Thor’s Helmet Nebula

NGC 2359

Thor's Helmet Nebula

NGC 2359, which is known as Thor’s Helmet Nebula is an emission nebula.  It can be found in the constellation Canis Major – which is one of the hunting dog constellations near Orion.   This nebula is about 15,000 light years away and is about 30 light years in size.

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So, Just What is the Composition of the Sun?

A solar flare

The Surface of the Sun

A couple of weeks ago, we did a post on 6 incredible pictures of the Sun from space.  Since those pictures are indeed pretty incredible, I’m guessing that by now, you’re asking yourself,  ”Just what is the composition of the Sun anyway”?   What could produce such great images?

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Clouds of Jupiter Made of Hydrogen and Helium

Clouds on Jupiter

The Great Red Spot

The first thing you see when you look at the atmosphere of Jupiter is the bands of dark and light clouds as well as swirls, waves and oval spots.  The patterns are mezmerizing!  So what causes this complex mixture of colors and shapes?

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The Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower:Halley’s Comet Debris Trail

Halley's Comet

Halley's Comet

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks on May 6.  This meteor shower is visible from late April to early May and while it is not one of the most spectacular shows, it has an interesting origin. 

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OK, So I Finally Watched Avatar!

I have to get this off my chest…..  I finally watched Avatar this past weekend.  I never went to the theater.  I never saw it in 3D.  Instead,  I waited for it to come out on DVD and watched it at home.  I know what you’re thinking – that I’m probably the last one on the planet to see it AND that I missed out on all the awesomeness that the film had to offer on the 3D big screen.

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