“When Mariner 9 approached Mars in 1971, to become the first probe to orbit the planet, Mars was at its closest to the Sun and in the grip of a dust storm more severe than any we’ve seen since”
Beginners Astronomy: Mars Part 2- Mars and its Weather
Beginners Astronomy: Mars Part 1
“Mars has only half the diameter of the Earth, but because it has no oceans, its surface area is actually greater than the Earth’s land surface. “
Beginner’s Astronomy: Precession
“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 “
‘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. “
Solstices and Sighthill
“this year the summer solstice is bang on its ‘usual’ date, June 21st. “
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
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”
