“The Vernal Equinox, where the Sun crosses the equator on its way north in spring, moves steadily along the Ecliptic (the plane of the Earth’s orbit, projected on to the sky) from year to year “
Beginner’s Astronomy: Precession
Life could exist in the clouds of Jupiter but not Venus
” “Our research shows that the sulphuric acid clouds in Venus have too little water for active life to exist, based on what we know of life on Earth.” Dr John E. Hallsworth
‘The Stones and the Stars, Building Scotland’s Newest Megalith’
Duncan Lunan who writes The Orkney News astronomy column and beginner’s guides is also the man behind the building of the Sighthill Stone Circle.
The Sky Above You – July 2021
Like last month, it will never be completely dark during July, as the Sun never gets far below the horizon. It’s a good time to see noctilucent (night-glowing) clouds in the north, lit by sunlight at high altitudes, first reported in the 19th century and still not fully explained.
Beginners Astronomy: Atmospheric Refraction
“If the Earth had no atmosphere, life would be much easier for astronomers – as long as they didn’t need to breathe. “
Astronomy for Beginners: Venus
Although it can be seen in daylight if you know exactly where to look, Venus is the morning and evening star, generally seen in twilight and hardly ever against a truly black sky.
Astronomy Beginner’s Guide: Mercury
Find out more about the planet Mercury from our guide by Duncan Lunan
Hubble Captures a Spiral Galaxy 120 million light-years away
This spectacular image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows the trailing arms of NGC 2276, a spiral galaxy 120 million light-years away in the constellation of Cepheus
The Sky Above You – June 2021
“The Moon will be New on June 10th, at its furthest from the Earth, and there will be an annular solar eclipse”
Astronomy Beginners Guide: Ancient Constellations
“The patterns imposed on the stars by man – the constellation figures – are now standardised in use by astronomers all over the world. “
