Astronomy News Archives - Page 2 of 2

A Celestial Collaboration: Stargazing in Kerala at Club Mahindra Ashtamudi

Posted on April 19, 2024April 19, 2024 by Abhishek Stargazing Expert

In a celestial collaboration that promises to elevate stargazing to new heights, Astroport Ashtamudi and Club Mahindra have come together to offer guests an unparalleled journey through the cosmos. Situated amidst the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, this unique partnership combines the expertise of Astroport, India’s premier astronomy tourism company, with the luxurious amenities of Club Mahindra, creating an unforgettable celestial experience like no other.

A Match Made in the Stars:

Astroport Ashtamudi is renowned for its state-of-the-art observations, expert-led stargazing sessions, and immersive astronomy experiences. By teaming up with Club Mahindra, known for its world-class hospitality and stunning locations, Astroport brings its passion for astronomy to a wider audience, inviting guests to discover the wonders of the night sky in the lap of luxury.

Stargazing Under the Kerala Sky:

At the heart of this collaboration lies the opportunity to gaze upon the celestial wonders that adorn the Kerala sky. Club Mahindra Ashtamudi provides the perfect setting for stargazing, with its minimal light pollution and expansive views of the night sky. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a curious novice, Astroport’s stargazing experts will guide you through an unforgettable journey across the cosmos.

Immersive Astronomy Experiences:

From guided stargazing sessions to interactive workshops and telescope viewing parties, Astroport and Club Mahindra offer a range of immersive astronomy experiences designed to delight and educate guests of all ages. Whether you’re marveling at the rings of Saturn, tracing the constellations, or capturing the beauty of the Milky Way through a telescope, each experience promises to inspire awe and wonder.

Beyond Stargazing:

While stargazing takes center stage, the collaboration between Astroport and Club Mahindra extends far beyond the night sky. Guests can indulge in a range of activities, including houseboat cruises on the backwaters, traditional Kerala cuisine, Ayurvedic wellness treatments, and cultural experiences that celebrate the rich heritage of the region. Every moment spent at Club Mahindra Ashtamudi is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Kerala while exploring the depths of the universe.

Impression of the Night Sky:

As advocates for astronomy-tourism and environmental conservation, Astroport and Club Mahindra are committed to preserving the pristine beauty of the night sky for future generations. Through sustainable practices, including minimizing light pollution and promoting awareness about the importance of preserving dark skies, the collaboration aims to safeguard the celestial wonders that inspire wonder and curiosity in all of us.

WHO HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY IN SPACE?

Posted on August 25, 2023May 28, 2024 by astroport

In January of 2020, two decommissioned satellites orbiting Earth made a really close pass. Traveling towards each other with a combined speed of 33,000 mph (53,000 k/hr) the two barely missed each other, coming as close as 210 feet (65 meters).

To make sure an event like this doesn’t happen with any of NASA’s satellites and the internet-providing Starlink satellites from SpaceX, the two groups have agreed to share information about where their spacecraft are flying; settling the question of who has the right of way. Unsurprisingly, it’s NASA, according to the safety agreement, announced March 18, 2021.

And to avoid any confusion, in the event of a potential conjunction, NASA will not move its satellites. This way the agencies don’t run the risk of maneuvering into each other while trying to avoid a collision.

NO, YOU FIRST
With the commercial space sector booming, the issue of avoiding satellite smash-ups in space is also growing.

The number of satellite payloads launched in 2020 jumped to 1,261 — more than twice as many as in 2019 (522), according to statistics maintained by astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. The 833 Starlink satellites that SpaceX launched last year account for most of that increase

To help address the issue, in December 2020, NASA released a handbook for aerospace companies, outlining what the agency

NEW COMET NISHIMURA MAY BECOME NAKED-EYE BRIGHT

Posted on July 29, 2023May 28, 2024 by astroport

Newly discovered Comet Nishimura is quickly brightening in the morning sky and may be faintly visible with the naked eye next month. On August 24th observers in North America will be treated to an occultation of Antares.

Comet Nishimura C/2023 P1Comet Nishimura slides between NGC 2392 (top) and the galaxy UGC 3873 in Gemini on August 19, 2023. The coma glows blue-green from diatomic carbon emission while a spiky ion tail extends to the west.
Dan Bartlett
It’s no small thing for an amateur to wrest a comet from the all-seeing eyes of robotic surveys. But Japanese observer Hideo Nishimura beat those odds on August 12.8 UT. That morning he took three 30-second exposures with a Canon 6D digital camera and 200-mm lens and captured images of a new 11th-magnitude comet in the constellation Gemini. It was his third comet discovery after Comet Nakamura-Nishimura-Machholz (C/1994 N1) and an earlier Comet Nishimura (C/2021 O1). I have nothing against automated hunting, but seeing an amateur’s name on a comet is not only a breath of fresh air but a great achievement.

Comets are like presents under the Christmas tree waiting to be opened. On August 15th the sky cleared and I found a location with an unobstructed view to the east to get my first look. At 4 a.m. local time Comet Nishimura stood just 8° high in the northeastern sky in Gemini. Through my 15-inch (38-cm) Dob I saw it right away at 64× at magnitude 9.8 with a 2.3′ moderately condensed coma. A Swan band filter enhanced its visibility and intensified the apparent brightness of the inner coma, a sign that Nishimura’s comet was rich in volatile carbon gas.