Posts

Showing posts with the label stargazer

Observing the 2023 Leonid Meteor Shower

Image
Leonid Meteors Image Credit: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RM Each year, stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts mark their calendars for meteor showers, and in 2023, the Leonid meteor shower promises to be one of the most spectacular celestial events to grace our night sky. The Leonid meteor shower occurs annually in November, peaking around November 17th. To make the most of this celestial spectacle, here are some tips on how to observe the 2023 Leonid meteor shower. The Leonid meteor shower, renowned for its stunning meteor displays, originates from the debris left behind by the comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle. This comet, which takes approximately 33 years to complete its orbit around the Sun, sheds dust and small rock particles as it travels through our solar system. Over time, these remnants disperse along its orbital path, forming what is known as the Leonid meteoroid stream. When Earth intersects this stream each year in November, the particles collide with our planet's atmos...

Public Astronomical Observatories in the United States

Image
The Mauna Kea Observatories (MKO) are a group of independent astronomical research facilities and large telescope observatories that are located at the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, United States. Image By Leijurv - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 Astronomy has long held a fascination for people of all ages, and the United States is home to several world-renowned astronomical observatories that offer the public a chance to explore the cosmos. These observatories are not only places of scientific research but also popular destinations for visitors eager to peer into the universe. Here, we'll explore some of the most popular astronomical observatories in the United States, providing a glimpse of the wonders that await the curious stargazer. Griffith Observatory, perched atop the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, is a beloved icon of astronomical exploration. With its stunning architecture and breathtaking panoramic views of the city, it's...