Category Archives: Atmosphere

The Telstar. A Tale of two Rockets.

Posted on July 23, 2012 by astronomersden

July 22nd 1962 If I had wanted to see pictures from across the Atlantic I would have to wait.  Couriered by aircraft in a few hours and then eventually broadcast perhaps a day after the event, picture news travelled slowly.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Atmosphere, Space Flight, The Astronomer's Den, Van-Allen Belts | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Astronomy for Lunch

Posted on March 28, 2012 by astronomersden

The warmth of the lunchtime Sun and a cup of tea. Hasn’t the weather been kind? If you are a UK based astronomer the last fortnight has been the stuff of dreams, in fact weather has almost paid back the … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Atmosphere, Conjunction, Jupiter, Mars, Moon, The Astronomer's Den, Venus, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Toxic Love Affair

Posted on March 6, 2012 by astronomersden

Since last Summer the King has been holding court. High, bright and demanding tribute, Jove has sat on his throne and looked down on us. Millions have looked up, stared, wondered and admired. But Jupiter is being been usurped. A … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Atmosphere, Jupiter, The Astronomer's Den, Venus | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Being hit by a meteorite

Posted on February 27, 2012 by astronomersden

It’s pretty amazing to be outside on a sunny day.  The warm sun, a gentle breeze, the sounds of life all about you.  To just consider for a moment the way that we are all connected within Earth’s biosphere, how … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Atmosphere, Jupiter, Life, Meteorite, Moon, Neutrino, The Astronomer's Den, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Sodium Glow of Debate

Posted on February 6, 2012 by astronomersden

Everywhere I look there is a glow. I wish it was the Milky Way. Stronger at the horizon, but still reaching the zenith over my head. I wish it was moonlight. It’s orange, occasionally white and sometimes it brightens suddenly … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Atmosphere, Light Pollution, Sodium Lights, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Bored of Jupiter?

Posted on February 5, 2012 by astronomersden

Ok, I’m going to confess.  I decided I am bored of looking at Jupiter.  Yes, I know…”how could you?!” Well during my last two observing sessions I barely gave the King a second naked eye glance, let alone swing the scope … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Atmosphere, Bored, Jupiter | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments