Category Archives: Kepler

Once Upon a Time and Space…

Posted on April 2, 2013 by

In my day job I teach history to teenagers.  On one side of my classroom Buzz Aldrin stands sentinel like on the surface moon, flanked by Darwin and the Solar System.  On the other, Georgians rub shoulders with Romans and maps of … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Books, Halley, Kepler, Stuart Clark, The Astronomer's Den, Transit of Venus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hairy Stars

Posted on March 7, 2013 by

Galileo agreed with Aristotle and thought them to be high atmospheric phenomenon. Burning gas or some such. Ancient texts saw them filled with evil intent or foreboding, a sight unpredictable. In 1066 the appearance of one foretold the fall of … Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Comets, Greenwich, Halley, History, Kepler, Telescope, Weather | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Aphelion, brought to you by Kepler

Posted on July 5, 2012 by

Today is Aphelion Day.  Not a date you will see on many calendars or one requiring a public holiday. You won’t notice any changes or spectacular sights, but today we are as far from the sun as we get. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Aphelion, Astronomy, Kepler, Sun, The Astronomer's Den | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments