Since the turn of the century there has been an upsurge in the number of countries and organisations, for example the European Space Agency (ESA), that have sent missions to the Moon. Most of these missions have been to survey areas where the possibility of a Moon Base can be built. The possibility of having…
The 1970’s started with the fanfare of Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 of 1969. However, Apollo 11, particularly , was a political statement to show the United States technological superiority and to fulfil President Kennedy’s vision of in 1962. NASA by this time had felt comfortable about sending a manned mission to the Moon. But…
Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. In anything, we do in life we all have to start at the beginning and astronomy is no different in that respect. However, where astronomy differs from other things we do, is that astronomy is a hobby where you are always at the beginning….
In this post we will look at The Big Dipper and it’s various asterisms and pointers in the night sky. This asterism is easily defined and can be easily found. Once found you will never forget it.Some objects mentioned may only be seen by people with binoculars, but they will be few. I will also…
Today, with Exploring The Night Sky we visit one of the most recognizable winter constellations in the night sky, The constellation of Orion. Orion – A Winter Constellation and the ‘Winter Hexagon’ Asterism Map of Orion showing pointers. Orion (left of centre) as seen on a dark night away from city lights. Orion is most…
Please note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are so many cameras out there today choosing one that is the best camera for astrophotography can be very hard for the beginner. But as we shall see simple astrophotography can be done with something that most of us have in our pocket….
As we move on in our new hobby you will start to think about getting a telescope. So what are the best affordable telescopes for beginners? First though, we need to understand what types of telescopes there are, how they work and what they are best at doing. The Refractor Telescope The refractor telescope was…
The story of the Moon stretches back to the formation of Earth itself. Many theories have been proposed. Some have stood the test of time while others have fallen by the wayside. Here we explore five of the most recent theories. Moon’s Origin. Five theories have been put forward as to formation of the Moon….
The eight planets of the solar system each one has a very different history and story to tell. Mercury Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and orbits in approximately 88 Earth days. Its diameter is 4,880km (3,030 miles). Mercury is stuck in a 3 to 2 rotation period, meaning that relative to the…
The Missions to the Moon have a varied history. Some were great achievements whilst others were tragedies that cost astronauts lost their lives. Through all this NASA made small steps that would eventually lead to Man walking on the Moon. President John F. Kennedy. In May 1961 President John F. Kennedy committed the United States…