Astronomy Club – August 2021

August 5, 2021

Posted by Lake Erie Nature and Science Center

More than Science?

In over 25 years of astronomy outreach, I’ve often heard comments from people saying they are not interested in astronomy because they do not like science. If science isn’t for you, we should recognize that for hundreds of generations there was no distinction between science and art. It is totally acceptable that gazing at the sky inspires and motivates purely for its aesthetic and artistic value. – Bill Reed

News and Current Events

What’s going on in the world of space and astronomy

The giants of our Solar System are back

Jupiter
Saturn

Just in time for warm summer evenings, both Jupiter and Saturn are gearing up to be in prime observing positions in the sky. On August 2 and 29, Saturn and Jupiter will be at opposition respectively. Both planets, rising as the Sun is setting, are in prime locations for evening viewing all summer long!

Opposition: The time when the Earth’s orbit places it between a planet and the Sun, making the Sun and planet appear in opposite directions as viewed from the Earth. Oppositions are the best opportunity for observing planets because they are away from the glare of the Sun, and relatively close to the Earth.

Did you know….?

Jupiter Facts

  • The planet only takes about 10 hours to complete a full rotation on its axis.
  • The beautiful whirling clouds and storms that you see on Jupiter are only about 30 miles thick.
  • Jupiter is 2.5 times more massive than all of the other planets in the Solar System combined.
  • Jupiter has 53 named moons and another 26 awaiting official names.
  • Jupiter has thin rings that are not visible from Earth.
  • Its Great Red Spot is actually a planetary-sized storm that has been raging on for centuries.

Saturn Facts

  • It is a gas giant made up mostly of hydrogen and helium.
  • Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun and the second-largest planet in the solar system.
  • Saturn cannot support life as we know it, but some of Saturn’s moons have conditions that may support life.
  • Saturn has 53 named moons and another 29 moons awaiting confirmation.
  • In 1610, Galileo was the first to see Saturn’s rings, although the rings looked more like handles or arms.
  • Saturn rotates about once every 10.5 hours.

Astro-tainment

Space and Media

Greenland

Greenland movie poster thumbnail

This month we reviewed the movie “Greenland” directed by Ric Roman Waugh

A family fights for survival as a planet-killing comet races to Earth. Despite this generic and oft-seen synopsis, I think this movie has a bit more to offer. I often rate movies based on how much they make me think about my life and community afterwards and this one stuck with me for a little while. While this has all of the sound and fury of a Saturday night disaster movie, it also reaches a bit deeper to explore the impact (no pun intended) on a family trying to survive. – Highly recommended

Speaking of disasters…

The asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs occurred about 65 million years ago in what is now modern-day Yucatan, Mexico. Measuring about 6 miles across, the rock created a crater over 100 miles across.

This event generated 300-foot-tall tsunamis, triggered volcanic activity and caused massive wildfires. This, combined with a massive greenhouse effect from the release of CO2 from dissolved rocks, and the resulting dust cloud, disrupted photosynthesis around the globe resulting in mass vegetation die-offs that devastated the food chain.

Wrap your brain around this…

Mind-blowing facts

How Art and Science Intersect

The Mona Lisa is an example of science used in art

A great deal of creativity is required to make scientific breakthroughs, and art is just as often an expression or product of scientific knowledge. 

It can be argued that art originated from a human desire to document the natural world and in the beginning, there was no art.

Leonardo DaVinci’s greatest artistic triumph is actually a monumental feat of science. His intense and detailed study of chemistry, optics, and anatomy resulted in the smile of masterpiece known as the Mona Lisa.

Join Astronomy Club!

Benefits include:

  • Monthly Meetings
  • Telescope Night Presentations
  • Movie Nights
  • Telescope Training and Loan Program
  • Volunteer Opportunities

Annual Fee: $60/household

Join Astronomy Club

Upcoming Events

Perseid Meteor Shower Night

Friday, August 13 @ 7:15 pm

Register for Perseid Meteor Shower Night

Astronomy Club Meeting

Wednesday, August 18 @ 6:30 pm

Join Astronomy Club

Telescope Night

Saturday, August 21 @ 8:30 pm

Register for Telescope Night
Click here for printable version of this newsletter

Topic: Astronomy

Observe the Perseid Meteor Shower at its peak, August 11-13

August 2, 2021

Posted by Lake Erie Nature and Science Center

Look up! The Perseid Meteor Shower, one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year, will peak August 11 through August 13. In preparation for this cosmic event, Planetarium Specialist Bill Reed explains what a meteor shower is and provide tips for seeing “shooting stars” this month.

What is a meteor shower?

Comets are large, icy solar system bodies. As a comet passes closer to the sun, its ice warms and begins to release particles of dust and rock into the atmosphere, which can result in a glowing trail of vapor.

Meteor showers occur when meteoroids — the rocks and debris left behind by a comet — enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Meteoroids are almost always small enough to quickly burn up in our atmosphere, so there is little chance they will strike Earth’s surface.

Meteors, commonly known as “shooting stars,” are the streaks of light we see in the sky when a meteoroid burns up in the Earth’s atmosphere.

How can I observe the Perseid Meteor Shower?

Each year, Earth passes through the debris trail of Comet 109PSwift-Tuttle which results in visible meteor showers that peak around early to mid-August.

Meteor showers are named after the location of their radiant. To observe the Perseid Meteor Shower at its peak, look northeast toward the constellation Perseus the evening of August 11 or the early morning of August 12. Perseus will gradually rise in the night sky and reach optimal observing just before sunrise. You can expect to see meteors all over the sky, with an average of 60-70 meteors per hour.

The key to seeing the Perseid Meteor Shower? Head to a dark, clear area with minimal light pollution (excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light). Avoid looking at your phone, as it takes about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to full darkness. The longer you wait, the more meteors you will see!

Bonus: The crescent moon phase on August 11-13 will result in favorable viewing conditions.

Space science programs at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center will hold Perseid Meteor Shower Night on Friday, August 13 at 7:15 p.m. Learn about meteor showers in Schuele Planetarium then head outdoors to experience one of nature’s greatest shows. Weather permitting, telescope viewing will be available with the Center’s 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope.

Join NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador Bill Reed for Astronomy Club. Enjoy access to monthly meetings, Telescope Night programs, telescope rentals, planetarium movie nights and more. Annual Fee: $60/household. Those interested in Astronomy Club are welcome to enjoy their first meeting at no cost. Next meeting: August 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Topic: Astronomy, News, Programs