liresius | Entries tagged with apod

For those interested or who like keeping up with cutting-edge astronomy, Portal to the Universe has opened. It's a high-tech website embracing Web 2.0 technologies and aims to become a one-stop-shop for astronomy news.

One thing I found through the Portal is Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics (hosted by Manchester University). On that site there is NIGHT SKY THIS MONTH, something I've been looking for, for ages. Previously I've always found out about events in the night sky after the fact. So tonight (Sunday, April 26th), and over the next couple of days the crescent Moon, Mercury and the Pleiades star cluster line up in the western sky, providing a beautiful sunset conjunction. I think you'll need binoculars and a low western horizon though, to see Mercury.

April 26th: Mercury at greatest elongation and the Moon occults the Pleiades.

Current Mood: nerdy
Current Location: 3rd rock
Current Music: Movie Time

Thought I'd post some pictures from APOD, since 2009 is The International Year of Astronomy and it's nice to keep the buzz going. I'd like to set myself a target of doing something once a month to keep the wonder fresh. We'll see. These are just a selection of some that I like or are of historical significance. Some are from 2008 and some this year. Not many starfields among them. More a focus on the Moon and planets. There are 20 small clickable images under the cut and they will take you to the APOD picture in its full glory with details of what they are. What are your favourite astronomy pics? Feel free to post links to them here.

Moonrise on Cape Sounion