Did you know yoga and the moon are deeply connected? Being about 70% water, we are affected by the moon phases according to the laws of gravity. In Ashtanga, we take rest from our daily Mysore practice on full & new moon days. At The Front, we observe these moon holidays for our Mysore program and Primary Series classes.
FULL & NEW MOONS 2022
New Jan 2 | Full Jan 17
New Jan 31 | Full Feb 16
New Mar 2 | Full Mar 18
New Apr 1 | Full Apr 16
New Apr 30 | Full May 15
New May 30 | Full Jun 14
New Jun 28 | Full Jul 13
New Jul 28| Full Aug 11
New Aug 27 | Full Sep 10
New Sep 25 | Full Oct 9
New Oct 25 | Full Nov 8
New Nov 23 | Full Dec 7
New Dec 23 |
Being about 70% water, we are gravitationally affected by the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon are produced by the its relative position to the sun. Full moons manifest when they are in opposition and new moons when they are in conjunction. The sun and the moon have a gravitational pull on the earth. Their relative positions create energetic patterns just like our breathing patterns.
The full moon energy correlates to the end of inhalation when the force of prana is fullest. Prana is an expansive, upward moving force that feels energetic, emotional and heady. Yogic texts state that the main prana lives in the head. During the full moon we tend to be more headstrong and thus prone to injury or accidents from overexertion or not being grounded.
The new moon energy corresponds to the end of the exhalation when the force of apana is greatest. Apana is a contracting, downward moving force that makes us feel grounded, relaxed, dense and sedentary; thus we may be more susceptible to injury due to laziness and not being attentive to correct technique; thus our moon day breaks from our very physical Mysore practice not only give us the chance to rest twice a month but also to help avoid injury to our bodies. People all over the world have traditionally observed moon cycles for farming. The Farmers Almanac recommends planting seeds at the new moon when the rooting force is strongest and transplanting at the full moon when the flowering force is strongest.
a simple meditative breathing practice is to sit comfortably and observe these patterns in your breathing cycle and perhaps even visualize in your mind’s eye the moon cycles as you breathe. You can explore the patterns more easily if you take your time with your breath, you are not in a rush to go anywhere or do anything; enjoy this practice!
In Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), one of the most common names for the moon deity is Chandra (चन्द्र). There are many stories to enjoy concerning Chandra.
Chandra married Daksh’s 27 daughters. When Daksh married his 27 daughters to Chandramaa, he said to him – “Love all my daughters equally.” But among them he loved Rohinee the most. Anyone can see the full Moon in the constellation of Rohinee. His other wives did not like this at all, so they pleaded him to to visit each of them as well, but the Moon ignored their complaints. At this they went back to their father and complained to him. Daksh warned the Moon about it, but the Moon ignored him. When the Moon ignored him the second time, the third time Daksh cursed him. So Chandra started waning, losing his glory every day. No sacrifice could cure him.
All the world’s planets, vegetation, herbs trees etc stopped growing. All living things also stopped growing. All went to Daksh and asked his favor for Chandramaa. Then considering the problem for the world, he got ready on this condition that Chandramaa will be waning for 15 days and then waxing for the next 15 days. So Chandramaa now waxes and wanes as he visits his each wife once a month, for one day and one night at a time.
Another story is about Ganesha and the moon:
According to legend, Ganesha was returning home on his mount (a mouse) late on a full moon night after a mighty feast. On the journey back, A snake crossed their path and frightened by it, his mount ran away dislodging Ganesha in the process. An overstuffed Ganesha fell to the ground and his stomach broke open, spilling out all the sweets he had eaten. On observing this, Chandra laughed at Ganesha. Ganesha lost his temper and broke off one of his tusks and flung it straight at the moon hurting him and cursed him so that he would never be whole again. This legend accounts for the Moon’s waxing and waning including a big crater on the moon, a dark spot, visible even from earth. There are other stories about Ganesha’s broken tusk and how it originated!


OCAS is a computer cluster for HPC (high-performance computing) in astrophysics built during the years 2005 - 2007 at the Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Science in Ondøejov. It is used above all for parallel execution of demanding numerical simulations using MPI parallel environment.
The cluster consists of 16 double-processor, 4 quad-core and 4 oct-core working
nodes (i.e. 80 CPU cores in total), and the master workstation which serves as
the user interface (login node), queue master, and the disc server.
Further information on hardware and software used, as well as users guides can
be found in respective sections of this website. Some documents are accessible
only from the institute internal network.


Recommended age 5+ years old
Breathtaking space-related shows in 4K resolution!
Visit our planetarium in the iQLANDIA building - the place to learn about what is going on in the night sky and enjoy a great film screening. The iQPLANETARIUM is air-conditioned and offers a total of 50 comfortable seats.
We recommend purchasing a discounted ticket for the combination of iQLANDIA and iQPLANETARIUM.
50 comfy seats
2 places for wheelchair users
Discount on the combination of iQLANDIA + iQPLANETARIUM
Restaurant right in the entertainment center
Program for the public
First, you will learn about the current night sky. After that, a film of your choice awaits you.
The total length of the program is approximately 45-60 minutes.
Program for schools
Unique live programs from the workshop of our lecturers accompanied by illustrative experiments.
The program is approximately 60 minutes long.


So, today is the winter solstice of this year… Great. After today, days will get longer and longer around here (Finland)…
Showing posts from category: nature
Happy Midsummer Day for everybody! Or, as we say in Finnish, “hyvää juhannusta!” Here’s a song of mine to accompany your Midsummer: http://open.spotify.com/track/7E6j0ZV5C6hfXL3sk3Syc8 Enjoy!
Last night I saw my first aurora borealis (the Northern Lights) in over 10 years! They were just the usual green-colored ones, and very faint, but it was still nice to see them after such a long time. One of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world in my opinion!


A visit from a Nobel Prize-winning NASA scientist last week is helping throw light on work researchers at the University of Rochester are doing to look farther into space than previously possible.
The researchers are working on an infrared detector that will improve NASA's ability to see into space, a technology they hope will be part of future telescope launches.
John Mather, NASA's chief scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope, traveled here to see research taking place at the university and at ITT Exelis and share ideas about the future of optics in space exploration.
Mather's project is the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope that launched in 1990 to observe deep into space. The new telescope is expected to launch in five years with two main goals: to help scientists study the birth and evolution of galaxies and the formation of stars and planets.
NASA has received support and guidance from UR and ITT Exelis, the brand for Exelis Inc., in building the telescope, Mather said, and he was excited to share news of its progress with both institutions.
He also was excited to visit UR and see the research being done there on infrared detectors, which are used in telescopes, Mather said.
"One of the things in optics that we're very interested in is the continuing development of better infrared detectors," he said. "The group there with Judy Pipher and others is pushing the wave length out to greater than what they can do with the James Webb Space Telescope."
Pipher has worked with Professor William Forrest in infrared astronomy and infrared detector array development at UR. The research team developed an infrared space array camera for the Spitzer Space Telescope that helped study the formation of stars.
With news of the asteroid that traveled perilously close to earth last week, the task of looking into space has been given new meaning, Pipher said.
"This is a topic that's very interesting right now," she said. "This asteroid that was grazing quite close to earth was called a near-earth object, and we can best sense those things in space using the kind of infrared sensors we've worked on."
The work Pipher and Forrest were doing was not completed in time for the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, but Pipher said she hopes to be able to contribute more to NASA in the future.
She and Forrest are working on proposals to NASA to extend the wavelength of infrared detectors to search even farther into space.
"The more you can do this, the more you'll be able to learn, and we're very excited about that," Pipher said.
During his visit Mather made a presentation at UR. Though physics colloquiums do not typically generate crowds, quite a few people came to hear him speak, Pipher noted. He also spoke with several faculty members and met with some visiting professors from Rochester Institute of Technology.
As hosts to Mather during his visit, Pipher and Forrest had a more intimate visit, meeting with him over dinner to talk about projects and the future of space exploration.
Mather also paid a visit to ITT Exelis, which created some of the technology used on the James Webb Space Telescope, which launches in 2018. ITT came up with technology to help the telescope better focus, Mather said. (See ITT Exelis works with UR's Laboratory for Laser Energetics on page 7.)
"This is the great successor to Hubble, and, since Hubble had some difficulty in focusing, this is a really important improvement," he said.
Pipher said researchers at UR can learn a lot from sharing ideas and research plans with people such as Mather.
"Whenever you talk to people like that, you get ideas about future experiments, and they often have input to the things you're working on now," Pipher said.
The discussion also keeps open the pipeline between NASA and local researchers, Forrest said.
"You can't even begin to plan a mission unless you have the technology, and that's what we're working on creating," he said.
Mather said the visit was productive, allowing for a free exchange of ideas.
"It's good to talk about what we're investigating and cheer each other on, and ask, 'Have you thought of this,'" Mather said. "Once in a while a conversation that we have among peers can help start up a new project."
Exchange between researchers also helps break down barriers and keep projects focused on the future, he added.
"We also got to talk about the next steps we could take, what we can use to look even further into space and look for things like dark energy matter," Mather said.
2/22/13 (c) 2013 Rochester Business Journal. To obtain permission to reprint this article, call 585-546-8303 or email firstname.lastname@example.org.


Or, perhaps you had to put in a lot of planning for the shoot and It lets you have a look on Earth, Sky from Earth, Planets, and Solar system. There are various other options available that can enhance your planetarium, or rather universe exploration experience. flexibility and editing capabilities even further. It can be controlled from its interface; however, there are certain shortcut keys which you can use for easy navigation and functioning.
It has a simple and intuitive interface with tonnes of tools and options to let you study astronomy. WorldWide Telescope is a visually appealing planetarium software with an intuitive interface. the requirements. Visit homepage to view other minimum specifications required to run this planetarium software.
It lets you look at the observable universe from your location. If you want to jump to an object simply by finding it, using the Search tool. For the selected object, you can view its universe map. You can view the planets, their path, the Sun, and all the stars, galaxies, etc.
Click on an object to view its details, such as: name, magnitude, hour angle, elliptical information, distance from Sun, distance from Earth, diameter, phase angle, etc. It is very close to Stellarium in terms of the features and tools it has to offer, with an added advantage of interface. in the visible Universe. It also lets you automate the sky by letting them move in real time or with a faster speed. separately. The positions of the objects can be viewed precisely for a given position and time on Earth. It has various hotkeys to ease the task of navigation. The navigation tool lets you zoom, and rotate the object you are viewing, freely. More info... SKY Indexâ¢ (Professional Edition) v7.0 is the predecessor to the current v8.0 flagship program. There’s much more that can be done with this free planetarium software. It lets you take a view at the sky and displays all the visible stars and planets according to your location and current time.
Gaia Sky is a planetarium software related to Gaia Space Observatory. The program is still available for those that have Aciqra is a very simple planetarium software to let you explore the space. This release raises standards for indexing software Voyager 4.5 embeds high-resolution color images directly into its sky charts. Simply select an object, or type the object you want to visit. You can also jump to a time in past or in future to view objects at the given point of time. It comes in very handy warmer or cooler and also apply a subtle haze if the original sky had moisture
Skymaps can be saved as BMP images. own sky photos don’t meet the specific requirements of Luminar’s sky replacement technology, you can also preprocess your images so that they meet Then, once You can locate a star or a planet, then click on it to view its details, such as: name, type, constellation, spectrum, mag, altitude, azimuth, etc. SKY Indexâ¢. While viewing an object, you can change lighting angle to get a clear view. It is way different from any mainstream planetarium software, as it simulates a travel to the object you want to view. With the help of easy-to-use sliders, Luminar lets you make sure that your new sky not only matches the original sky, but also your needs. important for creating final results that are realistic. All you have to do is simply enter the name of the object, and it will be displayed for viewing. Another old favorite for iOS users looking for the best stargazing apps is Sky Guide, a handy GPS-assisted sky map and recognition tool for spotting and … You can also turn on/off the visibility and names of stars, deep space objects, planets, probes, orbits, etc. If you wish to find an object, you can also make use of the Find tool available; simply type in the name. You can also manually set any location of Earth and set time in present, past, or future to view respective sky map. To find an object, use the Search tool, which gives a list of explorable objects as you type a keyword. One of the best features of this planetarium software is support for Visual reality headsets, Gamepad controllers to navigate through space, and Spacecraft mode (get into a spacecraft to explore the space). It has a huge database of millions of stars, galaxies, and deep space objects, which you can see by zooming onto them. For the first time users, this software may seem to be tad bit confusing. These software are like open atlas to the vast universe and carry information about millions of objects out there. With this advanced control, you even have control over You can use the Sky Temperature to make the new sky’s texture warmer or cooler and also apply a subtle haze if the original sky had moisture or environmental pollutants. identify where the sky starts and ends and then replaces it seamlessly. The interface is very minimalist and has few but ample tools to let you view objects in the space, such as planets, stars, nebulae, and deep space objects. Along with planets, galaxies, stars, constellations, it also includes asteroid and comet data. In these situations, a sky replacement tool can be your saving grace. You can also jump to any place on earth and view how the sky looks from there. The sky's the limit! All the objects being displayed on this planetarium software move in real time. Capture the sky as image, change star density, search for a constellation, and do much more.
If you want, you can jump to any given time in past and also up to 10 years in future to view position of stars, planets, etc.
Curious what indexers that have used SKY Index think about it? library. Also, you can set a desired time in past or future to view the respective sky. You can also type the name of an object to find it. You can even run animation of sky movement in different speeds.
Luminar’s intelligent selection algorithms
According to your time zone (which this software updates from internet), the landscape is displayed in day time view or night time view. This means, you can get a view from one object of our Solar System to another object. The planetarium comes with both the Web Client and Windows Client to help you get a clear glimpse of the sky … Stellarium and Celectia are the planetary software that I like the most.
The tools available help you view stellar as well as interstellar objects, including satellites, planets, galaxies, constellations, etc. It lets you view the sky and explore it just like you would from Earth. This easy to use software, the WorldWide Telescope will help you explore space by combining images from space-based telescopes and from those on the ground. of the original photo match the colors and lighting of the sky. like kites. StarCalc is a very lite, professional planetarium software and also a sky mapping software. You can take a screenshot and even capture a video of your entire voyage through space.
Some of these software simply take you to the object you want to view and have a 3 dimensional view. It also has a night mode. It is a very vast software with extensive set of tools and options. A telescope hand controller tool is available, which lets you manually zoom in and focus on to an object you want to view. There are various viewing modes to take a look at the sky: Horizontal view, Geocentric view, and Heliocentric view. It’s as easy as flipping a switch! Here is the list of Best Free Planetarium Software for Windows. The set of tools available with this planetarium software are pretty rich. Luminar’s AI Sky Replacement tool takes it one step further. Space Engine is another excellent planetarium software which gives you high definition graphical experience while exploring space. Stellarium is an open source planetarium software for Windows, Mac and Linux. You can view millions of stars, galaxies, constellations, deep space objects, and planets of our Solar system. As a matter of fact, You can view star positions according to different locations and time in past or future. While exploring the sky, a double click on any object displays various information about it. With the help of easy-to-use sliders, Luminar While viewing an object, the info related to is displayed along with the distance from which you are viewing it in kilometers or astronomical units. If you have a slow processor, this software may lag a bit. There are various other interesting tools that these listed planetarium software have to offer. When you open the software, it displays a simple landscape along with sky. Using this planetary software for the first time can be confusing, as it has no options on the interface, just the landscape where you can look around. All rights reserved. Asynx Planetarium is a very simple planetarium software.
to wait for the conditions to be perfect. It lets you explore the Solar System along with the vast expanses of the Universe, which includes planets, clusters, galaxies, and even deep space objects.
You can open multiple sky maps here in tabs, and even set a layout to view two different maps from different time, location, etc. at the same time. This planetary software runs very smoothly and does not lags even on computers without high end graphics card. Zoom using the scroll key of your mouse and get a telescopic view of objects you’d like to view.
Select an option and this tool will auto navigate you there. It might be that you’re only in town WinStars is another good planetarium software for Windows. Track an object to create its sky map. You can selectively highlight or turn name on/off for planets, stars, probes, comets, asteroids, etc. SkyTalk News Press Releases Newsletter Shop Now The health & well-being of our customers, staff, & communities is our top priority. Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool. Find out why SKY Indexâ¢ (Professional Edition) v8.0 is the latest release of


There is no doubt, however, that the name Horemakhet was exclusively used for the Great Sphinx of Giza, whereas the name Horakhti was used for a figure in the eastern horizon which I have identified to the zodiacal constellation of Leo and which was also idetified with the Great Sphinx.If this is the case, then there is a problem with allocating the Great Sphinx to Khafre, a king of the IVth Dynasty who reigned in c.2300 BC Iamge 3: the sun (Ra) reaches Horakhti (Leo) at the time of the summer solstice c. But did the ancient imagine Horakhti as being a lion in the sky? ‘Horus of the two Horizons’ was generally depicted as a man, probably the pharaoh, with a falcon head, and doning a sun-disc over the head. There are, however, several depictions of Horakhti as a lion with a falcon head wearing the royal double crown in the temples dedicated to Horus. A lion with a falcon/hawk head with the body of a lion The Egyptologist Selim Hassan, who spent several years of his life excavation at the Great Sphinx, and studying all the ancient texts, mostly from the New Kingdom, that mention this monument, pointed out that the very first mention of the Sphinx in the New Kingdom was by Amenhotep (Amenophis) II.Image 4: (a) Ramses II making offerings at Horakhti. (b) Horakhti or Ra-Horakhti Image5: Amenhotep III and Horakhti. The face of Amehotep III is thus interchageable with that of Horakhti i.e. It was obvious to Hassan that this king “refers to the Sphinx under the names of Horemakhet and Horakhti”.
This is because in 10,500 BC the Great Sphinx would not only be gaxing at equinoctical zodiacal Leo, but also at another zodical constellation which was also equinoctical: Aquarius.Image 9: The sky in 10,500 BC over the Giza necropolis, which I have identified as ZEP TEPI i.e.the ‘First Time’ But if the ‘face’ of the Great Sphinx is not Khafre’s, as most Egyptologist believe, then whose face is it?2500 BC is this: the Great Sphinx is gazing directly DUE EAST, whereas the constellation of Leo/Horakhti rose at that time some 28 degrees north of due east.The correct epoch for the Great Sphinx to gaze at his own image would be 10,500 BC.


Some Ways You Can Use a Telescope
Whether you are a student or a parent, you know that it is important for you to buy and use a telescope. The truth of the matter is that telescopes are very useful and can deepen our understanding about the universe. If you already have your own telescope at home, it is important that you also understand how you should use it. Although telescopes are very expensive, you have to understand that they are very useful and beneficial. Telescopes are very rare piece, that is one of the reasons why it is very expensive. Before you consider buying the telescope, you need to make sure that you know the telescope cost, and you may read more about telescope buying guide.
From the word itself, you need the telescope if you have the desire and the need to scope the universe. There are now a lot of people who want to enhance their knowledge about the universe, and this can be one of the ways of doing so. It is time to apply everything you have learned from astrology books by using a telescope as you continue to read more. The sad reality is that people just keep their telescope and not use them. It has many great features you can use that will help you broaden your knowledge as well as help you gain many information about the universe if you use the powerful telescopes for home use. A lot of things, people just neglect this info because they don’t know what telescopes are in the first place?
If you are curious about how the solar system looks like, you might want to scope the universe using a telescope. You need to understand that the telescopes in the past are not longer the same as now. You can buy really great telescopes that are small and not bulky. The other good thing about telescopes these days is that it has new and cool features that let your scope the universe in a better way.
If you want to scope the universe clearly, it is best to use a bigger telescope. The bigger ones can magnify the outer space more.
The truth is that the telescope is such a powerful tool for you to discover the solar system. Did you know that some telescopes these days let you discover a start right away? There are many beautiful features that you can find and see in a telescope. It has automatic features that let you discover a big star with ease. You need to consider this if you to get value for all the money you spent.
If you know how to use these telescopes for sure you will enjoy it. Did you know that the next big telescope of your choice can just be found near you? If you have someone to give you recommendations, this info will not be wasted so read more.
Researched here: see


7 tips for taking great pictures of stars in the night sky
Stargazing reinforces the wonder of our small size in the Universe. Combining science and meditation, watching the night sky is fascinating. Drawn to dark sky parks and communities on my travels, capturing beautiful images of the night sky is always an activity I like to include.
To achieve some success with star photography, you need to plan and practice. Here are some tools and recipes for taking photos with a cell phone and DSLR/mirrorless camera to achieve your goals. Many are inexpensive and easy to implement.
1. Find a really dark sky
2. Invest in this non-tradable gear
A tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera, whether it’s a DLSR/Mirrorless or a cell phone. It is impossible to hold either camera for the long exposures required for star photography. It would be better to reduce camera shake when pointing your camera lens to the sky.
3. Manage your HDR and flash
Disable flash and HDR (high dynamic range) on your smartphone. The flash is ineffective because the subject is not close enough. HDR tends to slow down your camera speed. Disabling it will improve performance.
4. Use optical rather than digital zoom
Only use your mobile phone’s optical zoom range, as it performs lens adjustment like a real zoom lens and will provide better quality images. Avoid digital zoom as it relies on in-camera image processing, enlarging pixels and reducing image quality and resolution.
5. Carry an extra battery
Fully charge your cell phone before you start star photography. An external backup battery will ensure you have enough power to complete the entire series of photographs. Tie it at the beginning of the photo shoot.
A new, fully charged battery will allow you to capture enough images for a spectacular set of star trails from your DSLR/Mirrorless. You will not change the battery during the capture process.
Several apps offered in Google Play (Android) and App Store (iPhone) will definitely help your star photography.
You need to use an app to control shutter speed on smartphones. You’ll capture multiple photos in a short time to create a long exposure effect. Popular apps for IOS include Slow shutter camera and Medium Pro Camera. The options for Android are FV-5 Camera and night camera.
Program an intervalometer (cable shutter) connected to a DSLR/mirrorless camera to get the right combination of exposures.
NightCap Camera is a night and low-light photography app for iPhone. It uses artificial intelligence to make photography of stars, star trails, the ISS (International Space Station), and meteors more accessible.
The thing to remember is that the darker it gets, the slower it gets. And no camera can work without light. Light Boost is available but still may not provide the results you are looking for.
PhotoPills is a robust personal assistant in all photographic disciplines. It provides detailed information for most of your questions when planning and shooting the Sun, Moon, Milky Way, etc. Augmented reality helps you find the pole star, celestial equator, depth of field and field of view.
Add essential information such as sunrise, sunset, twilight, golden hour, blue hour, moonrise, moonset, supermoon dates and calendar lunar, which are often used details.
Use it as a scouting tool to plan your photo shoots. You will know when to arrive and will benefit from assistance with the composition before the session.
Calculations for time-lapse, long exposure, star trails, tracking stars and hyperfocal distances are all part of the package.
Pro tip: Go to the PhotoPills website and download the user guide to get the most out of this program.
According to CNET, “If you’ve ever wanted to know what you’re looking at in the night sky, this app is the perfect astronomer’s companion.”
Point your device skyward to identify constellations, galaxies, stars, planets and satellites at your location.
Great features let you set alerts for upcoming celestial events, and there’s a night mode that preserves your night vision with red or green night mode filters. Wi-Fi is not required and it does not require GPS or data signal to function, which is essential for Dark Sky Places with little or no internet connection.
7. Follow these “recipes”
If you want to try your hand at photographing the stars, here are some recipes to get you started. All exposure settings are approximate for DSLR/mirrorless cameras. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Pro tips: Use a red headlamp or flashlight when traveling after dark. It takes 20-30 minutes for our eyes to adjust to the dark. Also, if you park near your photo location, be sure to turn off all of the vehicle’s interior lights so they don’t come on when you open the doors, spoiling your precious night vision. for several minutes.
Milky Way Recipe: No Moon
- 8-30 second exposure
- ISO 3200-6400
- 3200K white balance
- 1-2 second exposure
Rule of 500
- Wide open lens (e.g. f/2.8)
- 500 divided by focal length = longest acceptable exposure of stars without streaks due to Earth’s rotation
Star Trails Recipe
Star trail photography can be an all-night event. Scout your location during daylight hours. Find an interesting foreground to include in your composition. Configure everything except your camera. Count the number of steps between your camp/parking spot and your installation. It will be easier to keep your bearings when walking after dark.
Pro tip: Use an activated ring light attached to your tripod so you and anyone else nearby can see your setup.
Star Trails Camera Settings
- BULB shutter speed
- 4000K white balance
Star Trails Intervalometer Settings (Electronic Cable Release)
- Delay 00 00 00 (Delay before shutter release = no delay)
- Long 00 04 00 (Exposure time = 4 minutes)
- Interval 00 00 01 (Interval between exposures = 1 second)
- N 0-399 (Number of shots, 0 = no finite quantity)
- On/off button to start, NOT the large remote shutter button
Wait a second between exposures (so the sensor doesn’t overheat and pixelate your images). Longer than this will show gaps between each shot.
Your DSLR/mirrorless camera will capture between 18 and 45 exposures. The minimum desired total exposure time is 1.5 hours, or when your battery is depleted. I get several hours from a new battery.
Pro tips: Buy a new battery and fully charge it for that DSLR/mirrorless adventure. You will only use one per night during this process. Locate the North Star and use it to anchor your star trails. The pole star does not move because it is very close to the north celestial pole of the Earth.
- Full moon – 5200 K (daylight)
- Partial Moon – 4500K
- No Moon – 4000K (Tungsten/Incandescent)
Pro tips: Be sure to remove the lens cap before starting the series of exposures. Test once or twice before launch. Head to bed and tour your facility in the morning.
Want to learn more about stargazing and the night sky? To consider


‘La La Land‘ director Damien Chazelle is helming a Neil Armstrong biopic based on the biography ‘First Man: A Life Of Neil A. Armstrong’, written by James Hansen. Writing the script for ‘First Man’ will be oscar-winning Josh Singer, who co-wrote ‘Spotlight’, and now it’s being reported that Ryan Gosling is officially set to star in Universal’s biopic.
Neil Armstrong was of course the first man to walk on the moon following NASA’s successful mission in 1969, a mission in which Armstrong, along with fellow astronaut crew mates Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, made history. The film is set to focus on Armstrong and NASA in the run up to Apollo 11’s mission, and delve into the troubles, costs, and sacrifices that this mission caused not only the team at NASA, but also the United States of America.
With both ‘Whiplash’ and ‘La La Land’ already under his directorial belt, I have complete faith that Chazelle will approach this film with as much passion and enthusiasm that is evident in both his previous films and deliver something truly spectacular.
‘First Man’ will hit cinemas October 12th 2018


The Maya Calendar
The Maya calendar in its final form probably dates from about the 1st century B.C. Although highly complex, it was the most accurate known to humans until the introduction of the Gregorian calendar.The basic structure of the Maya calendar is common to all calendars of Meso-America (i.e., the civilized part of ancient Middle America).
It consists of two types of calendar systems : a ritual cycle of 260 named days and a vague year cycle of 365 days. Since the least common multiple of 260 and 365 is 18 980, these cycles run concurrently after 18 980 days, or 52 years of 365 days, called a "calendar Round", at the end of which a designated day recurs in the same position in the year.
The native Maya name for the 260-day cycle is unknown.Some authorities call it the Tzolkin(Count of Days); others refer to it as the Divinatory Calendar, the Ritual Calendar, or simply the day cycle. It is formed by the combination of numerals 1 through 13, meshing day by day with an ordered series of 20 Maya day names.
The days were believed to have a fateful character, and the Tzolkin was used principally in divination. Certain passages in the Mayan manuscripts Dresden Codex, one of the three that survived the conquest, show various Tzolkins.
The vague year or Haab of 365 days, similar to our modern calendar, consists of 18 named months of 20 days each, with an additional five days of evil omen, named Uayeb.
Thus, the Maya new year starts with 1 Pop followed by 2 Pop until 19 Pop followed by 0 Uo, 1 Uo etc. The Maya solar year is thought to have begun when the sun crossed the zenith on July 16. To indicate the date they denoted the sacred form followed by the vague notation, f.e. : 13 ahau 18 cumhu.
The 52-year cycle was not good enough to link events over longer periods of time. Mayan interest in history, genealogy, and astrology required accurate records of events far in the past. To connect dates to one another, the Maya expressed distances between them by a count of days and their multiples. They used the so called Long Count what was essentially a vigesimal place-value system of numeration, which is one based on a count of 20, but modified it by substituting 18 for 20 as the multiplier of units of the second order, so that each unit in the third place had the value of 360 days instead of 400. In monumental inscriptions, the digits are usually accompanied by the names of their periods their units represent, although in the manuscripts the period names are omitted and placement alone indicates the value of the units. The period names in ascending order are: kin (1 day); uinal (20 days); tun (18 uinals or 360 days); katun (20 tuns or 7 200 days); baktun (20 katuns or 144 000 days); pictun (20 baktuns or 2 880 000 days) and so on up to higher periods as calabatun, kinchiltun and alautun.
The following example could be written as 188.8.131.52.0 or as :
By introducing an odd multiplier to form the tun, the Maya multiplication and division turned out to be rather difficult and therefore we find in the Dresden Codex long tables of multiples of numbers that could be more simply manupulated by addition and subtraction.
all historical records and to anchor dates firmly in time, the
Maya started the Long Count on their zero date, about 3 114 B.C.,
which completed a round of 13 baktuns far in the past.
There were several ways in which one could indicate the position
of a Calendar Round dated in the Long Count. The most direct and
unambiguous was to use an Initial-Series (IS) notation. The
series begins with an outsized composition of signs called the
Initial-Series introducing glyphs, which is followed by a count
of periods written in descending order. On the earliest known
monument, Stela 29 from Tikal in Guatemala, the Initial Series
gives : 8 baktuns, 12
katuns, 14 tuns, 8 uinals, 15 kins, which is written: 184.108.40.206.15. It shows that the Calendar Round date of this Stela falls 1 243 615 days (just under 3 405 years) after the zero date of the Long Count.
|The basic elements of the Mayan calendar had little to do with astronomy. A lunar count was, however, included in a Supplimentary Series appended to Initial-Series dates(see picture on the left : on the east side of Stela E in Quirigua is carved : 9 baktuns, 17 katuns, 0 tuns, o uinals, 0 kins and 13 ahau). After the Long Count, the series is composed of hieroglyphs labelled Glyphs G, F, E or D, C, B, and A, and a varying number of others. Glyph G changes its form daily, making a round of nine days, possibly corresponding to the nine gods of the lower world. Glyph F is closely associated with Glyph G and does not vary. Starting the Supplementary Series, glyphs E and D have numerical coefficients that give the age of the current Moon within an error of two or three days; Glyph C places it in a lunar half year; and Glyph A shows whether it is made up of 29 or 30 days. The meaning of Glyph B is unknown. The third count in the Maya inscriptions is the Secondary Series which seems to have been a calendar-correction formula, somewhat like our leap-year correction. With these second series the Maya priests took care of the discrepancy between the calendar year and the true solar year.|
The correction formula worked out at Copan in the 7th century was even slightly more accurate than our Gregorian leap-year correction introduced in 1582.
Length of the
year according to modern astronomy : 365,2422 days
Length of our present, corrected Gregorian year : 365,2425 days
Length of the year according to the Maya astronomy : 365,2420 days
The identification of certain architectural assemblages as observatories of solstices and equinoxes is rather difficult to substantiate. So far, it has not been demonstrated how the Maya reckoned the seasons of their agricultural cycle or whether they observed the tropical or the sidereal year.
In colonial times, the star group known as the Pleiades was used to mark divisions of the night, and the constellation Gemini was also observed. A computation table in the Dresden Codex records intervals of possible eclipses of the Sun and Moon. Another correlates five revolutions of the planet Venus around the Sun with eight 365-day years and projects the count for 104 years, when it returns to the beginning Tzolkin date. Three sets of month positions associated with the cycle suggest its periodical correction. Other computations have not been adequately explained, among them some very long numbers that transcend the Long Count. Such numbers appear also on monuments and indicate a grandiose conception of the complexity and the almost infinite extent of time.
We have to admit that, even with all our present sophisticated technology, many ghyphs are still undeciphered, but without use of any modern instrument the ancient Maya achieved a very high degree of astronomical accuracy.
Maya (G.Morley) Stanford University Press
De grootste mysteries aller tijden, Reader's Digest
Back to Maya Page


The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy | Arik Kershenbaum
What Animals on Earth Reveal About Aliens—and Ourselves
368 pages | Penguin Press | Hardcover
From a noted Cambridge zoologist, a wildly fun and scientifically sound exploration of what alien life must be like, using universal laws that govern life on Earth and in space.
Scientists are confident that life exists elsewhere in the universe. Yet rather than taking a realistic approach to what aliens might be like, we imagine that life on other planets is the stuff of science fiction. The time has come to abandon our fantasies of space invaders and movie monsters and place our expectations on solid scientific footing.
But short of aliens landing in New York City, how do we know what they are like? Using his own expert understanding of life on Earth and Darwin's theory of evolution--which applies throughout the universe--Cambridge zoologist Dr. Arik Kershenbaum explains what alien life must be like: how these creatures will move, socialize, and communicate. For example, by observing fish whose electrical pulses indicate social status, we can see that other planets might allow for communication by electricity. As there was evolutionary pressure to wriggle along a sea floor, Earthling animals tend to have left/right symmetry; on planets where creatures evolved in midair or in soupy tar, they might be lacking any symmetry at all.
Might there be an alien planet with supersonic animals? A moon where creatures have a language composed of smells? Will aliens scream with fear, act honestly, or have technology? The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy answers these questions using the latest science to tell the story of how life really works, on Earth and in space.


The longest recorded duration of a total solar eclipse was 7.5 minutes.
The planet Saturn's density is lower than water; in fact, it would float if placed in water.
Quebec City, Canada, has about as much street crime as Disney World.
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When the work horse launch vehicle PSLV has carried a record pay load that contained five British satellites into the orbit, the endeavor becomes a big commercial breakthrough for ISRO and its business wing Antrix.
Preliminary estimates in the space business market shows that the Antrix’s turnover will go up by 20 % in the current financial year with the expected launch of few satellites including that of a US communication satellite in early 2016. Antrix has not revealed the contract value of the PSLV C-28 deal.
A major pleasant factor in the Antrix business is that most of its customers are from the advanced countries.
Antrix has entered into a launch service agreement with a company from US in 2014 for launching their earth observation micro satellite.
This is the first time that ISRO is launching a US built satellite on PSLV. Seven micro satellites were to be launched for another US company in the next year.
Another major commercial project –to launch a bigger pay load satellite for a US company has also been signed.
Mangalyaan success gives dividend
A notable factor is that the Antrix Corporation’s launch deal has increased after the Mangalyaan success. The present one for SSTL was signed in February 2014, couple of months after the ISRO made the successful mission to Mars.
It has demonstrated ISRO’s technological maneuverability in the lengthiest mission for any space operator.
Use of the PSLV with high precision, in an interplanetary mission to Mars has surprised the space industry all over the world and won many fans especially in the West.
Everybody was anticipating the impact of the Mangalyaan success on Antrix Corporation’s profile as a space business competitor. Trends on that will come in full only in the near future.
Space business websites indicate that, now, commercial satellite service providers are considering ISRO as the first option not just because of the low cost factor but also due to reliability.
The private sector is increasingly attracted to the Antrix. Interestingly, the PSLV C28 that carried five British satellites contained three end users in China.
The primary payload of the mission was three satellites of the British customer, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL). The SSTL satellite was rented by China’s, Twenty First Century Aerospace Technology Company (21AT) under a seven-year arrangement it has with the DMC International Imaging.
President of CEO of 21AT, Wu Shuang, who was quoted by SSTL has expressed his joy about the perfect placemen of the mission- “I am very glad that the three satellites are in orbit and have started communication with the ground station. It is the first step of our long march and we are looking forward to the commencement of our BJII data services following the completion of the commissioning of the DMC3/TripleSat Constellation.”
Even the PSLV C-28 is a technology demonstrator of the ISRO. In the coming year, the cumulative benefits of these missions will make the ISRO as a big competitor in space business. Return from Mangalyaan mission is going to be manifold than we expected.


*Note* The next full eclipse is a Solar Eclipse on July 11, 2010
Both the Full Lunar and Solar Eclipse are amazing displays of beauty and energy. They also affect each of us, whether it be a subtle energy shift or a more recognizable, intense surge of feelings, in a very unique way.
When speaking of any astrological event, the first thing to take into account/consideration is your own astrological sign and natal chart. Those with Sun signs will be affected differently than those with signs of water, etc. As a Cancer, I am totally energized, almost "high" when a Lunar Eclipse occurs. Those with Sun signs may feel quite the opposite.
The same goes for Solar Eclipses. Using myself as an example again, as a Cancer (Moon Child), I tend to find myself much more anxious during Solar Eclipses. Again, it should be noted that to really gain a true understanding of how Lunar and Solar eclipses affect you personally, you will need to know where this astrological event falls into your personal chart. Information such as what sign the Lunar/Solar Eclipse falls under, what house in your personal natal chart is affected, etc.
The moon and its cycle affects us all, whether it be subtle in nature or more recognizable. See http://www.healingcrystals.com/December_2009_Newsletter_-_Moon_Phases___Crystals_Articles_1681.html to learn more about the cycles of the moon.
So, how does a Lunar Eclipse, especially the Total Lunar Eclipse affect us. Lunar (Moon) Energy in general is a very maternal, nurturing energy. As the Earth, Moon and Sun become perfectly aligned, the Full Moon becomes covered by Earth's shadow. During this time, the Lunar energy of the Full Moon is effectively "blocked out" and may cause feelings of fear, anxiety and/or abandonment.
During this time, relationships may come into question and/or there may be an increase in emotional intensity.¬† However, this is only for a very brief time, during the complete black out of the Full Moon. As the Full Moon begins to light up again, you will find this heaviness and intensity slowly lift and dissipate.
The partial Lunar Eclipse may present the same type of feelings, but since the Moon is not totally covered, the degree of these feelings will not be as strong or intense.
If you are sensitive to these type of energies, let me recommend a few crystals that you can hold or work with during the Full Moon's "black out". These crystals can help ease the momentarily reduced energy of the normally loving, nurturing, mothering energies we associate with the moon.
Rainbow Moonstone helps to soothe and calm overreactions and the propensity to be overly emotional.
Pink Calcite (Manganocalcite) transmits mother energies of giving life, nurturing and love which can replace/renew the nurturing, maternal energy of the Full Moon while it is sheilded by the Earth.
Hold a piece of Howlite to reduce anxiety, tensions and stress.¬† Howlite can be used to facilitate awareness, encourage emotional expression and assist in the elimination of pain, stress and/or rage. Howlite will calm and soothe the emotions.
Lepidolite reduces stress, relieves fear and anxiety. Lepidolite helps to soothe the feelings of being emotionally overwhelmed.
If you find yourself momentarily in a place of fear, make sure to have Chrysocolla, Jet, or Black Tourmaline handy.
Solar energy is quite the opposite. It enhances the energies of father, protection and external expression. A Solar Eclipse not only affects the energy of the Sun, but also the Moon! A Solar Eclipse occurs when the New Moon is between Earth and the Sun. The Moon's energy is very strong because it is extremely close to the Earth during this eclipse. The Sun energy is also very powerful as it embraces the Moon, showing only a glowing ring of bright light during the peak of the event.
During a Total Solar Eclipse, the Sun's light, associated with warmth, life force, and creation is temporarily blocked out. During these moments, feelings of lack, fatigue, anxiety and a disconnection with life/life force may occur. Again, this is only for a brief time as the New Moon totally blocks out the light of the Sun.
During a Total Solar Eclipse, if you are more sensitive to the energy of the Sun, you can use these crystal recommendations to keep the energy of the Sun present, even during the Eclipse event.
Imperial Topaz represents life giving energy. It promotes well being, strengthens optimism, reduces fear of lack, and enhances the feelings of abundance and prosperity.
Sunstone warms the heart and lifts/rejuvenates the spirit. Sunstone is often used for protection, grounding and enhancing life force energies.
Citrine is particularly helpful in assisting with abundance and prosperity. It enhances the enjoyment of life and increased spiritual growth. Citrine energizes and invigorates, increasing motivation and physical energy. Citrine dissipates negative energies and promotes inner calm.
Ametrine is a combination of Citrine and Amethyst. It disperses negativity from the aura and fills the voids with the energizing and stabilizing qualities of pure energy and light.
The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse and the Total Solar Eclipse are a Universal reminder of the cycle of life and the energy that surrounds us. These events shed a great deal of light on the energies each holds. One thing is certain, no matter what the energy or event, there will always be a crystal to help achieve balance and center.
Written by Kristi Huggins
Author and Project Manager for Healing Crystals


In Chicago at night, reference to the sky is most often for the architecture of the skyline and the lights. I must confess, the skyline of Chicago at night is one of my favorite sights in all the world. Chicago’s skyline, however, overshadows the sky itself. So let’s set the buildings aside a moment to explore Chicago’s night sky. Looking up in Chicago at night today, we see very few stars. It is one of my least favorite things about Chicago.
So I took myself on a trip to the Adler Planetarium during one of its free days. At America’s first planetarium, people often flock to one of its theaters for a show, either from the historic Zeiss projector or the more modern options. I preferred, however, to explore the museum, where I experienced the difficulty of a moon jump and played as an ancient astronomer with telescopes and other early observation tools. It was here I stumbled upon the Atwood Sphere, a metal sphere that demonstrates the sky of Chicago at night, circa 1913. That is, Chicago’s night sky… back when it had stars!
The Atwood Sphere
Though the guided tour of the Atwood Sphere is an additional ticket, it is well worth the mere $6. You get to experience the charm and wonder of astronomy over 100 years ago. When you step into this metal sphere, it closes around you so that you are essentially sitting inside a metal ball. The Atwood Sphere is precisely perforated to allow the light of the museum to shine through in the otherwise dark interior. These light dots represent exactly the celestial bodies that were once visible from Chicago–692 to be exact. The sphere turns around you to display an entire year’s rotation. Our guide pointed out different constellations and planets as they circled over our faux sky.
After the creaking contraption opens up and you hop back into present-day technology, just past the sphere is an exhibit on light pollution. Light pollution in Chicago means that Chicago at night has lost a vast majority of the stars. This whole experience was so cool. It has me hooked and inspired me to dig a little deeper into the history of the sphere and the planetarium.
The Adler Planetarium is housed in a twelve-sided building with a large dome for the Zeiss projector’s show. This style of dome has become synonymous with planetariums nowadays, but it was a new concept in the early 20th century. More often, people over history have learned about stars on maps and globes They had to view the heavens from an outer perspective of two dimensions. Projections on a dome allowed viewers to see the sky as we see it from Earth–that is, from below. This approach is what made the Atwood Sphere such an approachable tool in learning astronomy as well.
Laflin Memorial Building from 1893
Early accounts of the experience in 1913 brag about the ability to study the stars without concern for weather or time, “turning the sky about at will, or causing the stars to stand still in their tracks.” By the ’30s, the Atwood Sphere had lost its luster in Chicago. Though the U.S. Navy used it for teaching navigation in the ’40s, the Chicago Daily News featured the Atwood Sphere in its 1956 White Elephant Festival.
The Atwood Sphere was originally housed in Chicago’s first natural history museum, the Laflin Memorial Building. Today it is part of the Lincoln Park Zoo. Our Chicago Highlights Tour cruises right past both the zoo and building. Matthew Laflin was an early settler of Chicago who had lived in Fort Dearborn and made a good deal of money off real estate holdings. In 1893 he donated to the Chicago Academy of Sciences to build Chicago’s first natural history museum. Laflin insisted the museum should be free to allow equal access for everyone to its natural history collections. Looking at the building’s architecture, we see columns and a pediment, which are classical features. This architectural style was very prominent during and after the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
The Atwood Sphere has been altered and moved about over history, but it’s great to see it restored to its original glory at the Adler Planetarium. The ride into the Atwood Sphere will not only let you marvel at the stars but also–I hope–motivate you to turn off a light or two in combat of the changes to the stars we see in Chicago at night.
— Elizabeth Tieri, Chicago Detours Tour Guide


The south and north nodes, often referred to as the Nodes of Fate, symbolize our past and future — our karmic pathway. Accordingly, eclipses activate these nodes within our birth charts, illuminating our destiny. So, yeah, eclipses are a pretty big deal. In fact, each year, there are between three and seven eclipses and they often occur in clusters. The Cancer-Capricorn eclipses continue this summer with a solar eclipse in Cancer on July 2, and a partial lunar eclipse in Capricorn on July 16—17, The final eclipse on this axis will occur on July 5—6, , when a total lunar eclipse at 13 degrees Capricorn concludes this two-year cycle.
Moon Tracks Astrology Calendars
There are two types of eclipses: solar and lunar. Solar eclipses occur during the new moon phase when the sun and moon are positioned at the exact same degree within the same zodiac sign. In this configuration, the moon passes between the sun and earth, temporarily obscuring the sun. Lunar eclipses, on the other hand, correspond with the full moon phase.
According to Time and Date , eclipses will occur the following dates:. These dynamic lunar phenomena were feared by our ancient ancestors. Early human civilizations built their societies around season changes and annual movements of the sun, so when an eclipse occurred they believed that the natural order had been compromised.
2020 Libra Horoscope eBook
To them, eclipses were a harbinger of danger — quite specifically, the apocalypse. Although we no longer connect these lunations to end days, astrologically speaking, eclipses are still a very big deal. Just as new moons are linked to beginnings and full moons are tied to culminations, eclipses serve as celestial checkpoints. An eclipse is a high-octane lunation that helps illuminate our karmic path, but just as these cosmic events can be visually striking, eclipses can be a bit dramatic.
Astrologically speaking, eclipses speed up time: They open new doors by slamming others shut, so we often find abrupt and sudden shifts occurring during eclipses. Though the shifts can be jarring, eclipses help us by speeding up the inevitable.
While the results of eclipses can be shocking, remember that these lunations simply expedite the inevitable — these events were going to happen eventually. Eclipses have been associated with major cataclysmic weather-related events like earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes as well as human-activated events like bombings, wars, and your basic bad-behavior plundering.
Aries: You're Reassessing Your Goals And Sense Of Authority
Eclipses have also heralded major scientific and evolutionary breakthroughs. Things are always changing on Planet Earth and during an eclipse changes are triggered. Manifestation of the triggers can be seen three to six months after the actual eclipse. Wheels are set in motion and then, poof!
Solar and Lunar Eclipses in Astrology
Where will an eclipse impact you in your personal life? Look to the sign and degree of the eclipse. Then look at your chart and see where that degree falls.
Look at the house where the eclipse falls as that will determine the area of your life that will be most greatly impacted. Look to see what other planets are involved in the eclipse as their energy will add significantly to the story of change, movement, letting go, and release. An eclipse is a shift in the vibrational alignment between the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon creating an analogous shift in the alignment of our own energies.
In the coming months this Grand Trine will occur for a few days in the month and you should take advantage of it.
It enhances your communication ability, mental faculties and general sense of well-being. Fortunate things will happen for you. Good, workable ideas will come that solve problems.
- Expectations for the eclipse season: the cycle of Cancer and Capricorn;
- msn uk horoscopes taurus?
- Skyscript: Table of Solar and Lunar Eclipses - !
- Cancer (June 21 - July 22);
Mind your phone bill and be careful about wasting energy on idle gossip. This is a good time to schedule meetings or write those letters that need to be written. Your most important areas of interest this month are: home, family and psychological issues, love affairs, creativity, children, and haying fun, health and work.
Your paths of greatest fulfilment this month are: career though you must pursue it with balance and. Earnings are soaring this period — especially after, the 20th. Be careful of overspending. Your pursuit of earnings could cause you to ignore your personal desires; this would be a mistake. Your personal appearance shines this month.


I walked out of the ancient Abbey, stone building of pink granite, place of holy ministry and destination for thousands of Christians, singing with the hundred or so of us who had gathered there for 9 pm daily worship. As we left the dim, candlelit space and entered into the world, a blanket of stars welcomed us! Delighted to see them, those which had been previously shrouded by clouds, I stood and let the other people pass, humming and swaying happily, soaking in the simultaneously dark and bright starry night before me. They were so close it seemed I should be able to reach up from the hill beyond the field with the sheep and touch them.
Eventually, I tore myself away from the magnificence and made my way into St. Orin’s chapel, a small, similarly old but very simple chapel next to the Abbey. I knew from our group’s short stop there earlier in the day that if one stood in the middle of the space and sang, the acoustics magically turned one’s voice into an angel’s. I lit candles and sat in the middle and sang, alone in the dark, the songs I had learned that week, my favorite hymns, and the songs of my childhood, my voice transformed into that of incredible beauty.
I made my way back into the dark night. A faint glow behind the Abbey made me think – is there possibly a moon over there? A few yards walking north confirmed there was, indeed, an orange 2/3-full misshapen moon and its companion clouds filling the landscape with light and grace. I walked back to a bench outside of St. Orin’s chapel and pondered the stars again. A bright shooting star grazed across the skyscape, delighting me once more. The cows nearby lowed. What I think was a sheep snorted. And I was struck by the total perfection of these moments, the joy of my soul and of my whole being, every cell filled with moonlight and starlight and love.
What can I do for you, I asked the stars and sky and moon, the ancient stone, the Presence all around?
Live joyfully and share that joy with others. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as you do it in service of that Love and Joy.
And then I walked home to my pod by the dark of the night and the light of the moon and stars, in awe of the abundance in this place, in these moments, and in my life.


- This event has passed.
Constellation Star Jars at Belfast Free Library
July 29 @ 6:00 pm
This summer Belfast Free Library’s Summer Reading Program features special events and presentations for kids, families, and teens around the theme A Universe of Stories!
On Monday, July 29 at 6:00 p.m. young adults ages 11 – 17 are invited to make Constellation Star Jars. Bring the stars inside with this hands on project. All materials are provided by the library.
For more information about the Universe of Stories Summer Reading Program and for information about upcoming events visit the library’s website at www.belfastlibrary.org. All library programs are free and open to the public.
Star Jar Photo by Gabrielle Stanley Blair


A G3 iMac processor is powering the Mars Perseverance Rover
Give or take a few modifications…
What you need to know
- A PowerPC 750 is the chipset at the heart of NASA’s Perseverance Rover.
- That’s the same processor that was used in the G3 iMac in 1998.
- The Perseverance version has been modified to withstand the freezing temperatures of Mars.
A new report has revealed that the chipset at the heart of NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover is the same PowerPC 750 from the 1998 iMac G3.
From New Scientist:
Remember the colourful iMac computers from the late 1990s? The same processor that powered those is being used to run NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover.
This processor, which is also being used in the Curiosity rover, has just 10.4 million transistors – even affordable smartphones now have more than 1000 times as many. So why is such old technology used in a cutting-edge space exploration mission?
The PowerPC 750 was the same processor used by Apple back in the 1998 G3 iMac, PowerPC being the chipmaker of choice before Apple switched to Intel. As noted by Gizmodo, the 750 was a single-core processor with a whopping 233MHz clock speed. Okay, maybe not ‘whopping’.
The Mars Perseverance Rover uses a BAE Systems-made PowerPC 750 called the ‘RAD750’, capable of withstanding huge radiation doses and temperatures of between -67 and 257 degrees Fahrenheit, only slightly hotter than most Intel Macs. All of this added protection means the RAD750 costs around $200,000 to make. As noted by the report, an older processor like the 750 is the chipset of choice because of its ruggedness and reliability, rather than speed.
As reported by our friends at Space.com, Perseverance continues to make epic discoveries following its landing on Mars last month, including a rock that looks like a harbor seal!


We are surrounded by intergalactic puzzles . They last our existence and, with each new study, we completely change our way of thinking about the Universe. The “wheel of knowledge” doesn’t stop moving, does it? We have to try to follow the new researches to understand where the data analysis is going. Including news: a mysterious black hole has been discovered in the heart of a spiral galaxy. According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, it would not be possible for a supermassive black hole to have a disk of matter around it. The astronomical spectrum weighs approximately 250 million times more than the Sun. It is contained in the galaxy NGC 3147, found about 130 million light years away in the constellation Draco. This discovered black hole defies Einstein’s law.
Furthermore, the intergalactic object is apparently “starving”! Its condition is interconnected by the lack of material to feed. Thus, the light emitted by the object at the center of NGC 3147 mimics the behavior of a supermassive black hole at the centers of much more active galaxies.
Opportunity to test Einstein’s theories
The disk of material, which surrounds the black hole, offers a unique opportunity to test Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity. We have an intense challenge ahead of us. This disk is so deeply embedded in the intense gravitational field that the light emitted by the gas disk is modified. At least according to Einstein’s theories. This gave astronomers a unique view of the dynamic processes at work near a black hole.
“This is an intriguing glimpse into a disk very close to a black hole. The approach is such that the speeds and intensity of the gravitational attraction are affecting the way we see photons of light,” said Stefano Bianchi. He is the first author of the study , which was supported by the University of Roma Tre in Italy. An international team of researchers made the discovery, including experts from the University of California, Santa Barbara and Johns Hopkins University.
To support the studies, the researchers used the imaging spectrograph instrument (Hubble Space Telescope). The diagnostic tool splits light from an object into its many individual wavelengths. In this way, you can determine the speed, temperature and other characteristics of the object with very high accuracy. The Hubble telescope also observed that the material in the disc revolved around the black hole at more than 10% the speed of light.
At such extreme speeds, the gas appears to glow as it travels to Earth. Subsequently, it darkens as it moves away from our planet. This effect is known as relativistic radiation. Hubble’s observations also show that the gas is buried deep in a gravity well. The discovered black hole definitely defies Einstein’s law. “We’ve never seen the effects of general and special relativity in visible light so clearly,” said team member Marco Chiaberge.


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City of Slater Launches a New Website! Subscribe Today! - October 31, 2016
City of Slater is proud to announce the launch of our new website. Subscribe to our site and you... [more...]
Calendar of Events
No matter what the season, there is always something going on in the City of Slater. Keeping our residents informed of scheduled events and local happenings is important.
Know of an upcoming event that we need to add? Give us a call or send us an email and we will be happy to add it for you.
Council Meeting Reminder
Just a friendly reminder -City of Slater Council Meetings are held monthly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. - please call the office for the complete list of dates.
Slater Tractor Pull
Begins: 8/5/2017 - 4:00 PM
Slater Antique Tractor Pull
Sponsored By the Slater Optimist & Slater Antique Tractor Pulling Club
4:00 PM- Slater Airport
For more information contact:
Rodger Pycke Louis Eddy
Total Solar Eclipse of 2017
The Great American Eclipse is coming on August 21, 2017 and the path of totality will cross Slater, MO. Total eclipses aren't particularly rare, but one that has such a long path across a developed country is rare. The Astronomical Society of Kansas City say ten million people are on the path and 100 million are within a few hour's drive. The path of the moons umbral shadow begins in the Northern Pacific and across the USA from west to east through parts of: Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina. With Slater MO being in the direct path.
The Slater Chamber of Commerce will be hosting an Eclipse event at the Slater football field in the park. Concessions, facilities and glasses will all be available.
Warning: To watch a solar eclipse, you will need eye protection.
Vist the links provided to see the eclipse map, countdown to eclipse, and the NASA site.
2017 Slater Fall Festival
Begins: 9/14/2017 - 5:00 PM
Ends: 9/16/2017 - 10:00 PM
The dates have been set for the 2017 Fall Festival! This is an event that is fun for the entire family. 3 days of carnival rides, good food, events, music and more. Don't miss out!


Below is a list of the constellations and the dates corresponding to each character. However, something important to note is that if someone is born on the “cusp” of two constellations, they can identify with multiple characteristics of different signs. For example, if someone is born on April 19, he or she may have some Aries traits and some Taurus traits because his birthday is on the edge of the constellations.
Latin names are standard English usage (except that “Capricorn” is used instead of “Capricorn”). With a mix of Indian, Iranian Hellenistic and other traditions mixed with Greek and Islamic astronomical knowledge, for example the work of Ptolemy and the Book of Fixed Stars by Al-Sufi. Knowledge of the influence that stars have on events on Earth was important in Islamic civilization. But in the “tropical zodiac,” the system used by Western astrologers, there are fixed sectors of the sky through which the movement of the sun, moon, and planets is tracked to create the basis of horoscopes. Astrology is a pseudoscience that interprets the supposed effect of celestial bodies on human existence.
The theory was that if astrological claims about the position of stars and dates of birth were true, individuals would have shared similar traits; they didn’t. In the 4th century BC, Babylonian astronomy and its system of celestial omens influenced the culture of ancient Read More Greece, as did the astronomy of Egypt in the late 2nd century BC. This resulted, contrary to the Mesopotamian tradition, in a strong focus on the birth chart of the individual and the creation of horoscopic astrology, using the Ascendant and the twelve houses.
Ptolemy clearly explained the theoretical basis of the western zodiac as a tropical coordinate system, with the zodiac aligned with the equinoxes and solstices, rather than the visible constellations with the same names as the constellations. The Sun makes a path in the sky every day that astronomers call the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the apparent path that the sun makes in the sky against the background of the stars. If you could see the stars during the day, you would see the sun pass in front of the background constellations. These background constellations that the sun seems to pass through during the year are called constellations zodiacs. The zodiac is a band around the sky that lies about nine degrees above and below the ecliptic.
In the 2nd century BC he wrote Tetrabiblos, which served as the basis for Western animal mastery. Because most of the constellations through which the ecliptic passes depict animals, the ancient Greeks called their area zōdiakos kyklos, “circle of animals”, or ta zōdia, “the small animals”. The size and number of constellations varied in ancient times and were determined only with the development of mathematical astronomy. The following list gives the constellations of the zodiac, with the dates of the sun’s passage through them at the time their boundaries were established.
The first official engraved version of a Babylonian compendium dates back to 86 B.C., but using modern astronomical techniques, an astronomer at Louisiana State University has dated the original observations to 1,370 B.C., about 100 years ago. The tablets record the day of the year when certain groups of stars, or constellations, appear in the sky at sunrise. These constellations are widely considered to be the forerunners of modern constellations. Babylonian art, however, shines with images of lions, scorpions, rams, and bulls, which go back much further and suggest a much earlier recognition of zodiac symbols. In recent years, new research has suggested that Lascaux’s paintings may contain prehistoric star charts. In 140 CE, Ptolemy published Tetrabiblos, one of the most famous astrology books ever written.
The exact date of the equinox varies from year to year, but it is always between March 19 and March 21. The result is the start date of Aries and therefore the start date of all other signs may change slightly from year to year. The following table of Western astrology gives an overview of the twelve distributions of the heavenly longitude with the Latin names. Length intervals are treated as closed for the first endpoint and open for the second, for example, 30° longitude is the first Taurus point, not part of Aries.


Felix Baumgartner is going to try the Red Bull Stratos balloon space capsule launch again today. Everyone is optimistic that the wind will be calm enough to float him up to about 120,000 feet above the Earth. That’s 23 miles. I honestly can’t believe they are trying this. Red Bull should focus on curing cancer. Now that would be extreme. The best I can tell is that the estimated launch time is around 11am Eastern. Or something. I only observe LeBron’s Time.
There are lots of better ones.
Bring on the good golf!
Another day, another highlight.
Friday’s only a day away.


Tiger Map Server|
Map service to find their exact latitude and longitude of observing area location.
A tool that helps a person know when or where to look to see the station or other
spacecraft in the night sky.
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- published: Feb 07 2008
Solar system and deep sky galleries, remote images, images of satellites, and
- published: Oct 27 2006
Article containing information, predictions, and further links.
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- published: Oct 01 2001
Jonathan's Space Report|
Issued twice a month, and describes all space launches, including piloted missions
and automated satellites.
Search in Category: Science: Astronomy: News and Media
- modified: Apr 03 2009
Spacecraft information, orbital data and Keplerian elements, radio frequencies,
software information, orbital mechanics background information, radio and antenna
tracking interfaces, and links.
SoCal Sky Lights|
Schedule for rocket launches with information for iridium flares, meteor showers,
ISS and space shuttle, and delta launches.
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Mike McCants Satellite Tracking Web Pages|
Visual satellite tracking TLEs and software with predictions for the Austin, TX
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- modified: Dec 22 2009
ON6MU Space and Satellite|
Satellite information, ISS information, ISS software, NASA Live TV, images, Kepler
data, and links.
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The Falcon's Nest|
Personal notes from an enthusiast, images, and radio frequencies and voice.
- published: Dec 20 2002


Valdevaqueros is a wonderful beach in the South of Spain, pretty well know to kite surfers. It has a quite high dune on the East end of the beach. The dune moves quite frequently and it’s not unusual to find important amounts of sand on the road next to the beach and diggers removing it to allow cars to pass.
To prevent the dune from collapsing, fences were put in various places in the middle of it, but the strong winds and the dune moves, make them fall and break very frequently and they are no longer replaced.
After a few years spending the summer holidays in the area, I decided I wanted to try something new and attempt my first serious shot of the Milky Way. I had read and watched several tutorials and felt myself prepared. My landscape lens is not that fast (f4) but the Sony A6300 is quite capable in low light so I was determined to try and not to go beyond 3,200 ISO anyway.
I arrived well before sunset to scout the area for one last time before the shot and find a spot good enough to keep some of the fences on the foreground and the Milky Way as the background showing above them. I set there with my beach chair, my sandwich and some water expecting to enjoy the landscape in silence and having it for myself.
It was less than week before the peak of the perseid meteor shower and I also expected to see some of those, too. And I did. Just a couple but stunning.
What I was not expecting, and was an interesting addition, was that a nearby bar had organized a live rock show and I was entertained for free for about two hours in almost total darkness by the distant Spanish rock music.
I started to shot before sunset. My plan was to get a tack sharp shot of the fences in the blue hour and then the Milky Way over them a couple hours later to later blend them both with the best of each.
I shot some 250 frames at 20-30 seconds every minute over about 5 hours. The Sony PlayMemories timelapse camera app was useful in this regard as it can automate this process as if it was an intervalometer. I was not that lazy so I was occasionally doing some manual adjustments from time to time with care not to move the camera.
I’m using Affinity Photo as of late for my most complex photo editing and processing and this was what I used to make the blend.
I started with the foreground blue hour shot. I tried to find the one that was sharp enough, and not too warm so it could be then realistically merged with the Milky Way background shot.
I then went through all the Milky Way shots until finding one where the Milky Way would be right above the fence and providing a pleasing composition.
I created separate layers and used luminosity masks to make the blend.
All right so far, uh? Nope. Error.
My tripod is too light, there was some wind and I was manipulating the camera at times. Result: the tripod moved between shots and the alignment of the fence in both shots was not working.
I had to spend a significant amount of time aligning both properly. Several hours. It was boring.
Lesson learned. Get a better tripod (I’ve just done it) and don’t mess around when the camera is taking long exposures.
Once that done I had to face an expected problem. The blue hour fence at f8 is much sharper than the Milky Way fence at f4, not to mention is much brighter. I created a mask around the fence mostly manually to then use a little bit of warp on the foreground to fill the gaps between the sharp and not so sharp fences. I hope it worked.
I was not annoyed by the light pollution. In case you wonder, the camera is facing the sea and beyond it, the African continent. The light comes from the city of Tangier, on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar.
I’m pleased with the end result especially to be my first attempt.


Distribution of Luminosity in Elliptical Nebulae.
Contributions from the Mount Wilson Observatory, No. 398.
First separate edition. This article builds on Hubble’s work at Mt. Wilson in 1923 and 24, in which he discovered that the Milky Way was not, as previously believed, the extent of the universe, but just one galaxy among many. Hubble had shown that many “nebulae” were in fact galaxies filled with stars, but at the time this paper was published it was not clear whether the elliptical variety were true nebulae (clouds of gas and dust), or larger galaxies. Here he discusses the use of luminosity measurements in classifying and understanding these elliptical nebulae, but refrains from taking sides in the debate.
Don't understand our descriptions? Try reading our Glossary
Octavo. Original light greenish-blue wrappers printed in black. 1 plates, illustrations and diagrams throughout the text. Punctures to lower wrappers also affecting second half of the text leaves, wrappers slightly toned. A very good copy.


Topics in this course include: identifying stars and planets in the night sky, the development of ancient and medieval astronomy, celestial coordinate systems, astronomical instrumentation, the Copernican revolution, Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation, stellar parallax, galactic redshifts, Hubble’s law, and elements of modern cosmology.
This website will lead you, week-by-week, through Volume 1 of A Student's Guide using short videos and homework assignments. Each video has a code (in parentheses) that indicates the book volume, chapter, and lecture number. Click on the link for Week 1 to get started! Here are some of the course details:
PHY 101: Introduction to Astronomy meets in S105 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 - 8:50.


Light Up Your Travels!
Light up your travels quite literally with a journey in 2013 to the north to see the Aurora Borealis, otherwise know as the Northern Lights.
The American Space Agency NASA said 2013 offers the best display of Northern Lights in 50 years!
Now here comes the science bit - the Aurora Borealis is caused by particles on the solar wind interacting with the Earth's atmosphere; the magnetic North Pole amplifies this effect and this winters solar activity is expected to be especially high - so the lights should be particularly spectacular. So this winter, why not light up your travel life?
We feature three hosted tours to see this spectacular natural phenomenon but can also do tailor-made tours for any time and duration. By going as part of a hosted tour it's a fantastic way to travel with like-minded independent travellers in small groups with our experienced tour managers who will take care of the logistics so you can sit back and relax and be as much a part of the group as you wish.
Thursday 24th - Monday 28th January 2013
Monday 18th - Friday 22nd February 2013
Thursday 14th - Monday 18th March 2013
Northern Lights, Iceland Tour takes place over 4 nights and costs from £4,995 per person based on two sharing.


This week in their Talk for Reading lessons, Year One heard the story of the 'Man on the Moon (A Day in the Life of Bob)' by Simon Bartram. They loved hearing about Bob's job as an astronaut and spotted all the cheeky aliens hiding in the story. There were lots of them and they were very sneaky! The children used a Virtual Reality (VR) headset to explore the International Space Station and listened to astronaut, Tim Peake, tell them about how it works. They also used a virtual reality tablet to go on a space walk outside the shuttle. They saw the stars, the sun and Earth below their feet! It made the class chuckle when they let go on the Space Shuttle and floated around in space but some children got a little scared when they got too near the sun! Aaron was so inspired by our story that he built his own space rocket!


Today is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. It’s just 40 years ago that Neil Armstrong made his first steps on the moon. After him just 11 other people had the same honor. The Apollo missions ended in December 1972 and with them the men walking on the satellite.
20 July 2009
That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind
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ActInSpace has been invented by CNES. Since the second edition CNES and ESA co-organize the event. CNES and ESA have delegated to Aerospace Valley on behalf of ESA BIC Sud France the operational aspect of the organization.
CNES (French Space Agency)
CNES is a public body of industrial and commercial nature (EPIC) ;
The CNES offers other public bodies the space policy of France and its implementation in 5 major strategic areas: Ariane, the Sciences, Observation, Telecommunications and Defence.
Its 2,450 collaborators are divided into four centres of excellence: the Space Centre in Toulouse for the design of orbital systems, the Launch Directorate for the development of launch systems, the Space Centre in Guiana for the implementation of of european launches and its Headquarters for the development of space policy.
CNES was the organizer of the first edition of ActinSpace, in partnership with ESA BIC South France. As such, it headed up the design of edition 2.
It is the decision-maker for the event’s global communication plan, the rules of the competition and the co-ordinator for the preparation of the challenges. It is also the organizer of the event in France.
ESA (European Space Agency)
ESA now has 20 Member States and its mission is to develop the European space programme and bring it to fruition.
The Agency's projects are designed to maximise our understanding of Earth and its immediate space environment, the solar system and the universe and to develop technologies and satellite services and to promote European industries.
The Technology Transfer Programme Office (TTPO) seeks entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for using space technologies or developing applications, to create new products and services in a non-space environment.
ESA’s Business Incubation Centres (BICs), initiated by ESA's Technology Transfer Programme Office (TTPO), work to inspire entrepreneurs to turn space-connected business ideas into commercial companies, and provide technical expertise and business-development support.
ESA is the guarantor of the Europeanisation of the ActInSpace event.
In particular ESA is responsible for the recruitment and the co-ordination of the national organizers and guarantees above national means (European Prize, means of communication at the central level,...). It relies on ESA BIC Sud France to carry out these actions.
ESA BIC Sud France was created in 2013, and is the only ESA Business Incubation Center in France (there are 13 others in Europe).
Founded in 2013, ESA BIC Sud France, managed by Aerospace Valley, in association with the CNES and Cluster Safe, is the only ESA BIC incubator in France. ESA BIC Sud France is structured by four main regions, Aquitaine, Midi-Pyrénées, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence Côte d'Azur (PACA). It is also driven by support structures dedicated to the creation of innovative companies such as ESTIA Entreprendre, Bordeaux Technowest, CEEI Théogone, Midi-Pyrénées Incubator, BIC Montpellier Mediterannée Metropole and PACA-Est Incubator. Moreover, It encourage start-up creation using space technologies in non space fields. Since 2013, 24 start-ups has been supported by ESA BIC Sud France. Its members are involved in supporting the organization and the smooth running of the ActInSpace event (funding, expertise,...).


APM Telescopes of Germany has had a reputation for high performance optics for over 25 years. In that time APM has expanded to include not just astronomical telescopes, but also binoculars, spotting scopes, eyepieces, optical correctors and accessories. APM's premium astronomical telescopes feature LZOS optics. LZOS are unique in being the only manufacturer of apochromatic lenses that control every step of the production process from rare earth minerals, glass production and final finished lens. Together with LZOS, APM offer the worlds widest range of Apochromats including the worlds largest in sizes from 100mm to 510mm. Astrograph are APM's official UK distributor.


The vast expanse of space has always intrigued humanity, and as technology advances, so does our ability to explore celestial bodies. One of the most exciting frontiers in space exploration is the Moon, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing our approach to lunar missions.
In the not-so-distant future, AI will play a pivotal role in lunar exploration, reshaping the way we understand and interact with our closest celestial neighbor. The Future of AI in Lunar Exploration is an exciting prospect that holds the promise of unlocking new scientific discoveries, overcoming technical challenges, and advancing our understanding of the cosmos.
Lunar exploration has come a long way since the first human steps on the Moon. Early missions were characterized by limited technology and human involvement. However, with each subsequent mission, technological advancements paved the way for more sophisticated approaches to lunar exploration.
Current Applications of AI in Lunar Exploration
In the present day, robotic rovers equipped with advanced AI capabilities are exploring the lunar surface, conducting experiments, and sending valuable data back to Earth. The use of AI in data analysis from lunar missions allows scientists to derive meaningful insights from the vast amount of information collected.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite the strides made in lunar exploration, technical challenges persist. Harsh lunar conditions and communication delays pose significant obstacles. AI emerges as a solution, addressing these challenges with its ability to adapt to dynamic environments and make real-time decisions.
Advancements in AI Technology for Lunar Exploration
Machine learning algorithms are at the forefront of AI technology for lunar missions. These algorithms enable precise navigation, allowing rovers to traverse the lunar terrain autonomously. The integration of AI-driven autonomous decision-making is a game-changer, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of lunar exploration.
Collaboration between Humans and AI in Space Missions
The future of lunar exploration envisions a harmonious collaboration between humans and AI. While AI excels in data analysis and decision-making, human intuition and creativity remain irreplaceable. Together, they form a powerful partnership that maximizes the potential for scientific discovery and exploration.
Impact of AI on Scientific Discoveries
The contributions of AI to lunar research are monumental. From identifying interesting geological features to analyzing complex data patterns, AI accelerates the pace of scientific discoveries. The efficiency and precision brought by AI open new avenues for exploration and understanding of the lunar environment.
Ethical Considerations in AI for Lunar Exploration
As we embark on this journey of exploration, ethical considerations must guide the use of AI in lunar missions. Responsible practices and accountability are crucial to ensuring that AI is employed ethically, respecting the lunar environment and upholding the values of scientific integrity.
Future Prospects and Innovations
Predicting the future of AI in lunar exploration involves anticipating advancements in technology. Machine learning innovations, improved robotic capabilities, and novel approaches to data analysis are expected to define the future landscape of lunar missions.
Commercialization of Lunar Exploration with AI
Private companies are playing an increasingly significant role in lunar exploration. The integration of AI opens up new business opportunities, from resource extraction to tourism. However, challenges such as regulatory frameworks and ethical considerations must be navigated for sustainable commercialization.
Global Collaboration in AI for Space Exploration
International collaboration is crucial for the success of future lunar missions. Shared resources, knowledge exchange, and joint efforts in research and development will propel the collective human endeavor into space. Global collaboration ensures that the benefits of lunar exploration are shared by all of humanity.
Public Perception of AI in Space Exploration
Understanding and addressing public concerns about AI in space exploration is vital. Open communication, transparency, and education are key to fostering public support and dispelling misconceptions. Inclusivity ensures that the public feels connected to and supportive of lunar exploration efforts.
Educational Initiatives in AI and Space Science
Preparing the next generation of space scientists and AI experts is a critical aspect of the future of lunar exploration. Educational initiatives that promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields will contribute to a skilled workforce capable of pushing the boundaries of lunar exploration.
Environmental Sustainability in Lunar Exploration
As we reach for the stars, it’s essential to prioritize environmental sustainability in lunar exploration. Minimizing the ecological impact of space missions and adopting sustainable practices ensures that our exploration of the Moon does not compromise the delicate balance of our cosmic ecosystem.
In conclusion, the future of AI in lunar exploration is a thrilling frontier that holds immense potential for scientific discovery, technological innovation, and global collaboration. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, the synergy between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence will undoubtedly shape the destiny of lunar exploration.
Is AI already being used in lunar exploration?
Yes, AI is currently utilized in robotic rovers for autonomous navigation and data analysis during lunar missions.
What are the ethical considerations in using AI for space exploration?
Ethical considerations include responsible use of AI, accountability, and ensuring minimal impact on the lunar environment.


Page created and maintained by Roger Edwards, Storm Prediction Center
Radar receivers in the national network of Doppler radars (WSR-88D) can detect sunsets. Here, in a composite of reflectivity images across the east-central U.S., seven sites did so. A radar antenna was located at each location numbered in yellow, with the sun at a low enough angle to the ground to be intercepted head-on by the radar beam.
Since it was winter -- only a few days after solstice -- the sun sets in the southwest in these areas; so the sunset echoes appear as blue line segments southwest of each radar site. The tilt of the earth causes the sun to set later at more southerly latitudes in winter, which is why the sunsets show up farther east as you look from Minnesota to Tennessee. By contrast, in the summer, the sunset echoes would be facing northwest; and they would appear farther west as you go southward. At the start of spring and fall, each sunset echo would face east-west, and the whole series of them would be arranged in a north-south band. In nationwide radar reflectivity loops, the sunset can often be tracked east-west across the country by following the appearance of the sun echoes over several hours.
[The large area of blues and greens over Iowa was a belt of snow. Some radars failed to show sunsets because of precipitation and dense cloud cover obscuring the sun.]
These radars can pick up the sun as an echo because the sun transmits radiation at all wavelengths. This includes the 10-cm long microwaves sent and received by the radars. When the sun is low in the sky, and a radar beam moves across it, the sun's 10-cm microwave emissions are strong enough to register in the radar receiver. Unfiltered, these echoes pass through the computer software processing and show up on radar displays. They are easily distinguished from precipitation echoes by their character: occurring only around sunrise or sunset, shaped straight, nearly uniform in intensity, elongated with the radar beam and facing the direction of the sun.


Amanda Regan: Space Spook
A trailblazer in the technology of space craft design, Amanda is an engineer at the European Space Agency, Earth Observation Future Missions, a role that seemed impossible to her fourteen year old self!
Amanda was incorrectly streamed at school and not allowed to take A-Level Mathematics. This could have stopped her career in its tracks but through sheer perseverance she overcame this early set back, going on to study engineering at Brunel University, before developing her interest in space mission design with a Masters Degree in Austin, Texas USA.
Amanda’s recent projects include the Swarm Mission (a constellation of three spacecraft) launched in 2013 to measure the Earth’s magnetic field, and the Sentinel Convoy studies to fly with Copernicus Sentinels to meet Earth observation objectives. Amanda works closely with NASA A-Train Mission Operation Working Group and many other national space agencies. In her spare time she is a careers coach encouraging others to discover their best version of themselves! Amanda talks about the importance of being able to change your perspective when everything seems against you.


Time & Location
Jun 14, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Astorville, 1257 Village Rd, Astorville, ON P0H 1B0, Canada
About the Event
We are beyond excited to have a presentation in partnership with the North Bay Astronomy Club! Join the club here at the library for an engaging presentation titled The Life of a Star. There will also be sun scopes available here at this presentation, a very cool tool in the astronomers tool belt! All are welcome to attend.