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The Sun Today :
  Magnetogram [Active Regions]  Sunspot number: 96 What is the sunspot number? Updated 24 May 2012
 New Sunspots With Small Flares Today
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0-24
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24-48
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ACTIVE |
20
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05
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MINOR |
05
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01
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SEVERE |
01
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01
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0-24
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24-48
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ACTIVE |
15
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15
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MINOR |
25
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15
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SEVERE |
25
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10
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Click on the Space Weather Icon Below for a more detailed forecast from NOAA
Latest Activity on the Sun: (press play)
Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD)
Monthly Sky Highlights Vodcast:
This Month's Sky Chart
To see a sky chart similar to the one below, click on the mini-AstroViewer button below.
Want to Know When To See the International Space Station?
The international space station is the largest man-made object ever to orbit the earth. It circles the earth in an orbit high enough that we can see sunlight reflecting off its outer surfaces every time it passes overhead. Usually it appears like a rather bright star slowly moving across our sky here in Windsor and Essex County. Knowing when and where to look for it is the tough part. Below are the flyover times from NASA for the Windsor Area. Just click on the date for all the info available. If you still need more detailed information for spotting the station, here is a website that can help you to go out at the right time and find it.
(Just click on) www.heavens-above.com
or
Go to NASA's website:
http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/
(Just click on) www.heavens-above.com
or
Go to NASA's website:
http://spaceflight1.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/
Leviathan's Deep Sky Object of the Week: #5 M61 Spiral Galaxy
Alternate Designations: NGC 4303, UGC 07420
Constellation: Virgo
Right ascension: 12h 21m 54.9s
Declination: +04° 28′ 25″
Apparent dimension: (V) 6.5' × 5.8'
Apparent magnitude (V) 10.18
Characteristics: Type SAB(rs)bc
Distance: 52.5 ± 2.3 Mly
Magnitude: 10.8v
Constellation: Virgo
Right ascension: 12h 21m 54.9s
Declination: +04° 28′ 25″
Apparent dimension: (V) 6.5' × 5.8'
Apparent magnitude (V) 10.18
Characteristics: Type SAB(rs)bc
Distance: 52.5 ± 2.3 Mly
Magnitude: 10.8v
M61 is a barred spiral galaxy located in the southern extremity of the nearby Virgo Cluster of Galaxies (the nearest supercluster of galaxies in the universe to our own Milky Way galaxy). Visible in M61 are a host of features common to spiral galaxies: bright spiral arms, a central bar, dust lanes, and bright knots of stars. M61 is believed to be quite similar in appearance to our own Milky Way Galaxy. M61 was discovered by telescope in 1779 twice on the same day, but one observer initially mistook the galaxy for a comet. Light from M61 takes about 53 million years to reach us although this measurement is difficult to confirm due to issues in measuring redshift effects in the massive gravitational field of the Virgo supercluster. Another noteable feature of this galaxy is that recent observations of M61 have detected unpredicted high velocity gas moving in its halo.
M61 is one of the larger galaxies in the Virgo cluster; its 6 arc minutes of diameter correspond to about 100,000 light years, similar to the diameter of the Milky Way galaxy. (SEDS) It is classified as a SABbc spiral galaxy.
The galaxy is also notable astrophysically for having had 6 supernova observed in it, which apparently ties it with M83 as the Messier galaxy with the most observed supernova, but none of the supernova in M61 have been of the Type1a used to measure cosmological distances.
See the finder chart on the finder chart and resources page for a more detailed map on how to find this little beauty.
M61 is one of the larger galaxies in the Virgo cluster; its 6 arc minutes of diameter correspond to about 100,000 light years, similar to the diameter of the Milky Way galaxy. (SEDS) It is classified as a SABbc spiral galaxy.
The galaxy is also notable astrophysically for having had 6 supernova observed in it, which apparently ties it with M83 as the Messier galaxy with the most observed supernova, but none of the supernova in M61 have been of the Type1a used to measure cosmological distances.
See the finder chart on the finder chart and resources page for a more detailed map on how to find this little beauty.
Lunar Almanac
Coming Up, A Transit of Venus Across the Sun's Disk...Don't Miss Out!!!
(by Richard Talcott, Astronomy Magazine)
On the afternoon of June 5, people across North America will have a chance to see Venus pass in front of the Sun for the second and final time this century. Our sister planet previously crossed the solar disk eight years ago, in June 2004, but it won’t do so again until December 2117.
Although such transits are rare, more than three-quarters of the world’s population will have an opportunity to see at least part of this year’s event. Observers with clear skies can witness its entire duration from eastern Asia, eastern Australia, and the western Pacific. For those in North and Central America and northwestern South America, the transit’s early stages will be on display before the Sun sets June 5. Inhabitants of central and western Asia, western Australia, eastern Africa, and most of Europe will see the transit’s closing stages after sunrise June 6.
Although such transits are rare, more than three-quarters of the world’s population will have an opportunity to see at least part of this year’s event. Observers with clear skies can witness its entire duration from eastern Asia, eastern Australia, and the western Pacific. For those in North and Central America and northwestern South America, the transit’s early stages will be on display before the Sun sets June 5. Inhabitants of central and western Asia, western Australia, eastern Africa, and most of Europe will see the transit’s closing stages after sunrise June 6.
Click on Image for larger view.
Before you look at the Sun during the transit (or at any other time, for that matter), make sure to protect your eyes. Even without optical aid, sunlight can burn your retina in seconds; looking through binoculars or a telescope can blind you almost instantly. For a naked-eye view, use a #12 or #14 welder’s glass or “eclipse glasses” specifically designed for viewing the Sun. Both block dangerous ultraviolet and infrared radiation as well as visible light.
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Venus spans about 3 percent of the Sun’s apparent diameter, so the planet will appear as an obvious but small black spot to naked eyes. To see the transit close-up, you have to observe through binoculars or a telescope. For a direct view, use an approved solar filter that fits snugly over the front end of your instrument. (With binoculars, either place a filter over both front lenses or keep one of the lens caps on.) In addition, most planetariums and science centers will be open during the transit to provide safe views of the event.
From most of North America, the transit begins in the afternoon and runs through sunset. This means you need to find an observing spot with a clear view to the west and a flat, unobstructed horizon toward the west-northwest where the Sun will set. People in the Eastern Hemisphere viewing the transit at sunrise will want a location with a clear sight line to the east-northeast.
From most of North America, the transit begins in the afternoon and runs through sunset. This means you need to find an observing spot with a clear view to the west and a flat, unobstructed horizon toward the west-northwest where the Sun will set. People in the Eastern Hemisphere viewing the transit at sunrise will want a location with a clear sight line to the east-northeast.
Venus’ disk first touches the Sun’s edge, or limb, at 6:10 p.m. EDT June 5 (subtract one hour for CDT, two hours for MDT, and three hours for PDT). Some 18 minutes after this “first contact,” at 6:28 p.m. EDT, Venus’ trailing limb moves inside the solar disk. Venus will trek across the northern half of the Sun for the next six hours. The planet passes closest to our star’s center at 9:30 p.m. EDT. From the contiguous United States, the Sun will set before Venus completes its journey.
These times represent what a hypothetical observer at Earth’s center would see. Because Venus’ position relative to the Sun shifts with location, actual times on Earth’s surface can differ by up to seven minutes. As a rule of thumb, local times in North America will be a bit earlier and those in Europe a little later.
Few people alive today will live to see another Venus transit — the next one arrives December 10/11, 2117. So take advantage of this opportunity to view one of the rarest celestial events.
These times represent what a hypothetical observer at Earth’s center would see. Because Venus’ position relative to the Sun shifts with location, actual times on Earth’s surface can differ by up to seven minutes. As a rule of thumb, local times in North America will be a bit earlier and those in Europe a little later.
Few people alive today will live to see another Venus transit — the next one arrives December 10/11, 2117. So take advantage of this opportunity to view one of the rarest celestial events.
Here are some great transit of venus websites. Just click on the links listed below:
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/Where-to-See-the-Transit-of-Venus-Online-154213475.html (live online viewing sites)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nXv9YvkNyA (youtube video)
http://old.transitofvenus.org/2012.htm
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/transit12.html
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/highlights/Where-to-See-the-Transit-of-Venus-Online-154213475.html (live online viewing sites)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nXv9YvkNyA (youtube video)
http://old.transitofvenus.org/2012.htm
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/OH/transit12.html
Annular Eclipse Last Weekend
The annular eclipse last Sunday put on a spectacular show for millions of people along the western third of North America and across the Pacific ocean into Asia. Weather cooperated in almost all places along the centreline of the eclipse and many fantastic photos have been posted on the internet. Here are a few of my favourites:
Here are some other photo galleries you might want to look at:
http://spaceweather.com/gallery/index.php?&starting_point=0
http://spaceweather.com/gallery/index.php?&starting_point=0
Venus to Make Quick Exit From Night Sky Shortly (May 12, 2012)
Venus has been a dazzling bright beacon in the western evening sky this past winter and spring. However, our sister planet's reign as an "evening star" is about to end as the planet rapidly sinks toward the sun and the western horizon in May.
Just one week ago, Venus set nearly four hours after the sun. However, by the end of May, Venus will set 60 minutes after the sun. As you watch Venus plunge one degree a day toward the horizon this month, you will also notice its rapid decrease in brightness. Venus will start May shining at a dazzling --4.5 magnitude but will end the month at --3.9 magnitude.
A small telescope will also reveal Venus' full crescent shape, that's 26 percent lit at the beginning of May, then shrink to a wafer-thin crescent that's only 2.5 percent lit by June 1.
On June 5, Venus' orbit will take it directly between Earth and sun for the last time this century.
On June 5, Venus' orbit will take it directly between Earth and sun for the last time this century.
John Chumack of Dayton, Ohio, took the picture on May 14th using a 10-inch telescope.
Mercury, Jupiter and Sun Meet the Seven Sisters (Pleiades) (May 22, 2012)
Mercury, Jupiter and the Pleiades star cluster (M45) are converging for a beautiful three-way conjunction. Unfortunately, it's happening in broad daylight. The two planets and the star cluster are only a few degrees from the sun. The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) photographed the encounter on May 22nd:
Comets Visible This Month
There are two comets that can be seen with moderate-sized telescopes this month, one of which can be seen easily in binoculars...
Comet C/2009 P1 (Garradd) is still visible in northern skies passing through the handle of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major). See picture below:
Comet C/2009 P1 (Garradd) is still visible in northern skies passing through the handle of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major). See picture below:
Comet C/2009 P1 Garradd near the galaxies NGC 4236-1 (the big obvious one), UGC 7490 (near top of image) and NGC 4250. The image is a stack of 5x120 second images taken with iTelescope T14. March 14, 2012
Comet C/2011 F1 (LINEAR): A morning comet visible in a 10-inch telescope in the constellation Draco, shows a small tail and coma detail.
For Finder Charts and more detailed information on these and other comets visit these two great websites:
http://www.aerith.net/index.html
http://cometchasing.skyhound.com/
http://www.aerith.net/index.html
http://cometchasing.skyhound.com/
With no moon to obscure this year’s display, we are assured of dark skies for the 2012 Lyrid meteor shower!
For more information check out this webpage:
http://meteorshowersonline.com/lyrids.html
For more information check out this webpage:
http://meteorshowersonline.com/lyrids.html
Springtime Galaxies You Can Find!
With spring now officially in full bloom, the constellations of Leo, Virgo, Coma Berenices and Ursa Major are well placed in the early evening for observing a boat-load of beautiful spiral and elliptical galaxies. A quick glance at all the orange target galaxies below shows that there are more than a few galaxies that should be within reach of a telescope of almost any size. Heck, I've even seen some in large binoculars! What is need is a good clear dark night (hopefully with little or no moon visible) and a good finder chart to locate our small prey.
The region bordered by Leo, Virgo and Coma Berenices is ripe with galaxies that you can find with a small telescope.
In the region of the springtime
sky between the Big Dipper, Coma Berenices and Virgo lies one of the
richest regions of galaxies visible to backyard telescopes. It's called
the Realm of the Galaxies, and it's definitely a sight.
From your backyard, scan your telescope slowly through this area, and you'll see at least a few of the hundreds of fuzzy patches that make up the closest supercluster of galaxies in this part of the universe. From darker locations, telescopes of four to six inch apetures will reveal patch after patch of fuzzy light among the much-sharper stars -- dozens of individual galaxies whose light left their sources back when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.
From your backyard, scan your telescope slowly through this area, and you'll see at least a few of the hundreds of fuzzy patches that make up the closest supercluster of galaxies in this part of the universe. From darker locations, telescopes of four to six inch apetures will reveal patch after patch of fuzzy light among the much-sharper stars -- dozens of individual galaxies whose light left their sources back when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.
The core of the Virgo Cluster of Galaxies known as the Markarian Chain.
In the constellation of Virgo, for
example, we find the Virgo Cluster of galaxies, a system of several
thousand galaxies bound by gravitation some 60 or 70 million light years
from the Milky Way. Though we see only the brightest as tiny fuzz balls
of light, most are massive spiral and elliptically shaped structures.
Farther to the north -- in the constellation Coma Berenices, Berenice's Hair -- we find the Coma cluster. Lying some 400 million light years away, this cluster has a thousand galaxies embedded in a region filled with hot gas. As the galaxies move through this gas, they seem to become stripped of their own gas and dust, the raw materials out of which new stars and planetary systems are born.
Farther to the north -- in the constellation Coma Berenices, Berenice's Hair -- we find the Coma cluster. Lying some 400 million light years away, this cluster has a thousand galaxies embedded in a region filled with hot gas. As the galaxies move through this gas, they seem to become stripped of their own gas and dust, the raw materials out of which new stars and planetary systems are born.
Probably the most famous galaxy found in Coma Berenices is the edge-on spiral NGC 4565.
So the next clear dark night, take
your telescope out for a spin through the cosmos. You'll be able to
visit not only stars throughout our Milky Way, but also dozens of other
galaxies. Click here for a bigger finder chart for the region.
Click here for a good article detailing how to find the brightest members of the central core of this supercluster, known as Markarian's Chain. There are at least 5 or 6 bright Messier catalogue galaxies in here!
What's Going On in the Sky Tonight?
Here is a little information on things that you can look for in the sky tonight and what is going on over the next few nights. For a Sky Chart to help you find your way around, scroll to the left-hand column (near the top) on this page.
Mars has its "Close-Up", Mr. DeMille!
Mars came to opposition on 3 March, ending a seemingly never-ending wait for Mars aficionados for the red planet to be at its best. It’s been a long old haul since last summer when Mars reappeared in the morning sky following last February’s solar conjunction and a whopping 763 days since its last opposition in late January 2010. Now the wait is over and it’s time to enjoy Mars for an all too brief interlude.
Mars can be a very frustrating planet due to the aforementioned wait between oppositions and the significant fact that its pronounced eccentric orbit causes a huge difference in its apparent diameter at its best and worst oppositions. Unfortunately 2012 is an aphelic opposition (furthest from the Sun) and at best it will attain 13.9 arcseconds in size; at a perihelic opposition it can be as large as 25.1 arcseconds. At least this year it will be at a pretty good altitude due to its favourable northern declination (+10° 17.5’), climbing away from all the turbulence lower down that can very often hamper good seeing. Mars culminates at around 49 degrees above the horizon from Windsor on opposition night.
Mars’ brightness at opposition varies widely too; at its closest, as in August 2003, it can be a mighty beacon at mag. -2.7 but although at a comparatively modest -1.2 this time around, Mars will outshine everything else outside of the Moon, Venus, Jupiter and Sirius. Its brightness and unmistakeable ruddy hue will easily betray its presence among the stars of Leo, with perhaps only orange Arcturus in Boötes, the brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere and 46 degrees away to the east, a possible source of misidentification.
Mars’ brightness at opposition varies widely too; at its closest, as in August 2003, it can be a mighty beacon at mag. -2.7 but although at a comparatively modest -1.2 this time around, Mars will outshine everything else outside of the Moon, Venus, Jupiter and Sirius. Its brightness and unmistakeable ruddy hue will easily betray its presence among the stars of Leo, with perhaps only orange Arcturus in Boötes, the brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere and 46 degrees away to the east, a possible source of misidentification.
Click on the map above for a larger view. Remember that the view through most telescope eyepieces will be inverted to this image...Mars will appear upside down!
At the beginning of April, Mars is basically up all night and yields a very healthy nine-hour observing window, plenty of time to seek that fortuitous gap in the clouds or to really indulge oneself if the night is largely clear. Those with the stamina or early risers will have to curtail observing around 5am. Mars can be observed with a small telescope; an 80-mm aperture will show the bright north polar cap and the major dark surface markings such as the Syrtis Major. But to really study the planet visually then a 100-mm refractor or a 150-mm-200-mm reflector (the later in the case of a SCT) realistically is the minimum requirement. Many seasoned observers will not be happy with anything less than a 300-mm for this aphelic opposition. Try to aim for a magnification of x35 per inch (25mm) of aperture, with x150 the goal. If the seeing permits then ramp up the magnification as far as possible. Coloured filters are very useful to enhance the dark surface features, with orange/red Wratten 23A and 25 handy in this respect. Blue filters such as W80A and W38A are good for picking out clouds and haze in the Martian atmosphere. The north polar cap is well on show, appearing as a brilliant white spot in even small telescopes.
At the beginning of April, Mars is basically up all night and yields a very healthy nine-hour observing window, plenty of time to seek that fortuitous gap in the clouds or to really indulge oneself if the night is largely clear. Those with the stamina or early risers will have to curtail observing around 5am. Mars can be observed with a small telescope; an 80-mm aperture will show the bright north polar cap and the major dark surface markings such as the Syrtis Major. But to really study the planet visually then a 100-mm refractor or a 150-mm-200-mm reflector (the later in the case of a SCT) realistically is the minimum requirement. Many seasoned observers will not be happy with anything less than a 300-mm for this aphelic opposition. Try to aim for a magnification of x35 per inch (25mm) of aperture, with x150 the goal. If the seeing permits then ramp up the magnification as far as possible. Coloured filters are very useful to enhance the dark surface features, with orange/red Wratten 23A and 25 handy in this respect. Blue filters such as W80A and W38A are good for picking out clouds and haze in the Martian atmosphere. The north polar cap is well on show, appearing as a brilliant white spot in even small telescopes.
I encourage you to get out soon and see what features you can pick out!
Printable Monthly Star Chart
To obtain this month's star chart and sky calendar that are print-ready, go to the website SkyMaps.com by clicking on the link below....
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Find Jupiter's Galilean Satellites
Identify Saturn's Satellites
Click on the link below for an up-to-the-minute locator for Saturn's major moons.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/javascript/saturn_moons
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/javascript/saturn_moons
Other Observing Resources
Click on the button below to access the catalogue of bright Messier Objects.....
The Constellations - Charts & Highlights
Click on the image below to link access constellation charts, information on highlight objects to observe and the mythology behind them.
More Constellation Links:
Click on the icon to visit the Great Constellation Mythology Page at the Hawaiian Astronomical Society's website!
Great Constellation Mythology Pages? Click on the icon...
Observing Weather Forecast
Here is a chart showing weather and sky conditions for tonight and tomorrow for Windsor from Environment Canada's weather data. Just click on the logo for more information.
