On December 21, 2010 at 1:33 am Eastern Standard Time (EST) [8:17 UTC], the Moon will enter Earth’s penumbra or partial shadow. You will see the moon dim and begin to turn a reddish color. At 2:41 am EST, the Moon will enter the Earth’s umbra or full shadow. This is when the total lunar eclipse begins.
The December night sky is excellent for viewing the rising winter constellations here in the northern hemisphere. The air is relatively clear and some of the best constellations become visible. This month we are going to focus on Eridanus, Cetus and Triangulum.
Tonight, I’m thinking about time. The amount of time that we spend on this earth – aware of ourselves and our surroundings – seems extremely short when you compare our lifespan to the age of our universe. Some estimate the age of our universe to be around 13.7 billion years. There seems to be a disconnect. How could the universe be so old and our lifespan so short? Why can’t we all live longer – to enjoy our family and friends for hundreds if not thousands of years? It’s not like the universe is going to end quickly so that our lives have to end quickly as well, right?
I don’t know about you, but until recently, I’ve never really thought about the shape of a comet. I’m not talking about the overall shape, with the bright coma and long, beautiful tail. No, I’m talking about the nucleus – the center or core of a comet.
I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at one of the planets in our Solar System – so here are 10 random facts about Uranus.