- 21 April 2016
Alpha Andromedae is a binary star that shines the brightest in the constellation of Andromeda and is 200 times more luminous than the Sun. Before the 1930’s this star was once a part of the constellation Pegasus and was actually considered the fourth brightest star there. Its Arabic name literally translates to “the Navel of the Horse.”
Read the full article- 19 April 2016
Antlia is a very small constellation and is 62nd in size. It was created and listed (along with 13 other constellations) in the 18th century by Abbé Nicolas Louis de Lacaille, who was a French astronomer. It can only be viewed in the Southern hemisphere and is located between latitudes of +45° and -90°. This fascinating grouping of stars neighbor the constellations of Centaurus, Hydra, Pyxis and Vela.
Read the full article- 18 April 2016
In our second part of our three-part series, we take a look at Annie Jump Cannon, a pioneering woman who was responsible for cataloging thousands of stars.
Read the full article- 15 April 2016
We my take for granted the fact that women are now involved in all areas of the sciences, but many years ago the very notion of a female even wanting to enter into astronomy was laughable. Fortunately, history has recognized the brave ladies that broke the stereotypical mold and went against all odds to made some real contributions to the study of our stars.
Read the full article- 15 April 2016
Alnitak is 33 times larger than the Sun, 20 times its diameter and shines 10,000 times its luminosity. This star is estimated to be around six million years-old. Alnitak also has stellar winds that can reach speeds of 2,000 kilometers/second (1,240 miles/second)! In 1819 an amateur astronomer, George K. Kunowsky, discover Alnitak to be a double star.
Read the full article- 14 April 2016
Centaurus represents the Greek and Roman mythological beast that was half man, half horse (centaur) and also has two of the top ten brightest stars in the entire sky. This constellation can be found in the third quadrant of the Southern hemisphere and is located specifically between latitudes of +25° and -90°. Along with other constellations, Centaurus was first catalogued in the 2nd century by, Ptolemy, a Greek astronomer.
Read the full article- 8 April 2016
We all probably know the nursery rhyme; twinkle, twinkle little star, how we wonder what you are...
Well today we know the twinkling object in the night sky is indeed coming from a star and not a planet.
Read the full article- 8 April 2016
Algol is a triple-star system which dims on a regular basis and when at its brightest it shines three times that as when it’s dimming. This star represents the head of mythological monster, Medusa. In fact, its name is derived from the Arabic language (ra’s al-ghul) meaning, “the demon’s head.” It is also sometimes referred to as Beta Persei.
Read the full article- 7 April 2016
Andromeda is the 19th biggest constellation and was first listed about 2,000 years ago by Ptolemy, who was a Greco-Roman scientist. It can be viewed from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres but is actually located in the first quadrant of the Northern hemisphere at latitudes between +90° and -40°. This fascinating astronomical wonder is also part of the Perseus group of constellations which includes Cassiopeia and Pegasus.
Read the full article- 1 April 2016
Aldebaran is considered the “Fiery Eye of the Bull” in its home constellation. It’s a massive star spanning more than 44 times the diameter of the Sun and 425 times more luminous. It glows bright orangish-red and was thought to be used to predict the June Solstice. Aldebaran was also the name of one of the chariot horses in Ben Hur.
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