Rediscovered Astronomy

Category: Stargazing

  • Annular Solar Eclipse 10-02-2024

    Annular Solar Eclipse 10-02-2024

    Annular Solar Eclipse October 2, 2024

    This solar eclipse of October 2, 2024 is the third astronomical event in a series that will end with not one, but two spectacular planetary alignments. that you won’t want to miss


    The solar eclipse happening 4 days from now on October 2, 2024! will sweep across parts of the South Pacific and South America, with the path of totality passing through Chile and Argentina. If you’re in other places, you’ll get to experience a partial solar eclipse.

    The Sun, Moon, and Mercury will be near Virgo the day of the Eclipse | Stellarium

    Solar Eclipses


    But what exactly happens during a total solar eclipse? Let’s break it down!


    The eclipse begins with the partial phase, where the moon starts to move in front of the sun. As it progresses, the light will gradually dim, and temperatures may drop. Then, for those in the path of totality, there will be a brief moment—totality—when the moon completely obscures the sun.


    During totality, you can safely remove your eclipse glasses and witness the sun’s corona—a stunning halo of light that’s usually hidden by the bright light of the sun. It’s a rare and breathtaking sight!


    People gather, share the moment, and it creates a sense of unity among strangers. Societies have viewed eclipses over time, from omens to scientific opportunities

    Here are a few tips to watch the eclipse:

    • First, make sure you have a pair of eclipse glasses—regular sunglasses won’t cut it.
    • If you’re in the path of totality, make sure to arrive early to find a good viewing spot.
    • And don’t forget to check the weather forecast!
    Annular Solar Eclipse 10-02-2024
    The day of the eclipse in South America | Stellarium


    Remember, you can only look at the sun safely without glasses during totality. Otherwise, keep those glasses on to protect your eyes!


    Are you in Chile or Argentina? Aer you planning to watch the eclipse?


    The start of the eclipse will be at 3:57 p.m. [Chile Summer Time] and it will end at 6:46 p.m. [Argentina Time]
    The past of totality will start in the Pacific and will cross the souther part of South America by Chile and Aregtina to end in the South Atlantic Sea.


    Unfortunately, of you are in North America and other parts of the world, you won’t see much of the solar eclipse.

    Until next time, keep looking up and stand in awe before the wonders of our own solar system!

    Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit that notification bell so you won’t miss our future astronomy content.
    We’ll keep you updated on more astronomical events and space news as they approach

    © 2024 Rediscovered Astronomy

  • Comet C/2023 A3

    Comet C/2023 A3

    Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS

    The second date to remember is September 27, 2024 as this will be Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS closest approach to the Sun or perihelion. However, this is not the only date to keep in mind for this series of astronomical events that started with the partial Lunar Eclipse of last September 17-18, 2024. If you’re still here, keep reading ahead.

    Actual photo of C/2023 A3 taken in June of 2024

    Discovery

    Comet C/2023 A3 was discovered in 2023, it’s a long-period comet, which means it takes a really long time to orbit the Sun—think thousands of years! This one’s making headlines because of it may have a bright tail after its close approach to the Sun, and Earth.

    Comet C/2023 A3 was spotted by astronomers using advanced telescopes. Its orbit is fascinating, since it swings in from the Oort Cloud and heads back out into deep space. As it gets closer to the Sun, the heat causes it to release gas and dust, creating that stunning tail we may be able to see.

    Stargazing

    Now, for all you stargazers out there—when can you see it? C/2023 A3 is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on October 12 of 2024; however, it is expected to be the brightest on or around October 9, 2024. During this time, it could be visible with binoculars or even the naked eye in dark areas. Keep an eye on the sky, especially during early mornings or late evenings.

    Comets are more than just beautiful sights; they’re like time capsules from the early solar system. Studying them helps scientists understand the origins of our planetary system, and maybe even the building blocks of life.

    Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS the night of September 27, 2024 | Stellarium

    If you want to catch a glimpse of Comet C/2023 A3, here are some tips:

    • Grab a pair of binoculars or a telescope if you have one.
    • Find a dark location away from city lights.
    • Use a stargazing app to help you locate it in the sky.
    • Take some snacks—you might be out there for a while!

    That’s it for today’s cosmic adventure!

    Are you excited to see Comet C/2023 A3? Let us know!

    Comet C-2023 A3
    Comet C/2023 A3 the night of October 9, 2024 | Stellarium


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    Until next time, keep looking up!

    Sources: I.A.U. Minor Planet Center / NASA – JPL – CalTech Small Body Database

    © 2024 Rediscovered Astronomy

  • Lunar Eclipse September 17 – 18, 2024

    Lunar Eclipse September 17 – 18, 2024

    Today’s Lunar Eclipse will start a series of awe inspiring astronomical events that will span for months and which will culminate with a spectacular planetary alignment.

    But let’s focus on today’s event, a lunar eclipse happening on September 17 – 18, 2024, depending where you are in the world.

    So, what’s the big deal about this lunar eclipse? For starters, it’s going to be a partial lunar eclipse, which means the Earth will partly cover the Moon.

    This isn’t just any lunar eclipse, though. It’s going to be visible from a wide range of locations, including much of North and South America, Europe, and Africa. So, no matter where you are, you might just get a front-row seat to this cosmic show!

    Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

    The eclipse will begin with the partial phase around 5:41 pm PST [12:41 am UTC on Spetember 17 [18 UTC] where the Moon will start to slip into Earth’s shadow. The maximum eclipse will start around 7:44 p,m. PST [2:44 a.m. UTC on Septemner 18] and will last for approximately 30 minutes. The entire event will conclude with the partial eclipse ending around 9:47 p.m. PST on Spetember 17 [4:47 a.m. UTC on September 18].

    If you want to catch the best view, you’ll need to find a spot with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. You don’t need any special equipment to see the eclipse—just your eyes will do. However, if you have a telescope or binoculars, you’ll get a fantastic close-up view of the Moon’s surface and the shadow play.

    Blood Moon 2019

    One of the most incredible parts of a lunar eclipse is seeing the Moon change colors. As the Earth’s shadow slowly moves across the Moon, you’ll notice it turn from a bright white to a deep red, with shades of orange and brown in between. This happens because of a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering, which causes the shorter blue wavelengths of sunlight to scatter out of the Earth’s shadow while the longer red wavelengths pass through.

    For those of you who love stargazing or just want to witness something spectacular, this is definitely an event you won’t want to miss. It’s a beautiful reminder of the vastness and wonder of our solar system.

    A couple of quick tips: make sure you’re in a place with minimal light pollution, and consider bringing a blanket or chair to make your viewing more comfortable. And, of course, don’t forget your camera if you want to capture the moment!

    Thanks for stopping by, and see you next time!

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    Lunar Eclipse September 18-2024

    © 2024 Rediscovered Astronomy

  • Total Solar Eclipse 2024

    Total Solar Eclipse 2024

    Eclipse 2024 in North America

    Whether you are in Mexico, the United States or Canada, you are set for a fascinating cosmic event. The Total Solar Eclipse of 2024 will be witnessed this April 8 by over 37 million people who will be in its path in the three countries that make North America.

    Path of the 2024 Eclipse in North America | Great American Eclipse . com

    The two northern Maria Islands, Islas Marías, in Mexico will be the first inhabited places to see the Total Solar Eclipse in North America.** The first continental city to witness the event in North America will be the mid-size city of Mazatlán in the sate of Sinaloa, Mexico. The path of the eclipse will let people in well known cities in Mexico, the United States, and Canada see the cosmic spectacle.

    Animation by NASA Goddard

    These are some places where to see the totality of the Eclipse in MEXICO:

    • Revillagigedo Islands: Socorro Island Isla Socoro – **Mexican military post, no public access
    • María Islands: Maria Madre Island Isla María Madre / San Juanito Island Isla San Juanito [north Isla María Magdalena, no totality in Isla María Cleofa]
    • Mazatlán / El Habal / Puerta de Canoas / El Chilillo
    • El Salto
    • Durango [City]
    • Ciudad Canatlán / El Progreso / Nuevo Ideal / Santiago Papasquiaro
    • Diez de Octubre / Rodeo / Nazas
    • Francisco I. Madero [Durango] / Guadalupe Victoria / Emiliano Zapata / Cuencamé
    • Torreón / Gómez Palacio Metropolitan Area
    • Francisco I. Madero [Coahuila] / Concordia / San Pedro de las Colonias
    • Mapimí Biosphere Reserve [Reserva de la Biósfera Mapimí ] / Laguna de Palomas / Salina Laguna de Palomas in Chihuahua State
    • Laguna del Rey [Coahuila]
    • Cuatro Ciénegas
    • San Buenaventura / Nadadores
    • Monclova / Ciudad Frontera
    • Sabinas / Nueva Rosita / Palau/ Múzquiz
    • Allende / Zaragoza / Nava
    • Piedras Negras
    • Ciudad Acuña

    *Bear in mind that Mexico does not have summer savings time anymore. So most of Mexico is U.S. CST [winter time] and not CDT, but minus one hour during this time of year for the Pacific Coast in Mazatlán.

    Time is based on the beginning of totality in Mazatlán, México 12:06 CST / *1:06 CDT [11:06 am local time].

    It will take approximately five more minutes to reach Durango, México 12:11 CST and ten more minutes to reach Torreón, México 12:16 CST.

    If you live in the United States, you will have around 20 more minutes to start seeing totality in Texas. *13:26 CDT

    These are some places where to see the totality of the Eclipse in the UNITED STATES:

    TEXAS

    • Eagle Pass
    • Del Rio
    • Carrizo Springs / Crystal City / Uvalde / Hondo
    • [West] San Antonio
    • Kerrville / Bandera / Boerne / Lakehills
    • Austin
    • Round Rock / Georgetown
    • Killeen / Temple / Waco
    • Dallas – Fort Worth Metro [No totality in Denton]
    • Corsicana / Athens
    • Greenville / Bonham
    • Tyler
    • Mount Pleasant / Paris / Texarkana

    OKLAHOMA

    • Broken Bow / Idabel
    • Hugo / Antlers / Rattan
    • Poteau

    ARKANSAS

    • Ashdown / Texarkana / Hope
    • Hot Springs
    • Russelville
    • Conway
    • Little Rock / Benton
    • Searcy
    • Jonesboro

    MISSOURI

    • Poplar Bluff
    • Dexter / New Madrid / Sikeston
    • Jackson / Scott City / Charleston

    ILLINOIS

    • Cairo
    • Murphysboro / Carbondale / Marion
    • Metropolis
    • Mount Vernon / Centralia

    KENTUCKY

    • Paducah
    • Marion
    • Henderson

    INDIANA

    • Evansville / Vincennes
    • Terre Haute
    • Indianapolis
    • Marion / Anderson / Muncie
    • Bloomington / Columbus / Seymour
    • Richmond

    OHIO

    • Hamilton / Middletown [north / northwest Cincinnati]
    • Dayton / Spingfield
    • Lima / Findlay / Toledo
    • Dublin [northwest Columbus] / Delaware / Marion
    • Cleveland / Akron

    MICHIGAN

    • Northeast Toledo Metro Area / North Lost Peninsula

    PENNSYLVANIA

    • Erie
    • Meadville

    NEW YORK

    • Jamestown
    • Buffalo
    • Rochester
    • Syracuse
    • Watertown / Fort Drum / Plattsburgh

    VERMONT

    • Burlington
    • Montpelier / St Johnsbury
    • Enosburg / Morrisville / Newport

    NEW HAMPSHIRE

    • Lancaster
    • Groveton
    • Colebrook

    MAINE

    • Bingham / Greenville / Guilford / Dover-Foxcroft
    • Lincoln / Millinocket / Houlton
    • Ashland / Presque Isle / Caribou / Mars Hill

    These are some places where to see the totality of the Eclipse in CANADA:

    • Leamington / Blenheim / Ridgetown / St Thomas / Port Stanley
    • Brantford / Hamilton
    • St. Catharines / Niagara Falls / Welland
    • Quinte West / Belleville / Napanee
    • Kingston / Gananoque / Cornwall
    • South Montreal / Longueuil
    • Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu / Saint-Hyacinthe / South Drummondville / Granby
    • Sherbrooke
    • Thetford Mines / Black Lake / Saint-Georges / Lac-Etchemin
    • Miramichi / Tracadie-Sheila / Richibucto
    • Alberton / Summerside / Kensington / North Rustico
    • Îsles de la Madeleine [Madeleine Islands]
    • Stephenville / Mouse Island / Port aux Basques
    • Burgeo / Pool’s Cove
    • Millertown / Buchans
    • Grand Falls-Windsor / Bishop’s Falls
    • Clarenville / Little Heart’s Ease / Little Catalina

    For more about the Sun, the Moon, and our Solar System visit our planet page here.



    Sources:
    NASA

    © 2024 Rediscovered Astronomy

  • Stargazing 11-14-2016 Supermoon of November

    Stargazing 11-14-2016 Supermoon of November

    Stargazing 11-14-2016 | Photo of the Supermoon of this November 14, 2016

    Last night we had the chance of watching yet another super moon.

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    © Rediscovered Astronomy

  • Stargazing October 2015

    Stargazing October 2015

    Stargazing October 2015

    The sky features a close apparent proximity of Jupiter, Venus, and Mars in October. Do an early Sky Watch, get up before sunrise and look up at the eastern night sky. You will find the three planets Jupiter, Venus, and Mars close to each other from Earth’s perspective.

    Image: Stellarium

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     © 2015  Rediscovered Astronomy

  • Stargazing 7-17-2015

    Stargazing 7-17-2015

    Stargazing 7-17-2015

    Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon at Sunset

    The next is a series of photos taken on July 17, 2015. The three orbs put on a beautiful display around sunset that day (7-17-2015) and the following day as well.

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    © Rediscovered Astronomy

  • Stargazing January 28, 2015

    Stargazing January 28, 2015

    Stargazing-1-28-2015

    Skywatch for tonight includes a bright Jupiter inbetween Leo and Cancer, and Earth’s moon (Luna) in Taurus.

    We can’t forget how marvelous Orion looks in the northern skies during winter.

    Stargazing 1-28-2015

    Stargazing for January 28, 2015 – Image from Stellarium

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