Pioneer Astronomers in History: A Biography of Nicolaus Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus

Nicolaus Copernicus

The pioneer astronomer credited with placing the sun at the center of the solar system was Nicolaus Copernicus.  This short biography will discuss Copernicus’ life and highlight some of his notable accomplishments.

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Close Up Image of M8 – The Lagoon Nebula

Lagoon Nebula

Close Up of the Lagoon Nebula

The Lagoon Nebula, or M8, is an enormous cloud of interstellar gas and dust that can be found in the constellation Sagittarius.  It is classified as an emission nebula, but it is also referred to as an H II region (a large, relatively low density area of ionized gas where star formation is occurring).  This close-up image of the Lagoon Nebula was taken by the Hubble Space Telescope last September.

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Fiery Re-Entry of Man-Made Satellite Expected Around October 23, 2011

ROSAT Re-Entry

Just when you thought it was safe to go outside again, another man-made satellite is expected to crash into the Earth sometime on or around October 23, 2011.  This time, the potential noggin’ basher is the ROSAT satellite.

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The Different Colors of Stars and Why Stars are Colored Differently

Colored Stars in Space

As you may or may not know, stars actually come in a variety of colors.  But do you know all of the different colors that stars can be?  In this post, we will explore why stars come in different colors and then we will identify all of the different colors that stars can be.

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Large Meteor Outburst Anticipated This Month!

Giacobini-Zinner

Comet Giacobini-Zinner: The Cause of the Outburst

Scientists are anticipating a large meteor outburst this month.  On October 8, 2011 Earth will pass through the dust trail of the Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner which is the cause of the outburst.  Meteor Watchers in the Middle East, parts of Europe and northern Africa will be best positioned for this potentially big show! Read the rest of this entry »