Nomadic Space Nerd: a blog about astronomy.
-
It’s Almost Here! The 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse
On October 14th, 2023, a really rare astronomical phenomenon will occur, an annular solar eclipse!
-
New Gravitational Wave Detection System Could Revolutionize Our Understanding of the Universe
A collaboration named NANOGrav recently made a new discovery that could help scientists learn about what dark matter and dark energy are made of. Using the largest radio telescopes in the United States, NANOGrav has been monitoring nearly 80 pulsars for signs gravitational waves. What is NANOGRAV? NANOGrav, short for North American Nanohertz Observatory for…
-
The Moon is getting further away! Why?
The Moon is slowly drifting away from Earth. But why? The answer lies with the tides. What are the tides? The tides are two bulges of water created by the gravity of the moon. When we experience one of these bulges, it is called high tide. What do the tides have to do with the…
-
Centaurus
Centaurus is the 9th largest constellation in the night sky. Its brightest star is α Centauri(Rigil Kentaurus) at a magnitude of 0.0. It is best visible from latitudes 25N to 90S during months April through June. The most interesting object to gaze at with binoculars or a telescope is ω Centauri. Otherwise known is NGC 5139, ω Centauri…
-
Fun Fact Friday: 5/27/22
Using constellations and asterisms to find other stars/constellations is used worldwide by many astronomers and can be very helpful when used.
-
Fun Fact Friday:3/19/21
Fun fact: Did you know that Jupiter is technically a dwarf planet?
-
Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia is the 25th largest constellation in the night sky.
-
Chamaeleon
Chamaeleon is the 79th largest constellation in the night sky.
-
Canis Major
Canis Major is the 43rd biggest constellation in the night sky. It’s brightest star, Sirius (a.k.a. α Canis Majoris), is part of the winter triangle along with Betelgeuse in Orion, and Procyon in Canis Minor. It’s best seen from January to February at latitudes 56°N to 90°S.
-
Cepheus
Cepheus is the 27th largest constellation in the night sky. Its brightest star is α Cephei with a magnitude of 2.5. It’s best seen from September to October at latitudes 90°N to 1°S. It’s recognizable by the shape of a distorted tower. It is located in between Cassiopeia and Draco. Cepheus is most well…