The Wolf Moon & The Hunter

Students viewing Orion
and Sirius.

Our first viewing this semester was on January 15 and it featured a full January Moon (aka The Wolf Moon) along with Jupiter and the constellation of Orion. The weather, while cold, was not as cold as some nights I've personally went out observing. Regardless, we deemed it dangerous to make our way to the soccer field, given the amount of icy snow that would have been in our path, but the hill outside of A-Building never seizes to disappoint (despite the parking lot lights).

Speaking of parking lot lights, it was tough to see anything in the Northern skies; wish we had control over when to turn these lights on and off. However, we were still able to make out Polaris, and the Big Dipper. For those of you who were in Astronomy last fall, you might remember how different the position of the Big Dipper is from where it was back in August.
(Check here for that picture).

Parking lot light obstructing our view of the Northern sky.
Notice the Big Dipper, and part of the Little Dipper.

Full Moon through telescope.
Taken by Samer Hariri, 1/15/14

We did have the opportunity to look at Jupiter through the AstroScan telescope, and we were able to see three of its four visible moons. It was around this time that some people started heading back into the building as it was getting colder. Those who braved the cold however got to see the full Moon through the telescope. I must note that I added a polarizing filter to the lens as to not damage our vision. Overall, it was a great first viewing - I hope you all come more prepared for the weather next time! DRESS WARMLY!

Clear Skies!

- SHH

A Delayed Wrap-up , and a New Welcome...

Welcome to a new semester of Astronomy, and of the infamous MW 3-5 Cosmology! The start of this semester was perturbed by some non-before-seen arctic weather in Michigan, but it should all get started on Wednesday. For all the newbies, check my "Welcome Message" to know what we're all about, and for all of those returning in the Cosmology class, welcome back!

The winter nights will offer us many possible clear and crisp skies, in addition to some brilliant constellations visible in our northern hemisphere. We will spend every opportunity we have looking at the sky this semester, and if the start of this week was any indication, we will have nights when it will be extremely cold, so come with extra winter jackets, hats, wool socks, boöts, and don't forget the gloves! Click here for some tips on keeping warm while viewing.

Waning gibbous Moon over OCC-OR "pond" and K-Bldg.
(Nov 20, 2013)

Before we get going here, I would like to make some amends for last semester, as I allowed myself to get caught up in the noisy confusion of life and miss a few blog entries. I decided to sum up the last few weeks of Fall Semester in this blog just to keep the flow going, so here goes!

Stargazing through the haze and clouds. (Nov 20, 2013)

Our last few viewings featured the constellations of Orion, Taurus, and Auriga as the three were rising from the East during the last few weeks of the semester. In addition, Jupiter was finally making its way and we were able to see it rise from the northeast at some point. We've also witnessed how dramatically the sky changes throughout the course of a semester, and some of you will come out this winter and not realize the sky as we last remembered it in late November.

Comet Ison faintly captured in this long
exposure photo.
Notice Mercury too! (Nov 16, 2013)

On November 16 we caught comet Ison, Lovejoy and Encke during our special observing session. That same dawn we also caught Jupiter, Mars, Mercury and several constellations like Orion, Virgo, and Boötes. Those that were able to make it not only enjoyed the awesomeness that was the dawn sky, but also some hot chocolate and coffee as well. This semester, there will be an opportunity outside of class time to view a Total Lunar Eclipse, so keep an eye out for more details as the semester goes by.

Comet Ison (Top and Center) as appeared through the telescope.
It was difficult to focus the image. (Nov 16, 2013)

Jupiter and its four main moons through a telescope.
Notice the colors of Io and Europa - Phenomenal!
(Taken Nov 16, 2013)

The Fall semester provided ample viewing opportunities, and quite the astronomical events such as the arrival and disintegration of comet Ison, a phenomenon that made this event a once in a lifetime. I'm positive the winter skies will provide us with a lot more, so keep looking up and keep watching this space!

Clear Skies!
- SHH