Observation Post

Date: May 8, 2015
Time: 8:30-10:30 PM
Location: Sarasota, FL
Sky Conditions: Mostly clear
Instruments Used: Binoculars and Sky Map app
Bright Stars noted: Regulus, Gamma Leonis, Castor, Pollux, Alphard, Arcturus
Constellations noted: Leo, Leo Minor, Gemini, Bootes, Hydra

APOD 4.7

An Unexpected Aurora Over Norway: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150504.html

On February 8, 2014 this photo was taken in Norway. Despite being on a trip to photograph auroras, the skies had been disappointing. They started to pack up to leave, when suddenly a huge aurora ignited throughout the sky. The auroral flare only lasted a few minutes, but it was spectacular. I like how the moon can be seen in the center of the photo. 

Observation Post

Date: May 1, 2015
Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sky conditions: Some clouds
Instruments used: binoculars and Sky Map app
Bright Stars and Objects noted: Regulus, Gamma Leonis, Alphard, Castor, Pollux
Constellations noted: Leo, Gemini, Leo Minor, Hydra

APOD 4.6

Comet Churyumov Gerasimenko in Crescent: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150429.html

As the 3-km wide comet is moving closer to the sun, the heat is causing the nucleus to expel gas and dust. Last July the Rosetta spacecraft arrived and is now orbiting the Sun with the giant iceberg. The Rosetta spacecraft has indicated that the water coming from the comet is unlike the water on Earth, which means water could not have originated from ancient collisions with comets like 67P. A magnetic field has not been detected around the comet, which indicates that magnetism could have been unimportant to the evolution of the Solar System at first.

APOD 4.4

One-Armed Spiral Galaxy NGC 4725: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150416.html

Most spiral galaxies have two or more arms, but NGC 4725 only has one. The galaxy is composed of bluish, newborn star clusters and red tinted star forming regions with a single spira mirabilis winding out. NGC 4725 is over 100 thousand light-years across and is located 41 million light-years away in Coma Berenices. This photo is cool because you can also see another galaxy in the upper right corner. 

APOD 4.3

NGC 2903: A Missing Jewel in Leo

NGC 2903 is a barred spiral galaxy about 20 million light years away. It is surprisingly missing from the Messier catalog despite being one of the brighter objects in the sky. It can be seen within the constellation of Leo, near the top of the lion's head. Its bright core is an amazing mix of old and young clusters with immense dust and gas clouds. NGC 2903 is abuot 80,000 light years across. 

APOD 4.2

A Flag Shaped Aurora Over Sweden: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap150330.html

In mid-March, a Coronal Mass Ejection led to one of the most intense geomagnetic storms of recent years. The result was many auroras appearing over countries near Earth's poles. This image was taken of a 50 km tall aurora appearing over Sweden. Colorful auroras are likely to continue, but this one is unusual as it is super straight, comparative to a flag.