Stargazing and Space Exploration

[Kevin Farnell]

The Great Conjunction

The two largest planets in the Solar System (Jupiter and Saturn) are at a point in their orbits where they will be at their closest for nearly 800 years on 21 Dec 2020. They will be approximately 1/5 the diameter of the Moon apart and visible (British weather permitting) low in the sky to the S/SW just after sunset (around 5pm is a good time). Easily visible to the naked eye, but better through Binoculars or a telescope with which you may also be able to pick out the Galilean moons around Jupiter. They will still be close for several days after the 21st and will not be this close again for another 60 years. A once in a lifetime opportunity.

Kevin

 

[JENNYJET]

Just looked outside to S/SW and low in the sky I was greeted by trees and houses, but I shall try.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Just looked outside to S/SW and low in the sky I was greeted by trees and houses, but I shall try.

It will have dropped down below the horizon by about 6pm, so doesn't give much time to see it.

Kevin

 

[JENNYJET]

Noted.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Typical British weather 😡

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Typical British weather 😡

Same here! At least they'll still be very close for the next week or two.

Kevin

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Just had a walk to the local Co-op and managed to see Jupiter and Saturn. Also, Mars is clearly visible in fairly close proximity to the moon (at around 5:30pm).
For anyone interested, there is an excellent free astronomy program called Stellarium and available from here -

Stellarium Astronomy Software

Stellarium is a planetarium software that shows exactly what you see when you look up at the stars. It's easy to use, and free.

stellarium.org

It's available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Kevin

 

[Scottie Dog]

Unfortunately where I currently am the Cells are blocking views of the event.

Anyway here's wishing everyone a very happy Christmas. Let us remember the true meaning of Christmas amidst these turbulent times.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Putting things in perspective - How the Universe is way bigger than you think

Kevin

 

[superking]

Not many chances to see much of stars this way for weeks now due overcast. Location is south west.

 

[Jerry]

It's amazing how they are able to land and reuse these!
https://www-independent-co-uk.cdn.a...launch-starlink-falcon-9-rocket-b1790011.html

 

[Kevin Farnell]

It's amazing how they are able to land and reuse these!
https://www-independent-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/spacex-launch-starlink-falcon-9-rocket-b1790011.html?amp_js_v=a6&amp_gsa=1&amp&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA=#aoh=16111711962820&csi=0&referrer=https://www.google.com&amp_tf=From %1$s&ampshare=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/spacex-launch-starlink-falcon-9-rocket-b1790011.html

I've watched several of the SpaceX Falcon 9 launches and it never fails to amaze me, when watching the first stage land on the 'drone ship'. The first one I watched had me thinking 'is this a simulation?'.
I also love the names given to the 'drone ships'. Two that I recall are 'Just Read the Instructions' and 'Of Course I Still Love You'.

Kevin

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Just watched the landing of NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover live from NASA via the BBC. Looks to be a good landing. So much exciting science to come from this mission. A lot of jubilant NASA employees!
Sorry, I only caught this at the last minute, otherwise I would have posted a link.

Kevin

 

[Aviador]

I see "Perseverance" has landed on Mars. You'd think after space exploration since 1958 NASA would be able to finally manage the odd colour photo or two of the landing.

 

[JENNYJET]

Would it be a true image? Like the moon, colour is lacking but I am happy to be corrected.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

I see "Perseverance" has landed on Mars. You'd think after space exploration since 1958 NASA would be able to finally manage the odd colour photo or two of the landing.

Is this what you wanted Aviador?

Credit NASA for the photo via BBC

Kevin

 

[Jerry]

That is an amazing photo!

 

[JENNYJET]

Considering the time and distance travelled, an excellent image

 

[Kevin Farnell]

That is an amazing photo!

Apparently its taken from the rocket cradle that was used to lower the Perseverance Rover to the surface. The Rover is currently streaming a large amount of data back and NASA will release more photos in due course.

I can't wait to see the 'helicopter' in operation.

Kevin

 

[Kevin Farnell]

The Perseverance Rover has taken its first little deive -

Nasa's Perseverance rover begins its exploration of Mars

The one-tonne robot wiggles its wheels before rolling forwards across Jezero Crater's dusty terrain.

www.bbc.co.uk

Kevin