow of Sirius, the fiery star
The All-Seeing Eye within the Burning Star in Masonic Art
The All-Seeing Eye within the Burning Star in Masonic Art Given the symbolic correlation between the All-Seeing Eye and Sirius, the following picture becomes obvious.
The light behind the All-Seeing Eye on the US dollar bill is not that of the sun, but that of Sirius.
💙The Great Pyramid of Giza was built in alignment with Sirius and is therefore shown to be shining just above the Pyramid.
A shining tribute to Sirius is thereby in the pockets of millions of citizens.
“The Order of the Eastern Star”
The symbol of the OEO is an inverted star, similar to the fiery star of Freemasonry.
Considered the “female version” of Freemasonry (although men can participate), the Order of the Eastern Star (ey considers Sirius to have a great impact on the lives of men. Aleister Crowley, the A.A. and Kenneth Grant In 1907, Crowley initiated his own occult order which he called A.A. – a shorthand for Argentium Astrum, which can be translated as “the Order of the Silver Star”. This silver star was, of course, a reference to Sirius.
Although Crowley almost always referred to the Dog Star in veiled terms, the entirety of his magical philosophy, from his development as a young Freemason to his final years as head of the OTO ( OrdoTemplis Orientis, the Eastern Temple Order), is very much in keeping with a Sirian influence, which has been identified and expressed by other writers of his day. His supposed contact with a sacred guardian angel, which later led him to channeling the Book of the Law, seems to have originated in Sirius.
While Crowley used code words to describe Sirius, his protégé Kenneth Grant wrote explicitly and extensively about the dog star. Throughout his many books, he has often described Sirius as a powerful center of magical magnetic power. His belief that the star holds a central key to unlocking the mysteries of Egyptian and Typhonian traditions grew stronger over time and became a central focus of his research.
One of Grant’s most important and controversial theses was his discovery of the “Sirius / Seth current”, which is an alien dimension connected to Sirius, the Earth and Seth, the Egyptian god of chaos – who was later equated with Satan.
Although each occult philosophy describes Sirius in slightly different ways, he is still consistently viewed as the “sun behind the sun,” the true source of occult power. It is seen as the cradle of human knowledge, and the belief in the existence of a strong connection between the star and planet Earth never seems anachronistic.
Is there a real connection between Sirius and Earth? Is the dog star an esoteric symbol representing something happening in the spiritual realm? Or both? One thing is for sure, the cult of Sirius is not a “thing of the past” and is still alive today. An in-depth look at our popular culture, which is heavily influenced by occult symbolism, reveals multiple references to Sirius.
Sirius in popular culture
Direct references to Sirius 🌟
A more interesting analytical aspect of popular culture are the coded references to Sirius.
Great films have made, although veiled, deep references to the star of the dog (apparently wanted by those who “are in the game”), in which the star plays a role always attributed to the Mysteries: that of initiator and divine teacher. Here are a few examples.
🌟In Disney’s Pinocchio, based on a story written by Freemason Carlo Collodi, Gepetto prays to the brightest star in the sky to have a “real baby boy”.
The Blue Fairy (its color is a reference to Sirius’ clear blue light) then descends from the heavens to bring Pinocchio to life.
Through the puppet’s quest to become a boy (an allegory of esoteric initiation), the Blue Fairy guides Pinocchio to the “straight path”.
Sirius is therefore represented as a source of life, guide and teacher. (I will translate the symbolism of Pinocchio later, from the site “Vigilant Citizen”)
💙In Harry Potter, the character named Sirius Black is most likely a reference to Sirius B (the “darker” star in Sirius’ binary system).
He is the godfather of Harry Potter, which makes Sirius, once again, a teacher and a guide.
The magician can turn into a big black dog, another link with the shit star not.
🌟In the Truman Show, a spotlight – which serves to mimic the glow of a star in Truman’s rigged world – falls from the sky and almost hits him. The mark on the projector identifies him with Sirius.
The meeting of Truman and Sirius gives him a look of “true knowledge” and pushes him towards a quest for the truth. Sirius is by this “the star of initiation”. He made Truman realize the limits of his studio world (our material world) and led him to free himself (spiritual emancipation).
From the dawn of civilization to modern times, from the extinct tribes of Africa to the great capitals of the modern world, Sirius has been – and still is – seen as a giver of life.
Despite the disparity between cultures and eras, the same mysterious attributes are given to the dog star, which may make us wonder: how can all of these definitions synchronize so perfectly?
Is there a common source for all these myths about Sirius? The dog star is invariably associated with divinity and considered to be the source of knowledge and power. These connections are particularly evident when one examines the teachings and symbolism of the Secret Societies, which have always taught a mystical connection with this particular celestial body.
Is there a secret connection between human evolution and Sirius? To unlock this secret would be to unlock one of the great mysteries of mankind.
Source Cyrille Collomb


The image shows the aftermath of the explosion of an ancient star more than 6,500 light-years away. The star's core still pulses at the center of the Crab Nebula, while the other colors are particles and gases released in the explosion.Published by Knowledge Unlimited, 18" x 25"
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A List of Books K-3 children may enjoy along with my new release:
Twinkle, Star of the Week
by Joan Holub (author), Paul Nicholls (illustrator)
picture book, isbn 9780807581315, March 2010, 32 pages, hardcover
The stars in Sky School take turns being Star of the Week and Twinkle can hardly wait for her turn. Simple astronomy facts are interspersed in the story and stated on the endpapers to supplement.
From Booklist: "A sympathetic portrayal of overcoming disappointment and discovering personal talents."
Books about the stars and planets:
by H. A. Rey (1952)
By the author of Curious George, this is a guide to stars, constellations, and planets in the night sky.
The Magic School Bus Sees Stars: A Book About Stars
by Nancy White Carlstrom
The Magic School Bus tours the galaxy.
There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System
by Tish Rabe
Cat in the Hat in a space suit among the nine planets, presenting important facts along the way.
I Want to Be an Astronaut
by Byron Barton
A space shuttle heads into orbit. Astronauts get a taste of ready-to-eat food, experience zero gravity, go for space walks, and fix a satellite.
Additional books about Star of the Week:
Star Of The Week (2006)
by Barney Saltzberg (Author)
Emily Santos, Star Of The Week (2006)
by Rozanne Lanczak Williams (Author), Priscilla Burris (Illustrator)
Star Of The Week: A Story Of Love, Adoption, And Brownies With Sprinkles (2009)
by Darlene Friedman (Author), Roger Roth (Illustrator)
Books about the traditional Twinkle rhyme:
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Iza Trapini, Charlesbridge Publishing (1997)
Twinkle The Star: The Ocean Adventure (2009)
by Katina Lawdis (Author), Kristos P. Lawdis
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (2006)
by Rosemary Wells


Click above to see a larger version of the 'Hand of God' image from NASA's NuSTAR. (Source: NASA/JPL-Caltech/McGill)
PASADENA, CA (FOX Carolina) -
A new X-ray space image released by NASA has many talking about the object that looks like a hand, leaving some to nickname it the "Hand of God."
NASA said the hand-shaped object is a pulsar wind nebula that was the result of a star that blew up in a supernova explosion 17,000 light-years away.
Scientists don't know what is behind the image that is gaining more attention. It was captured by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, as the spinning material interacted with magnetic fields, it glows with X-rays.
"We don't know if the hand shape is an optical illusion," said Hongjun An of McGill University, Montreal, Canada, in an online release about the image. "With NuSTAR, the hand looks more like a fist, which is giving us some clues."
NuSTAR imaged the object with high-energy X-rays for the first time, though it had previously been detected by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory.
The NuSTAR project launched into space June 13, 2012, in order to explore the high-energy X-ray universe. NuSTAR observes black holes, dead and exploded stars and other extreme objects in the Milky Way galaxy and beyond.
Click here to read more about what scientists say may be the reason for the shape and the mission.
Copyright 2014 FOX Carolina (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
Thursday, July 31 2014 12:08 AM EDT2014-07-31 04:08:39 GMT
It's troubling and alarming an old trend is resurfacing, teens across the country are passing out to get high, and the consequences could be deadly. It begins with rapid breathing, then a sudden gaspMore >
It's troubling and alarming an old trend is resurfacing, teens across the country are passing out to get high, and the consequences could be deadly.More >
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The likelihood of complex life on other planets in the universe is the topic of my book for review this month. Don't be alarmed, you have not jumped into a review of an upcoming X-Files show. No, you remain firmly in the solid grasp of reality. This is a book for enthusiasts of paleontology although at first glance it may not seem to be so.
Rare Earth, Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe is the book to be reviewed. One of my favorite authors, Peter D. Ward, wrote Rare Earth along with Donald Brownlee. Ward is a Professor of Geology and Brownlee is Professor of Astronomy, both at the University of Washington in Seattle. I have favorably reviewed a number of Ward's books in this column. Brownlee specializes in the study of the origins of the solar system and astrobiology. Rare Earth is a 333 page work published by Copernicus in 2000. The book retails for $25.00 in hardcover.
Let me explain the connection between the existence of complex extraterrestrial life and paleontology. It is always hard to estimate such things but I would suggest that over half of this book deals with paleontology and earth geology with extensive treatments of the origin of life on earth, evolutionary jumps, and mass extinctions. Smoothly blended with the paleontology, are illuminating descriptions of the formation of stars, planets, our solar system, and the geologic processes of the earth that make life possible.
Rare Earth has melded the knowledge of the two author's specialties to present a cogent and compelling case against the likelihood of complex life in the vastness of the universe. Ward and Brownlee explain in their prefatory comments that their proposal is contrary to that held by most other scientists working in this field, the most famous perhaps being the late Carl Sagan. Before I go further, I want to be certain that you understand the perhaps subtle difference between complex extraterrestrial life and that of simple extraterrestrial life. This is an important distinction. Simple life forms would include animals like bacteria and viruses. Complex life on the other hand includes animals and plants.
Through the course of building their case, Ward and Brownlee show that the earth itself is a very special and rare body in itself. Since Rare Earth unites astronomy, geology, and biology so seamlessly, the reader easily follows the explanations of the relatedness of stellar, geologic, and biologic processes from the origin of the universe through evolution of complex life on earth. I personally found this enlightening. Here are but a few examples:
The fact that all of these conditions exist and have since the formation of the earth has provided this planet with a great deal of stability of over 4 billion years. Long term stability is the key here. Complex life requires a functioning evolutionary process that in itself takes millions of years. Without this stability no complex life can evolve. In the briefest of terms, these explanations of fact support the concept that the earth is an extremely special planet. The probability that another such planet exists in the universe becomes statistically insignificant.
As in any good scientific work, the hypothesis must be subjected to tests. Ward and Brownlee suggest a few such tests. One of the tests is the spectral analysis of the atmosphere on potential life harboring planets that would detect water, carbon dioxide, and ozone. As pointed out in Rare Earth our atmosphere of nitrogen, oxygen, and water vapor is highly unstable. Without the life processes, these elements would combine naturally to form nitric acid and make the oceans slightly acidic.
Many of the traditional sciences began using interdisciplinary approaches in research more frequently in the last part of the 20th century. The investigation into the famous impact hypothesis surrounding the extinction of the dinosaurs is a prominent example. This book is another good example that can give readers a bigger picture of just how everything fits together. In addition, Ward and Brownlee have illustrated rational thinking and application of the scientific method while building their hypothesis. Rare Earth is one of those books that I urge you to seek out.


Send creative play into orbit with the LEGO® City Lunar Space Station (60349) playset. This NASA-inspired space toy comes with lots of realistic features for imaginative play, including science and botany labs and a docking space capsule, plus 5 astronaut minifigures. Combine this set with others from the LEGO City Space range, such as the LEGO® City Rocket Launch Center - 60351, or the LEGO® City Lunar Roving Vehicle - 60348 (sets sold separately), for even more cool space fun!
This LEGO construction set includes a step-by-step printed building guide and interactive digital building instructions. Available in the free LEGO Building Instructions app for smartphones and tablets, the digital guide comes with intuitive zoom and rotate tools that allow kids to visualize each model from all angles as they build.
LEGO City Space toy playsets come with feature-rich models inspired by real NASA machines, vehicles and spacecraft, plus inspiring astronaut characters for imaginative, open-ended play based on real-life space missions. With the LEGO city space range, even the sky isn’t the limit!
- LEGO® City space-themed playset – The LEGO City Lunar Space Station (60349) is packed with NASA-inspired features and functions for imaginative space play
- What’s in the box? – Everything kids need to build a Lunar Space Station with a docking space capsule, plus 5 astronaut minifigures
- 500 Pieces - A gift for all occasions – This LEGO® toy can be given as a birthday, holiday or any-other-day gift for children aged 6 and up
- Can be given as a birthday, holiday or any-other-day gift
- Space Station dimensions – When built, the Lunar Space Station measures over 5 in. (13 cm) high, 12.5 in. (32 cm) long and 11 in. (28 cm) wide
- Includes LEGO® minifigure accessories – The minifigure accessories in this toy space station playset include a camera, wrench, drill, helmets and plants
- Interactive building instructions – Kids can zoom, rotate and view models from all angles as they build with the LEGO® Building Instructions app, available for smartphones and tablets
- Kids develop key skills and confidence as they build and play
- Quality in focus – All LEGO® components meet strict industry standards to ensure they are consistent, compatible and fun to build with – it’s been that way since 1958
- Play and learn – LEGO® City Space toys are inspired by real NASA machines, vehicles and spacecraft for open-ended play based on real-life events
- Putting safety first – LEGO® bricks and pieces are dropped, heated, crushed, twisted and analyzed to make sure they meet stringent global standards for safety


Our focus this week was our moon and the planets. We watched some video's about the moon's phases. Then we did an activity with styrofoam and flashlights in the darkness of our windowless classroom. It was so cool to be able to see the different phases! Next, we learned about the Algonquian names for the full moons of each month, or moonth. ;) We drew the phases of the moon in our lesson books. Then I showed them a 2 minute clip of the bathroom scene in Hidden Figures. In this scene, Katherine Johnson is expressing her anger to her boss and all the clueless white males at NASA about how difficult it is for her to find a bathroom to use due to segregation. It was nice to place space exploration into the context of the Civil Rights Movement happening at the same time. I highly recommend watching this movie!
Everyone is in the process of creating a travel brochure for one of the planets. I gave them a research guide with questions, my expectations for the project and some books and let them research on their own. I was impressed by the initiative they took on this project. They were really enjoying themselves. I let each student plug their age into a page on Exploratorium's website that let us know our age on every planet. They loved this!


Lunar Whispers in the Dark: Self Care by the Moon Audiobook Review
In the stillness of night, under the watchful gaze of the celestial bodies that have guided humanity through ages, I embarked on a journey not through space, but within the vast universe of self-care under the tender luminescence of our closest celestial neighbor. Self Care by the Moon Audiobook, penned and narrated by Valerie Tejeda, promised an odyssey – a rekindling of ancient wisdom where the moon’s phases guide us toward inner peace and equilibrium. As someone who has always been intrigued by the mystic dance between astrology and personal well-being, I found myself drawn to this compact yet profound audiobook with an open heart and a curious mind.
Valerie Tejeda, whose voice resonates with warmth and understanding, offers more than just words; she extends an invitation to explore a practice deeply rooted in our ancestors’ traditions. The moon, with its enigmatic presence and cyclical journey across the night sky, serves as a beacon for those seeking solace and rejuvenation in today’s fast-paced world. Through her dual role as author and narrator, Tejeda becomes a trusted guide, leading listeners through each lunar phase with grace and insight.
Self Care by the Moon Audiobook unfolds like a nocturnal bloom, revealing its secrets gently, layer by layer. Tejeda’s expertise as an astrology writer shines as brightly as the stars she speaks of, translating cosmic complexities into accessible wisdom. The audiobook is structured around the lunar phases – new moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning moon – each offering unique opportunities for introspection and renewal. What captivated me most was how Tejeda weaves together celestial knowledge with practical self-care practices; it’s not merely about understanding the moon’s influence but actively engaging with these energies to foster balance and well-being.
As I delved deeper into each chapter, I found myself reflecting on my own life rhythms in relation to the lunar cycle. The new moon phase, symbolizing beginnings and intentions, prompted me to set aside moments for quiet contemplation and goal setting. Conversely, the full moon phase encouraged release – letting go of what no longer serves me to make room for growth. This audiobook doesn’t just speak; it listens – echoing back one’s own desires and challenges against the backdrop of universal harmony.
Perhaps what makes Self Care by the Moon Audiobook truly resonate is its embodiment of simplicity. In a world where self-care has often been commercialized to the point of losing its essence, Tejeda brings us back to basics – to nature’s rhythm and our intrinsic connection to it. The practices suggested are both soothing and easily integrated into daily life, making self-care an attainable ritual rather than an elusive luxury.
As my journey with Self Care by the Moon Audiobook drew to a close, I felt a sense of calmness wash over me – a testament to its impact. This isn’t just an audiobook; it’s a companion for those nights when you find yourself gazing up at the sky, seeking answers or solace from the celestial bodies above.
For those eager to embark on this enlightening path towards self-discovery and cosmic alignment, Self Care by the Moon Audiobook awaits your eager ears at Audiobooks4soul.com – a sanctuary for seekers of wisdom in audio form.
As I look forward to my next adventure into realms known and unknown, I invite you to join me under the night sky’s canopy. Who knows what mysteries we’ll uncover together? Happy listening,


Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr., commander of the Apollo 14 lunar landing mission, stands by the deployed United States flag on the lunar surface during the early moments of the first extravehicular ...
It does, however, have a high density of craters and in the last seconds before landing, the LM had to be manually piloted by Neil Armstrong to avoid a sharp-rimmed ray crater measuring some 180 meters across and 30 meters deep known as West. Ce fut la première à avoir déposé des hommes sur la Lune en juillet 1969, mission dont nous fêtons cette année le cinquantenaire (Vous observerez cette zone avec un éclairage rasant (à proximité du terminateur, limite entre la partie éclairée et celle plongée dans l’ombre) aux 6ème et 20ème jours de la lunaison. The Apollo 11 landing site in Mare Tranquillitatis was one of three sites selected for the first lunar landing from a list of 30 sites originally under consideration. This spectacular view across the rim of the Moon's Wallach crater, 3.5 miles (5700 meters) across, comes from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Sign up. A member of the Apollo 10 crew is hoisted up to a helicopter from the prime recovery ship, USS Princeton. The map covers a large section of the near surface of the moon, centred on the Apollo 11 landing site at the edge of Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquillity).
The P1 and P2 images are 800 m across and show 5 m features. This mare has a slight bluish tint relative to the rest of the Moon and stands out quite well when color is processed and extracted from
Map of Mare Tranquillitatis showing the landing sites of Apollo 11, the first manned moon mission, Apollo 17, Apollo 16, and Surveyor 5.
This photograph is a view of a display, control console, and hand controller for the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) No. … Apollo 17 astronaut Jack Schmitt with the U.S. flag and the Earth in the sky. "Sea of Tranquility" redirects here.
The Apollo 9 spacecraft, with astronauts James A. McDivitt, David R. Scott, and Russell L. Schweickart aboard, approaches touchdown in the Atlantic recovery area to conclude a successful 10-day Ear...
Mare Tranquillitatis (Polychronics-part 2) - Apollo 11 Saturn V launch 500fps slomo. Dr. Wernher von Braun, John Casani and Dr. James Van Allen inspect components of the Pioneer IV spacecraft on March 1, 1959. Armez-vous d’une D’autres missions ont également concerné la Mer de la Tranquillité : le 20 février 1965 c’est la sonde américaine La dernière Pleine Lune de l’année 2016, qui passera la nuit dans la S’il est un domaine où les femmes sont employées, c’est dans le développement des instructions données aux ordinateurs (le software), un domaine jugé alors moins important que la partie électronique (hardware). New geological maps of southwest Mare Tranquillitatis, centered on the Apollo 11 landing site, were produced. Tranquility Base (Latin: Statio Tranquillitatis) is the site on the Moon where, in July 1969, humans landed and walked on another celestial body for the first time.
The Surveyor 5 spacecraft is approximately 25 km north-northwest of the Apollo 11 landing site, and the impact crater formed by Ranger 8 is 69 km northeast of the landing site.Images captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) between July 11 and 15, 2009 show high-resolution views of the Apollo landing sites. The Apollo 11 astronauts continued home in Columbia, with LM-5’s ascent stage still orbiting the Moon.
The images are ordered (clockwise from upper left) P3, P4, P2, P1. Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan (left), lunar module pilot of the Apollo 10 lunar orbit mission, confers with astronaut Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. during an Apollo 10 postflight de-briefing session. Diagram based on the Apollo 11, 12, and 14 Traverses map prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey and published by the Defense Mapping Agency for NASA.
Apollo 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan standing near the lunar rover. Follow.
Alunissage : 20 Juillet à 20 h 17 (Mare Tranquillitatis). Library.
Tranquillity Base (Apollo 11 landing site), Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility), The Moon i. Dans cette douzième chronique dédiée aux paysages lunaires à explorer, je vous propose de découvrir le site emblématique de la mission Apollo 11. This site is maintained by the Public Engagement Team at
North is up in all images.
Mare Tranquillitatis (Polychronics-part 2) - Apollo 11 Saturn V launch 500fps slomo. Engineers prepare NASA's Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft for acoustic environmental testing. North is approximately to the lower right. Mare Tranquillitatis was the landing site for the first manned landing on the Moon on July 20, 1969, at 20:18 UTC. For the first lunar landing, Mare Tranquilitatis was the site chosen because it is a relatively smooth and level area. I just love making space films and remember it well when those brave astronauts landed and walked on the moon. The color is likely due to higher metal content in the basaltic soil or rocks.Mare Tranquillitatis was named in 1651 by astronomers Mare Tranquillitatis was also the landing site for the first manned landing on the Moon on July 20, 1969, at 20:18 Along the periphery of the mare are several bay-shaped features that have been given names: These are three views of Mare Tranquillitatis on the Moon, taken by the mapping camera of the Map of the Sea of Tranquility, showing the landing sites of Spectacular high Sun view of the Mare Tranquillitatis pit crater revealing boulders on an otherwise smooth floor.
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The winter solstice, our shortest day and longest night of the year, arrived Monday
December 21, 2020 is the winter solstice. On this day, Jupiter and Saturn, the largest planets in the solar system, coming closer and both planets appeared like double planets. It happens every twenty years, but overlap at a significant frequently of 397 years. The phenomenon seen from around the world. It happened between 5pm and 6pm after sunset in Ulaanbaatar time. Jupiter is 300 times larger and 318 times heavier than Earth.
The last time this was happened in March 4, 1226, which was 794 years ago. Mongolian history records that during that time, Chinggis Khaan conquered the Khorezm and came back to Mongolia, after one year Mongol army invaded the Tang Dynasty. After 16-year conquests of Genghis Khan resulted in th


On January 11, 2020, we conducted our first independent high-altitude ballon`s flight to the Stratosphere. That was fascinating and challenging at the same time!
The balloon was launched from the spot near Zolotonosha city, Cherkaska oblast, Ukraine at 11:40 AM Kyiv time, and it landed near the city of Poltava approximately at 3 PM. In the flight, our apparatus reached the altitude close to 35 km above the ground level. Two Ukrainian physicists placed their scientific equipment in our box.
We managed to launch, track and recover the apparatus successfully and going to conduct more launches and interesting projects!
Watch the documentary video about our first flight (in Ukrainian) and follow us on social media for more information and fresh updates.


Bruce McCandless was a NASA astronaut who was the first person to fly freely and untethered in space during a 1984 space shuttle missions has passed away on Dec 21 in California at aged 80.
At age 26 in 1966, NASA picked him as the youngest member of a newly recruited 19-man astronaut group.
McCandless is survived by his wife, Ellen Shields McCandless, two children and two grandchildren.
He was a member of the support crew for the Apollo 14 mission and a backup pilot for the first manned Skylab mission, before serving as mission specialist on two space shuttle missions.
The US space agency did not give the cause of death on Thursday for the longtime resident of the western state of Colorado.
With a jetpack, McCandless travelled 100m (328ft) from the Space Shuttle.
“That may have been one small step for Neil, but it’s a heck of a big leap for me,” he joked, adapting astronaut Neil Armstrong’s famous moon-landing line.
Armstrong’s words were in fact relayed to McCandless, who was in mission control for the moon landing in 1969.
Photo of Bruce soaring effortlessly in space has inspired generations of Americans to believe that there is no limit to the human potential,” said Senator John McCain, who was a classmate of McCandless at the US Naval Academy.
1984 McCandless first flew to space, at the age of 46, but his untethered flight captured the imagination of a public that was becoming accustomed to space flight.
McCandless orbited at 18,000mph (29,000km/h), using a hefty jet pack to propel himself away from and then back towards the Space Shuttle.
Armstrong’s words were in fact relayed to McCandless, who was in mission control for the moon landing in 1969. His voice was recorded in those era-defining moments, communicating with Armstrong and his fellow astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins as they planted the US flag on the moon. “Oh, it’s beautiful, Mike. It really is,” he said over the radio.
McCandless had over the years been involved with the design and development of the jet pack that allowed him to fly alone, and over the radio from space he told mission control “we sure have a nice flying machine here” BBC report”.
The son and grandson of decorated war heroes, he graduated near the top of his class at the US Naval Academy. In the navy, he learned to pilot at least nine different aircraft, rising to the rank of captain.


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Space activities in the country started during early 1960s with the scientific investigation of upper atmosphere and ionosphere over the magnetic equator that passes over Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram using small sounding rockets Realising the immense potential of space technology for national development, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary leader envisioned that this powerful technology could play a meaningful role in national development and solving the problems of common man.
Thus, Indian Space programme born in the church beginning, space activities in the country, concentrated on achieving self-reliance and developing capability to build and launch communication satellites for television broadcast, telecommunications and meteorological applications; remote sensing satellites for management of natural resources.
The objective of ISRO is to develop space technology and its application to various national tasks. Accordingly, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully operationalized two major satellite systems namely Indian National Satellites (INSAT) for communication services and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites for management of natural resources; also, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for launching IRS type of satellites and Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for launching INSAT type of satellites.
Research proposals are Supported by ISRO in any area of relevance to the space programme of which the following are few examples:
Space Science : Physics of the ionosphere and magnetosphere; meteorology, dynamics of the atmosphere; geophysics, geology; astronomy; cosmology; astrophysics; planetary and interplanetary space physics and climatology.
Space technology : Rocket and satellite technology; propulsion systems design and optimization; aerodynamics and heat transfer problems related to space vehicles; guidance and control systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft; polymer chemistry, propellant technology; ultra-light-weight structure; satellite energy systems; space electronics, Space communication systems; orbital mechanics ,computer sciences and new material development.
Space Application : Remote sensing of the earth’s resources: space communication; satellite geodesy image processing, satellite meteorology including weather forecasting, Space Education and Ecology.
Some illustrative examples of specific problems in the above-mentioned areas can be made available by ISRO from time to time by sharing the titles of the old projects. Proposers need not feel to be restricted in the selection of subjects, research areas etc for the proposals, but they need to demonstrate the intrinsic scientific merit. However, ISRO reserves the right to not to fund any proposal (s), if in its opinion, similar proposals are already funded or similar work is already done in ISRO


This weekend marks Ostara, the time of the Spring Equinox when all comes into balance for a very brief period before tipping over into Summer. Night and Day, cold and warm, closed and open, hibernating and active. And of course the Ostara hare lays its cosmic eggs and fertility is everywhere. I often feel it as a pivotal moment between Winter and Spring – even though Spring might have started at Imbolc, with occasional glimpses earlier, now is the time when I can think about sewing seeds in the garden.
However this year was totally different, with a solar eclipse on the same day. It was as if the Earth anticipated the event, with the birds falling silent before the Moon even moved in front of the Sun. First a small bite, as the Moon moved between us and the Sun, forcing the Sun to follow the Moon’s usual path. I watched as the Sun waned from its full state not to Gibbous but more like a cookie with a bite out of it. Then the more familiar crescent shape, which diminished to a very thin line. Then as the Moon continued to pass above the Sun the crescent became a hammock, then a smile. Beautiful. Finally as the Moon moved off, the Sun waxed to its normal full state again. An entire cycle of death and regrowth in under two hours. I watched first through a welding mask while the skies were clear, then as the clouds thickened, there was sufficient filtering to watch it through plain glass – which felt more special as I was no longer cut off from it. The clouds gradually became so dense as to be almost opaque so I was unable to see the final moments, but by then the power had been released. Normal life resumed, except that the day felt charged, brighter, less ordinary than before. And definitely less balanced!
So instead of a gentle balancing and breathing out as energies begin their rising back out of the earth, I felt a tremendous burst of potential released as the Sun and Moon came into line and their individual powers combined to produce something greater than the sum of the parts. It was exciting, and I was full of plans for the day, the month, the year, the future.
Ostara was celebrated on Saturday, when ‘normal service resumed’ and the birds were back at the feeder again. But for me, there was another difference – that may have been crystallised by the eclipse – which relates to a post I wrote four weeks ago on Finding the Excitement. Because the next day I was completely unable to lie in bed listening to the radio or reading a book while waiting for M to wake up and want her morning feed, before we both joined the day in our usual slow way.
I have been a slow riser all my life … and existing on six hours sleep because M is hungry and wakes up every two or three hours means I generally take as long in the mornings as I can get away with. But since my previous post I have continued to approach each day with excitement and wonder about what it may hold. When I think how up until four years ago I was in and out of hospital, with no energy, drugs in my arms, unenthusiastic to get out of bed ever, I’m just amazed at how my life has turned around. And if I can do it, anyone can. One small step at a time.


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Scientific sessions will focus on topics on which John has worked and will include stellar evolution of low- and intermediate- mass stars, SAGB stars, nucleosynthesis, grains, galactic archeology and hydrodynamics of star formation and evolution as well as outreach sessions for the public and for undergraduates.
This meeting is being held to celebrate the scientific career of John Lattanzio.
This meeting celebrates the life and achievements of Prof. He remains instantly recognisable on the international stage where he is a speaker of choice on many aspects of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis.
John has made a succession of important contributions to the theory of stellar evolution over a sustained career that has seen him move to Canada, the USA and the United Kingdom before returning to his Australian roots.


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ANALYSIS – Continued from Part One – Battling China and Russia on the Moon. China has already created a first-mover advantage on the moon with its 2019 landing of the Chang’e-4 spacecraft on the far side of the moon. According to Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., the ranking member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, that should have been this generation’s Sputnik moment.
“But with all of the chaos in the world, and COVID-19, and all of this environment we’re working in, we missed it,” he said in Defense One.
Those far-side moon operations meant China had developed the technology to operate and communicate with its landed rover out of line of sight—and out of view of almost all of the U.S. ability to see what they’re doing.
The achievement allows China “to accomplish scientific, military, or other endeavors without observation or repercussion,” [Laura] Duffy and [James] Lake wrote.
In June, following an earlier unmanned moon base partnership announcement reported by ADN here, the China National Space Agency and Russia’s Roscosmos took things a step further announcing they would begin surveying locations for this International Lunar Research Station this year and pick a site by 2025.
This follows President Trump’s 2020 promise to have U.S. ‘boots on the moon’ by 2024 via the Artemis Base Camp project, led by NASA and partnering with several allied countries. This ambitious U.S.-led effort is outlined in the Artemis Accords. But neither Russia nor China are expected to join these accords.
As Defense One notes, this year the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Space Command were also tasked with protecting U.S. assets well beyond just earth-orbiting satellites, up to 272,000 miles away. This new military sub-domain is called “cislunar space” and it extends just beyond the Moon’s orbit.
Together these various lunar moves create a great potential for clashing alliances on the moon, similar to the ones developing on Earth, with the U.S. and its allies on one side and China and Russia on the other.
Adding more uncertainty to the volatile mix, let’s not forget that in addition to those two major international alliances, private firms such as Blue Origin are also working on their own private moon bases, adds Copp.
While the 1967 U.N. treaty on the use of outer space provided for cooperation, banned nuclear weapons, military maneuvers, and military installations in space, an annex that prohibits military activity on the moon was never ratified by Russia, China, and the United States.
It is therefore very likely both the China-Russia and U.S.-led efforts will build their moon bases without any sort of de-conflicting agreement in place.
So, it’s definitely now time the U.S. and its allies start aggressively preparing for a potential battle on the surface of the moon. Space Marines to the ready. ADN


'Astronaut' Canadian Trailer
1,490 Views | 1:34 | Uploaded on Jul 18, 2019
In the trailer for Astronaut, Angus (Richard Dreyfuss) shares his passion for astrology with his young grandson, Barney (Richie Lawrence). When billionaire entrepreneur Marcus Brown (Colm Feore) announces he's launching a lottery for a journey to space on the first commercial space flight, Barney helps Angus enter the online form. Although he's older than the 65 age cut off, Angus lies about his age and to his surprise, he becomes one of three winners chosen to take part in the journey.


On Monday night, we were privileged to celebrate the winter Solstice and the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn with good friends. We lit candles, let go of the things from 2020 that no longer support us, and viewed with awe Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings so visually close to each other.
On Tuesday morning, with the sun shining brightly on this new winter’s day, I strolled around the yarden. Feeling lighter, knowing that each day for the next six months will bring more minutes of daylight and the return of green and growth, I deliberately began looking for buds on plants. I was surprised to find so many beginning to swell and show their readiness for spring – especially since we have our coldest winter days yet to come.
There’s a rhythm to plant life, and they know what to do when the time is right. Our plant teachers tell us that we, too, know what to do when the time is right, as long as we stay centered, rooted to Mother Earth, connected to each other, and focused on the present moment. Our buds are those of kindness and caring, of love and honesty, ready to burst open and reach out when the time is right. We just need to be present and ready to spread our buds of kindness when and where they are most needed.
Happy Solstice and a Peaceful winter to you all!


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About 38,000 runners competed in the London Marathon today – and one of them ran it in orbit 200 miles above Earth.British astronaut Tim Peake completed the 26.2 mile course at the International Space Station with an estimated time of 3:35.21 , the European Space Agency tweeted.He was also the official starter of the race in a video message played at the starting line. “I’m really excited to be able to join the runners on earth from right here on board the Space Station.


Please note: Events are not hosted by The Cleveland Moms unless otherwise noted.
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Star Parties @ Walker Road Park
July 8 @ 9:30 pm - 11:00 pm
One event on June 3, 2022 at 9:30 pm
One event on July 8, 2022 at 9:30 pm
One event on August 12, 2022 at 9:00 pm
One event on October 1, 2022 at 7:30 pm
Total Lunar Eclipse! 10:00 pm-12:30 am. Bring lawn chairs, blankets & snacks. The eclipse kicks off at 10:27 pm with totality beginning at 11:29 pm and maximum totality at 12:11 am.
Viewing the Moon & late Spring, early Summer Constellations.
Viewing the Moon & Summer Constellations.
Annual Perseid Meteor Shower Party! Bring blankets, lawn chairs & snacks & watch for shooting stars. Also viewing the Moon, Saturn & Summer Constellations.
International Observe the Moon Night! Viewing the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter & Autumn Constellations.


You are cordially invited to the Biochemistry Formal, "Among the Cosmos." Join us for a night of dancing and celebrating the year in the stars. We look forward to seeing you there!
Date: Thursday, April 5th, 2018
Location: The Renaissance 285 Queen Street
Kingston, Ontario K7K 1B7
This event is restricted to Biochemistry students as the formal is only for Biochemistry students and their guests.
For any questions please contact email@example.com


Mandeville, LA – Since 2008, I have been telling readers of this site and my radio show listeners that while climate change IS occurring it is a naturally occurring event and not the doomsday calamity the tree-hugging commies claim. Since 2010 I’ve been informing you of the coming “little ice-age” that will result from our sun going into a quiet cycle like it does every 200 years or so. This was as popular a position as the ice salesman finds himself in while in Anchorage. Well, what I was telling you was based upon the science of solar cycles, the rickety orbits of the gas giant planets (they are elliptical) and the historical climate record. Now we are beginning to see the full effects of the sun going more quiet with each passing year and each passing cycle of 12-15 years and the evidence for this to be a trend and not a Roland Emmerich movie catastrophe is real and growing as fast as the record low temps being set all across ‘Muricah. Read this brief summary of 7 recently completed studies on solar cycles and cooling periods and you’ll see what the real threat to humanity is: the coming “little ice-age”!


The Galaxy Razer chroma profile was designed to resemble a night sky from space. This design offers an array of different colors and light modes to give it an interesting visual look.
The profile is one of my more challenging designs. It has several different wave effect layers that create a moving animation similar to an actual galaxy. It also has a fixed starlight effect that resembles twinkling stars in the night sky.
The idea for this Galaxy Razer design came from Fortnite. I wanted it to resemble the galaxy skin that is popularly seen in the game.
As always you can follow along on the video and change the design however it suits you.
Check out my lightning strike design for another great night themed pattern.
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SBAU Planning a Trip to Wyoming in 2017 to see the Total Solar Eclipse get all the info > 2017 Solar Eclipse Trip
Next AU Public Event or Activity
March 6th @ 7:30pm in Farrand Hall..
Friday March 6th @ 7:30pm in Farrand Hall..The Sun - Star of our Solar System by Jerry Clifford
The Sun is our local star – a good place to learn about stellar activity. Our star is the source of most of the energy we use on Earth. The Sun is a volatile gas ball that seethes and churns; large magnetic storms spit out charged particles in solar flares and coronal mass ejections -- sometimes towards Earth. Violent solar weather can damage electrical systems, disrupt communications and satellites, and threaten astronauts. Astrophysicists study the Sun to learn how it produces its solar weather and hopefully, learn how to predict solar storms that might impact life on Earth. Dr. Jerry Clifford will examine the Sun as a dynamic sphere of plasma that constantly evolves. We will look at the Sun as a magnetic dynamo – in fact a group of magnetic dynamos that stretch and bend the solar magnetic field lines like rubber bands. The solar dynamo is responsible for the chaotic behavior and cyclic changes in the Sun’s surface that affect us here on Earth. Today satellites monitor the solar weather and alert government and industry to protect vulnerable communications and utility systems.
Jerry Clifford has spent over thirty years as a research scientist and educator after receiving a PhD in nuclear physics at Iowa State University. As an Air Force officer, he taught physics at the Air Force Academy, worked on weapons programs, studied particle beams for Reagan's Star Wars, and worked in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Before anti-terrorism was in vogue, Jerry worked on new technologies to detect explosives in luggage for airport security. Jerry now teaches physics and astronomy at California State University Channel Islands.
Every Tuesday 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Tuesday Dec 23rd there will be no meeting. See you on 12/30
"Want to learn how to make your own telescope or learn more about astrophotography? Well, the SBAU has a Telescope Workshop! At the Telescope Workshop, we cover construction techniques for mirrors and telescopes, but also optics, cameras, and image processing software discussions. We encourage novice astronomers to come, ask questions, and even build, while advanced members are re-invited to attend if they want to discuss telescope issues not covered at the monthly meetings or just to help out. Check out http://sbautw.blogspot.com for a sample of past weekly Tuesday night sessions at the Broder Building at the Museum of Natural History."
The SBAU Forum is here
Register NOW at
http://www.sbau.org/sbauforum/ . The Public is more than
welcome, start or join a conversation with Santa Barbara area
astronomy & telescope club members. (read your comments out loud
before sending and see if your mother would approve)!"
Also see the new SBAU NEW CLASSIFIEDS SECTION
Fun For Kids:
All the Red Dots Show
where people have viewed our site from Around the World


If you haven’t heard of Brunei before, it’s a tiny nation surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. One of the popular talismans among Bruneians is the Northern star magic amulet that’s believed to give direction to life.
History of the Northern star amulet
When you think of stars and traditions, you think of both mystery and magic. Stars are associated with hope and inspiration. The northern star, otherwise known as Polaris, was first cataloged in 169 AD by Claudius Ptolemy. According to the late antiquity, the northern star was used for navigation. It was described as ἀεί φανής (aei phanēs) “always visible” by Stobaeus (5th century).
The northern star is not the brightest in the solar system. However, its location makes it exceptional. For instance, people living in the Northern hemisphere have been reported to find their way using the star. It appears at a fixed point in the sky circled by other stars and precisely aligned with the earth’s axis. It is even more visible at the North Pole. Since it was known as a great navigation tool, it was believed to provide lifetime guidance for slaves during the civil war.
Why the Northern Star amulet brings luck
You might have heard someone say that if you find your northern star, then you have found purpose and direction. It is for this reason that the northern star amulet has been used as a good luck charm amongst the Brunei people to bring happiness and benefit to them. They believe that the star offers the right direction of life, plus it helps one rise to the highest point in terms of success.
How to use the Northern Star amulet charm
The Bruneians use the star as a pendant which can be worn as a necklace or ankle bracelet.
How the Northern Star amulet is made
The powerful charm is made from particular magic subjects that are believed to bring one from a bad state and improve their lives. The amulet is made from an infusion of love powder materials. It is also made with hand-engraved magic symbols on the front and the back. It is crafted in different colors, the most common being silver and gold. However, among the Bruneians, the one with the gold coating and multicolored infusions is commonly used.
How to make the Northern Star amulet at home
Although you can try and make one from home, it is much easier to get a skillfully designed one from an antic shop or buy from an online store.
Interesting and fun facts about the Northern Star amulet charm
Now that you know one or two things about the northern star Amulet, there are a few fun facts about the amulet:
- Bruneians believe that wearing the charm keeps you away from all forms of trouble
- It is believed that you can seek direction from your north star when you are tangled. You will receive light only if you give yourself to it.


From: Thomas Hockey et al. (eds.). The Biographical Encyclopedia of Astronomers, Springer Reference. New York: Springer, 2007, pp. 591-592
Jawharī: al‐ʿAbbās ibn Saʿīd al‐Jawharī
Flourished Baghdad, (Iraq), 830
Jawharī made solar, lunar, and planetary observations in Baghdad from 829 to 830, the data of which appeared in the astronomical handbook with tables that is sometimes referred to as Kitāb al‐Zīj. Most likely, this is a reference to the Mumtaḥan zīj, which was apparently jointly authored by several astronomers at the court of the ʿAbbāsid caliph Maʾmūn. Charged by the caliph with the task of providing appropriate instruments for the year‐long series of astronomical observations at Damascus in 832–833, Jawharī selected Khālid ibn ʿAbd al‐Malik al‐Marwarrūdhī to construct them. Jawharī also contributed to the accuracy of the calculated solar and lunar data; these results also appeared in the Mumtaḥan zīj. His astronomical writings were later consulted by Shams al‐Dīn al‐Samarqandī, a contemporary of Naṣīr al‐Dīn al‐Ṭūsī. In his work on the parallels postulate of Euclid, Ṭūsī noted the failure of Jawharī to prove the parallels postulate in the latter's commentary on Euclid's Elements; this treatise of Jawharī survives only in fragmentary references.
De Young, Gregg (1997). “Al‐Jawharī's additions to Book V of Euclid's Elements.” Zeitschrift für Geschichte der Arabisch‐Islamischen Wissenschaften 11: 153–178.
Kennedy, E. S. (1956). “A Survey of Islamic Astronomical Tables.” Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, n.s., 46, pt. 2: 121–177, esp. 128, 136. (Reprint, Philadelphia: American Philosophical Society, 1989. An important list, with excellent introduction to the topic of zījes.)
Rosenfeld, B. A. and Ekmeleddin Ihsanoğlu (2003). Mathematicians, Astronomers, and Other Scholars of Islamic Civilization and Their Works (7th–19th c.). Istanbul: IRCICA, pp. 26–27.
Sabra, A. I. (1973). “Al‐Jawharī.” In Dictionary of Scientific Biography, edited by Charles Coulston Gillispie. Vol. 7, pp. 79–80. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
Sayılı, Aydın (1960). The Observatory in Islam. Ankara: Turkish Historical Society. (See chap. 2, “Al Mamûn's Observatory Building Activity,” pp. 50–87, for a valuable discussion, beginning with a thorough analysis of early Islamic astronomical observations.)


November 20, 2018, 19.30
Atrium Žižkov, Prague, Czech Republic
The concert of SpectroDuo ensemble with Martyna Kosecka on piano, chang-e arjan and chang-e narsina (Iranian traditional harps), premiering the newest concert program, called Project Zīj.
PROJECT ZĪJ – audio-visual & multi-instrumental spectacle based on Iranian music & Islamic astronomical thought
Martyna Kosecka – piano, chang-e arjan, chang-e narsina, live-electronics
Idin Samimi Mofakham – saxophone, do-zalle, live-electronics
Zīj (Persian: زيج) applied to astronomical books in Arabic and Persian that tabulate parameters used for astronomical calculations of the positions of the Sun, the Moon, stars, and the five planets of antiquity. The project Zīj by SpectroDuo is a tribute to the legacy of all the astronomical thought that progressed the state of knowledge about the universe.