General Astronomy

[homerdog]

We should have a poll.. what's your starsign? And it really should be pretty equal one would think, but I've learnt something recently, some people actually plan pregnancies, and an 'august boy' is to be avoided.. something to do with school

You might want to post this in the astrology thread! ;)

 

[Damocles]

It’s a full moon tonight, and apparently it ought to be a truly magnificent one.

Do any of you astronomy enthusiast know if this ‘magnificence’ is due to current atmospheric conditions or if it‘s a combination of that and the particular aspect of earth to moon to sun at this time of year?

Thanks in advance.

No mate, it's your fairly typical Sturgeon Moon that would be a Super Moon if not for a few km distance. August generally means clear skies so you can see it better.

The August Sturgeon Moon is actually full of mythological interest from the pre-Christian Briton religions as it's the last one until the Harvest Moon in a month. The name comes from the Yanks now, but the August full Moon has been a thing for several thousand years here and was named after different crops (the Barley Moon, etc). They used to think it was a warning of bad tides depending on its colour.

These Moons are generally just a bit of trivia nowadays but old English civilisations built their entire lives and religions around them. The August full Moon was used as a "sign" that people should breed in some cultures, with it being about 9 months away from bountiful summer where you could afford a kid. It's all pretty interesting if you ask me.

 

[idahoblues]

She was real perty last night

 

[i kne albert davy]

It’s the peak of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower tonight/tomorrow … maybe that?

Just seen one really bright and seemed to get really close to the ground before burning out amazing sight.

 

[m7mcfc]

Just seen one really bright and seemed to get really close to the ground before burning out amazing sight.

In which direction should I be looking in the best hope of seeing one. My garden is South facing and I've seen fuck all.

 

[Summerbuzz]

Saturn is around it's annual opposition (sitting on the opposite side of us to the Sun) over the next week, meaning what we see is a nearly perfectly lit planet at it' closest to us. Up before midnight, in the east to south east sky, it's a stunning sight. I wouldn't mistake it for Venus, it definitely has a different colour, and is a touch smaller, but it is just as beautiful at times like this.

 

[i kne albert davy]

In which direction should I be looking in the best hope of seeing one. My garden is South facing and I've seen fuck all.

Seen three they seem to be coming in from the East really bright for a couple of seconds, don't seem to be coming in at the rate of 150 an hour though.:-(

 

[m7mcfc]

Seen three they seem to be coming in from the East really bright for a couple of seconds, don't seem to be coming in at the rate of 150 an hour though.:-(

Going to go on the meadow near me and have a look now. Not super dark still have light pollution as its only a mile from town. But its the darkest place near me.

 

[idahoblues]

 

[idahoblues]

Jupiter lurking over in the east