Astronomy

Alcyone – Star Facts

- 25 March 2016

Alcyone is the third brightest star in its home constellation and also the brightest star of the Pleiades or Seven Sisters. In fact, it’s name means “the Central One.” In Greek mythology, Alcyone represents the Atlantid nymph who later became the mother of Hyrieus. Alcyone is a multi-star system consisting of four stars, together spanning 10 times the radius of the Sun.

Achernar – Star Facts

- 16 March 2016

Due to its extreme temperatures, Achernar is the 9th brightest star in the night sky and is 3,150 times more luminous than the Sun. Before the discovery of Achernar by early voyagers, the star we now call Acamar held the place of brightest star by the early Grecian. However, once Achernar was discovered to be the actual ‘end of the river’, it took its rightful name and place in the constellation of Eridanis.

HD 4628 – Star Facts

- 8 March 2016

Although there is no specific history related to HD 4628, the constellation Pisces was catalogued in the 2nd century by the Greek astronomer, Ptolemy, so it is safe assume that this celestial body has been known for quite some time. Pisces itself represents the mythological Roman beings (Venus and Cupid) who transformed themselves into fish to escape the clutches of Typhon the monster.

The Phases of the Moon

- 24 January 2016

We’ve all looked up at the night sky at one time or another and viewed our natural satellite, the moon. But how the moon appeared has everything to do with what phase it was in. Let’s take a look at how the moon changes it appearance during its lunar calendar.

Some of Cassini’s Most Fabulous Saturn Pics!

- 20 December 2015

Cassini Spacecraft has been a topic of wonder and delight since it was launched in 1997 with one mission encoded in its system; to reach and study Saturn. As of July 1st, 2004, Cassini has been orbiting the ringed-planet and sending back stunning images we here on Earth may never have gotten the privilege of seeing without NASA’s marvel of technology. Read on to explore just some of the most fabulous (and mind-blowing) pics that Cassini was able to capture on her decade journey around Saturn.