Solar X-rays: Geomagnetic Field: |
Current Moon Phase |
Compare the map above with the photograph below to help locate some of the gems of the southern summer sky. Photography, except where noted, and graphics by Gary A. Becker... |
The rich star fields of the southern Milky Way yield a potpourri of nebulas and open clusters where star generation is occurring. Only M4 and M22, two older and larger globular clusters, have not had recent star birth. Scan this area with binoculars on a clear dark summer’s eve to drink in all of it splendor. Digital photography from Bryce Canyon National Park by Gary A. Becker... |
Gardened regions on the moon appear brighter, indicating that recent events such as meteorite impacts have occurred, churning up the lunar soil. What is recent for the moon? The gardened areas are thoughts to be less than one billion years old. Note the splash marks radiating from 60-mile-in-diameter crater Tycho. This image of the nearly full moon was a public domain photo. |
Perseid meteor rates will increase during the week, especially as the bright moon rises later and becomes less of an interference. Perseids will appear to radiate from a location near the top of the star pattern Perseus the Hero. Rates this week will be low, but often the meteors are bright. This map shows the sky at 11 p.m. looking towards the northeast. Graphics by Gary A. Becker... |