Post by magic612 on May 14, 2012 7:44:40 GMT -6
Last week's "Eyes on the Sky" video had a focus on some double stars in Bootes, but this constellation has more to offer this week too. Grab the binoculars, and peruse some colorful (and easier to spot) double stars again in the Herdsman this week. Arcturus shines through the Chicago light pollution, so try spotting these stars by hopping from that bright one if you get the chance.
Solar activity is not only increasing, but there is a partial and/or annular solar eclipse visible for much of the western part of the United States on May 20th. That, plus the upcoming Venus transit, means that I took some time to talk a little about the eclipse, but also some time on solar viewing safety. Chicago will only catch a very small portion of this eclipse around sunset on the 20th, so you'll need a very low western horizon, and PLEASE don't look at the Sun without the proper eye protection.
It wraps up with a review of the naked eye planets, so I hope you have clear and dark skies this week!
Solar activity is not only increasing, but there is a partial and/or annular solar eclipse visible for much of the western part of the United States on May 20th. That, plus the upcoming Venus transit, means that I took some time to talk a little about the eclipse, but also some time on solar viewing safety. Chicago will only catch a very small portion of this eclipse around sunset on the 20th, so you'll need a very low western horizon, and PLEASE don't look at the Sun without the proper eye protection.
It wraps up with a review of the naked eye planets, so I hope you have clear and dark skies this week!
