Brian Ventrudo

Solar System Observing – Comets

In our look at the solar system this month, we examine comets, perhaps the most unpredictable and visually striking objects in the night sky and one of the most fun to observe. It's always hard to tell when a reasonably bright comet will make an appearance, but when it does, you want to be prepared. This section will get you ready for the next 'Gre...

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Stargazing Tools – Basics of Astronomical Imaging

Filed Under: Fundamentals of Stargazing

This month we tackle the basic ideas of astrophotography. This is a massive subject and an expensive pastime, both in terms of time and money. But you will learn enough this month to get started taking some basic images with techniques that can lead, with a little practice, to surprisingly good results.
Click here to download notes for 'Basic Astr...

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Science of Stargazing – The Cosmic Distance Scale

Filed Under: Fundamentals of Stargazing

This month you learn about Type Ia supernovae, fearsome events that call attention to themselves over millions of light years and help astronomers estimate the size of the universe. And you learn about the “cosmic distance ladder” by which we try to understand the scale of the universe from our solar system to the edge of the known universe.
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Deep Sky Tours – December

Filed Under: Fundamentals of Stargazing

This month we have an eclectic mix of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in the far northern and southern skies. Southern stargazers also enjoy a look at the magnificent Large Magellanic Cloud, a nearby irregular galaxy that is mainstay of the deep-southern skies.
Click here to download notes for 'Deep Sky Tours - December' (PDF, 1 MB)
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Sky Tours (South) – December

Filed Under: Fundamentals of Stargazing

Summer comes to the southern hemisphere in December, and many regions don’t get dark until well after 9 p.m. local time. The stars of southern winter, especially Scorpius and Sagittarius, have set in the west for the year. And the stars of southern summer, especially Orion and Eridanus, are starting to rise in the east. This month you conclude the ...

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