Welcome to Heads-Up, the Mayborn Planetarium’s informal, yet in depth look at tracking the constellations, planets and all things galactic. The report is written each month by our resident astronomer, Warren Hart. A former U.S. Air Force navigator, an astronomical guide on cruise ships and for the Texas Parks and Wildlife, Warren has an extensive background in astronomy. Follow his report for each day’s occurrences or click on a specific day on the calendar link to the right.
Astronomy question for the month of March 2010
What is the name of the brightest star in the sky?
Answer and explanation next month
Astronomy question for the month of February 2010
The largest known atmospheric storm in our solar system is on which planet and what is the storm’s name?
Answer:
The planet Jupiter and the storm is called “The Great Red Spot.”
(It is large enough to contain at least three Earth’s within its boundaries)
Please note:
Central Daylight Saving Time (CDST) is in effect this year until 2 a.m., Sunday, November 1
All times, angles and distances to view the celestial objects described for each day are based on observing the sky from the Mayborn Planetarium and Space Theater’s location:
31° 07’ 08.50” north latitude
097° 48’ 18.40” west longitude
950 feet / 290 meters elevation
[UTM 14R 613.9kmE 3,443.4kmN].
This is a very special year for astronomers throughout the world. 2009 has been adopted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as the “International Year of Astronomy.” For more information, go to these IYA2009 websites:
IYA International
http://www.astronomy2009.org
United States IYA
http://www.astronomy2009.us
NASA IYA Program
http://www.astronomy2009.nasa.gov
Galileo Reference Guide
http://www.astronomy2009.us/Content/Resources/IYAResource-Galileo.pdf
Kepler Reference Guide
http://www.astronomy2009.us/Content/Resources/IYAResource-Kepler.pdf
Cosmic Diary
http://www.cosmicdiary.org
Galileo Teacher’s Training Program
http://www.astronomy2009.us/education/galileoteachers
United States Dark Skies Awareness
http://www.astronomy2009.us/darkskies
International Dark Skies Awareness
http://www.darkskies awareness.org