(Source: facebook.com)

The winners and notable photos of the 4th International Earth and Sky Photo Contest, a program by The World at Night (TWAN) in collaboration with the Global Astronomy Month and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO). The contest theme is Dark Skies Importance. Similar to TWAN itself, the contest also aims to reclaim the natural beauty of starry sky and to help preserving the dark skies which are not yet dominated by artificial lights.

The images in this video are copyrighted by the photographers. Feel free to share the video (embedding or sharing the link) to promote the contest in non-commercial way. Permission is needed from TWAN (info@twanight.org) for any other use. The music is by sound artist Thomas Nordwest (thomasnordwest.com). Winner photos and more information on the contest page: twanight.org/contest

via Babak Tafreshi and Astronomers Without Borders

Solar prominence in CaK light (Calcium II K)

I present more awesome solarphotography and calcium filters from my friend Kokehtz / Álvaro for you to marvel at :)

Light from singly-ionized calcium ions in the Sun’s upper photosphere and chromosphere (up to 2000 km altitude). Because the blue Calcium K Line (393.3 nm) is sensitive to magnetic fields, magnetically active structures show up in high contrast against the surrounding chromosphere. Places where moderate magnetic fields exist show up bright whereas images of high magnetic fields are dark.

Image Copyright: Álvaro Ibáñez Pérez

In this CaK image, you typically see brightness along the edges of large convection cells called supergranules and in areas called plages. Dark sunspots are also visible.

Spots on the sun are areas of high magnetic field which appear dark to their surroundings (5,800K) due to their cooler temperature of around 3000-3500K. Spots consist of a dark central region (umbra) and are surrounded by an annular region of dark and bright filaments called the penumbra. Within a developing active region (sunspot group) tiny spots form initially without a developed penumbra and are called pores. These are usually relatively short lived or can develop a penumbra and become a fully developed spot.

The chromosphere is a place of high solar activity. In the course of a few minutes we can observe changes in the ejecta and prominences, in the path of the filaments, and as matter flows following very characteristic arches. Chromosphere is also visible in the light emitted by the ionized calcium, in the violet part of the solar spectrum in a wavelength of 393.4 nm. This light comes from calcium atoms that have lost an electron.

(Source: ikenbot)

Nightscapes from Real de Catorce, México — César Cantú

(Source: ikenbot, via scinerds)

The moon will block part of the sun today (May 9) to create a potentially amazing “ring of fire” and you can watch the celestial sight live online

Stay Curious: How To Safely Photograph The Sun

(Source: facebook.com)

Galaxy Cove Vista

(Source: thenewenlightenmentage, via thenewenlightenmentage)

The Night Sky | Astronomical Societies & Public Observing

Our friendly, neighborhood science blogger ikenbot posted a brief “FYI” promoting the importance of astronomy organizations to the amateur astronomer (see below):

If you’re really serious about your amateur astronomy I recommend you take the time out to do a bit of research on what are the public organizations for astronomy in your area. In it you’ll learn what scopes to use, how to read charts, find asterisms, constellations, and so much more.

Find your local astronomy clubs/club and see which one is more convenient for you. Once you feel you’ve learned enough to handle your own telescope of your choice, you can buy one based on your taste and the suggestions and recommendations of the experts in the club.

I wholeheartedly agree and must express that you need not be an amateur astronomer to become involved or attend these events, as the best way to increase awareness of our place in space and aid in the public understanding of science is to attend for yourself, bring a friend and share this with others.

The York Astronomical Society

In my hometown of York, PA, the YCAS hosts these monthly events at two locations: the Planetarium at the York Learning Center , and the YCAS Observatory at John Rudy Park.

The Planetarium

The most recent show I viewed with my son was called “Max Goes to the Moon”, in which Max (the dog) and a young girl named Tori take the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era. Along the way, the story sets the stage for the more sophisticated science of the topics including “Phases of the Moon,” “Wings in Space?,” and “Frisbees and Curve Balls on the Moon” — all thoughtfully explained so that grownups and children can learn together about science. Toward the end, Max and Tori’s trip proves so inspiring to people back on Earth that all the nations of the world come together to build a great Moon colony from which “the beautiful views of Earth from the Moon made everyone realize that we all share a small and precious planet.” You can view the trailer here. (description via YCAS)

Programs range from an introduction to the night sky, telescopes 101, current skywatching tips/advisories, astronomy/cosmology history and interchanging programs to promote a better understanding of science and the importance of astronomy in our culture.

Prices for shows are not the same everywhere. Here, it’s $4 for adults, $3 for children under 18 and seniors. The funds and donations allow the YCAS to flourish through the aid of public interest.

Scouts: Merit Badge Astronomy Workshop

In this two hour class, 15 to 40 scouts will learn there’s more to the night sky than bright dots on a black background. Investigate the stars and other celestial bodies and learn about the tools and methods used by astronomers to study what’s beyond our sight.

Programs are offered Monday through Thursday nights, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The fee is $8 per scout. There is no charge for the adults chaperoning the scouts; there should be one chaperone for every five scouts. The money raised from these programs goes towards the cost of using the planetarium and developing other astronomy programs for the community. See image (2), above, of the Astronomy Merit Badge.

The Observatory

The YCAS owns 4 research-grade telescopes: a 13.1” f/4.5 Coultier Dobsonian; 12” Meade SCT computerized goto telescope; 10” SCT Meade telescope; 4.5” Newtonian telescope; 4” Astro-Physics Refractor telescope; Celestron NexStar i 8 GoTo telescope with GPS; two 8” Dobsonian telescopes; Coronado PST Solar Telescope; and a single 12’ dish antenna for radio astronomy, and associated electronic recording equipment.

This caliber of equipment has enabled views of galaxies such as Andromeda, Whirlpool and Sombrero; nebula’s such as the Ring, Orion and Crab nebula, along with pristine views of the planets such as recently captured Saturn (below via a CCD display, courtesy of YCAS Member and Hubble Space Telescope Commanding Astronomer, Mike Wenz, pictured above as well) along with many other celestial objects.

During peak viewing times for comet PANSTARRS, a special observing night was held for the public to witness the setting of the fuzzy beauty. Click here to view my published post on the event.The photo below was taken by another amateur astronomer and YCAS member who is also a member of the Planetary Society as well.

Let me just state that I am not a member of the YCAS. i began going nearly 3 years ago while learning to effectively use my Edmund Scientific Astroscan. From the moment I set up my equipment I was approached by stargazers in the form of parents, children, grandparents and other amateur astronomers to check out the scope, talk science/space and enjoy the night sky. Ever since, it’s provided me a place to volunteer (other than tumblr) where I can share my passion for the cosmos and pass on information to the public alongside veteran astronomers who become preoccupied with calibrating their scopes and equipment while attempting to field questions at the same time.

I encourage all of you to look into your local astronomical societies and attend these public observing opportunities to learn, engage and educate. Ad astra.

sagansense.

Stellar area rugs designed by Schönstaub

(Source: myampgoesto11, via jenepensepas)

Calling Anyone by Larry Landolfi
A giant parabolic radio dish antenna in Ft. Davis, Texas, belonging to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), looking into the summer Milky Way in this composite photo.

(Source: thedemon-hauntedworld)

Laser Trails and Star Trails

40 minutes of exposure time on the summit of Mauna Kea. Keck II was using the laser adaptive optics system. From left to right are the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, Subaru, Keck I and II, Caltech Submillimeter Observatory, and NASA Infrared Telescope Facility. — Sean Goebel

(Source: ikenbot, via scinerds)

(Source: SUCK-S, via iliveinaspiralgalaxy)

NGC4755: Jewel Box Star Cluster by Sam Frizza

(Source: ikenbot)

Ginger’s Postcards from Earth and Beyond

(Source: stellar-indulgence)

(Source: quantumlotus)

M42 and the Running Man

The great Orion nebula and the running man nebula in a wide angle view. Photo Credit: Luis Argerich

(Source: the-star-stuff)