Astronomy, cosmology and space thread

[PeteC]

Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is different from what an Italian astronomer observed in 1665

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/22/scie ... index.html

Jupiter’s iconic Great Red Spot is a massive storm that has swirled within the atmosphere of the largest planet in the solar system for years.

But astronomers have debated just how old the vortex really is, as well as when and how it formed. Some experts believed it was centuries old and first observed by Italian astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini in the 17th century, while others thought the storm was more recent.

Now, new research suggests that the Great Red Spot formed about 190 years ago, which means that Cassini observed something else on Jupiter in 1665. And despite being younger than previously believed, the storm remains both the largest and longest-lived vortex known across our solar system, according to researchers..............

[pharvey]

A "First" for Lunar exploration and China as Beijing's Space Programme are the first to bring back rock samples from the "Far Side of the Moon", NASA delay Boeing's Starliner for a third successive time - a potential rescue mission by Space X would heap more embarrassment on the company and no doubt some questions over NASA and the US Government's selection policy.

Boeing “Adjusts” Starliner Return Again of NASA’s Astronauts and Reluctance to Seek SpaceX’s Help With Crew Dragon

"The extra time will allow Boeing and NASA to assess several issues that have arisen with the vehicle, including small helium leaks in its propulsion system and problems with its reaction control system (RCS) thrusters.

Despite the delays, NASA still has confidence in Starliner, with Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stating that the spacecraft is “performing well in orbit while docked to the space station.”

However, the repeated extensions are a cause for concern, with many experts questioning Boeing’s ability to manage complex space missions and ensure the safety of astronauts. The issues with Starliner are not new, with the spacecraft experiencing problems during its rendezvous and docking with the ISS. Five of its 28 RCS thrusters malfunctioned, although four were eventually brought back online. Additionally, five small helium leaks were detected in the propulsion system, with one spotted before launch and the others cropping up after deployment.

The delays have raised questions about Boeing’s readiness for complex space missions and its ability to ensure astronaut safety. The company has faced numerous challenges this year, including whistleblower scandals, aircraft safety issues, and now the perilous situation with Starliner. The project was seen as a chance for redemption, but it has failed to meet expectations."

From: - https://news.satnews.com/2024/06/24/__trashed-16/

China seem to want to take over the world, with a strangle hold over many countries (Technology, Components, Rare Earth Metals, being the senior partner in the China/Russia/North Korea relationship - All with zero consideration to Global Security, Global Finances or Environmental considerations.... And next the moon? Not a pleasant thought to say the least!! My "Bunker" is becoming deeper and larger by the day....

China’s Chang’e-6 Lunar Probe Returns World’s First Samples From Far Side of The Moon

"China has become the first country to gather samples from the far side of the moon and bring them back to Earth in a landmark achievement for the Beijing space programme.

A re-entry capsule containing the precious cargo parachuted into a landing zone in the rural Siziwang Banner region of Inner Mongolia on Tuesday after being released into Earth’s orbit by the uncrewed Chang’e-6 probe.

The return of the lunar material wraps up a highly successful mission for the China National Space Administration (CNSA) amid a wave of interest in which space agencies and private companies will build instruments and bases on the moon and exploit its resources.

The Chang’e-6 mission, named after the Chinese moon goddess, blasted off from Hainan province in south China on 3 May and touched down on 2 June on the side of the moon that is never seen from Earth. The moon shows only one face to the Earth because it is tidally locked and completes one full rotation in the time it takes to circle the planet."

From: - https://www.theguardian.com/world/artic ... f-the-moon

[pharvey]

There doesn't seem to be much interest here and more stars are seen through "other means" rather than a Telescope or Camera. I shan't mention Astronauts "Lost in Space" which used to be big news..

Some truly need to appreciate what's beyond our world.

But come on, look to the skies once in a while!! The "Perseid Meteor Shower" is hitting it's peak and as others in the world, many in Thailand know it!! Try your photo skills buks!!

NARIT Urges Thais to Watch for Spectacular Mother’s Day Meteor Shower

"NARIT said that since the early night of Monday would still have a quite bright moon, sky watchers would have to wait until the moon sets at around 11pm to enjoy the meteor shower.

If the sky is clear, has no rain and is not affected by lighting from streets or cities, sky watchers will be able to see the meteors clearly, NARIT added.

The Perseid is one of the most popular and reliable meteor showers of the year. It occurs annually from mid-July to late August, with the peak typically falling around August 12.

The Perseids are created when the Earth passes through the debris trail left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle. As these tiny particles enter our atmosphere at high speeds, they burn up, creating the streaks of light we call meteors.

The best time to see the Perseids is usually in the pre-dawn hours.
NARIT advised Thais to prepare beds or mats to lie down to watch the meteors. They are advised to find a dark, open area away from city lights for optimal viewing."

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40040490

[buksida]

I read everything thats posted in this section so keep it up!

Unfortunately, the chances of seeing Perseids in Thailand are very slim in the middle of the rainy season!

[404cameljockey]

celestial events.jpg (50.39 KiB) Viewed 4201 times

"If we can get a brood of 13 year cicadas going, we might have a chance of making this happen before the oceans evaporate under the expanding sun"

From the nerdy maths and science comic page I read, xkcd.com.

[pharvey]

Unfortunately, the chances of seeing Perseids in Thailand are very slim in the middle of the rainy season!

Ahhh... Fair point!

We actually had very clear skies last night is South Wales, so got to see the show for a while - had to get back for my beauty sleep though!!

[pharvey]

For those interested in “Astronomy”, like planning ahead and fancy a summer break in 2026….

“Check out these potential observing locations for the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026.
On Aug. 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will be visible from within a broad path sweeping from remote Russian Siberia to eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon drifts in front of the sun while it's slightly larger in apparent size so that the moon completely covers the sun's disk.
Peaking at 2 minutes, 18 seconds, the Aug. 12, 2026, total solar eclipse will be the first time mainland Europe has experienced totality in the 21st century.”

https://www.space.com/best-places-to-se ... lipse-2026

Must admit, I do like the look of Zaragoza. I worked and stayed in Asturias (near Gijon) for a while years back but didn’t particularly enjoy it – also a ball ache of a place to get to from the UK (at the time anyway). Funnily enough, we had a break in work there to view a "Partial Solar Eclipse" at the time! I’ll have to take a look at getting to and staying in Zaragoza – plenty of bars and “eateries” is a good start…. Along with the architecture of course! Not a million miles from Barcelona, so flights there a potential route.

[pharvey]

Unfortunately, I missed this the other night as I was otherwise engaged. This was taken a couple of miles down the road from our place - quite spectacular and very rare considering how far south we are!
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Northern-Lights-Black-Rock-2.jpg (80.17 KiB) Viewed 3976 times

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With a bit of luck I'll be back "Stargazing" on Friday/Saturday - clear skies here, but being a Full Moon the Northern Lights and Perseids will be non-existent. The moon itself should be good though!!

[Nereus]

The moon itself should be good though!!

Don't wait too long:

July 23, 2024
The Moon is slowly moving away from the Earth and getting to affect us
https://universemagazine.com/en/the-moo ... affect-us/

Moon Facts
https://science.nasa.gov/moon/facts/

The Moon was likely formed after a Mars-sized body collided with Earth several billion years ago.

Earth's only natural satellite is simply called "the Moon" because people didn't know other moons existed until Galileo Galilei discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter in 1610. In Latin, the Moon was called Luna, which is the main adjective for all things Moon-related: lunar.

[pharvey]

The moon itself should be good though!!

Don't wait too long:

July 23, 2024
The Moon is slowly moving away from the Earth and getting to affect us
https://universemagazine.com/en/the-moo ... affect-us/

Damn those 3.8cms - although I'm sure a factor in some "Teenage thoughts"!

No doubt we'll see this as a factor (by some) in why we are seeing differences in Tides, Storms and "Climate Change". In all seriousness though, it is interesting - well, to some at least.

Moon Facts
https://science.nasa.gov/moon/facts/

Astronomy is boring to many, the Sun and the Moon simply objects in the sky. When you have the chance to see them in clear magnification - your "view" (sorry ) will change completely and you will want to see more.... Well, at least that's my opinion!

Thanks for the links "Nereus"

[PeteC]

National Geographic Nature ·
·
12 pictures of the sun, each month, same place, same time.

Note: Sorry, they didn't state the geographic location. The photo captions seem to be in Spanish, Portuguese or Italian?

456513069_1845603622596301_3790810581339369797_n.jpg (84.79 KiB) Viewed 3371 times

[sateeb]

Italy or Spain would be my guess.

[Dannie Boy]

What is strange is that the trees appear to be leafless in all the photos?

[Nereus]

12 pictures of the sun, each month, same place, same time.

The relative path that the sun makes as seen from the earth is called an "Analemma".
To take both the preceding photos, and this figure of "8", takes one complete year of observations.

https://solar-center.stanford.edu/art/analemma.html

The analemma is considered one of the most difficult and demanding astronomical phenomenon to image. because it is never present all at once. It requires a virtual image made at the same time of day on 30 to 50 days throughout the year.

[PeteC]

The clearest image ever taken of the planet Mercury. James Webb Telescope.