Mark Thompson's Astronomy Blog

Follow my posts on all things Astronomy flavoured.

The Night of the Blood Red Moon

December 8th, 2011 No Comments

On the 10th December, an event will take place that in days gone by, filled society with dread. The eerie sight of the Moon turning a deep blood red would often be interpreted as a bad omen. Fortunately today, we understand the mechanism behind these strange events and can enjoy them in all their glory. Read more »

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Lookout for the Leonids!

November 17th, 2011 No Comments

Every year around mid-November astronomers around the globe turn their attention to the annual Leonid meteor shower. This shower returns to our skies overnight on 17 Nov and is the result of the Earth sweeping up debris from comet Tempel-Tuttle as it orbits the Sun. Read more »

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Possible Meteor Storm 8 October 2011

September 30th, 2011 No Comments

The little known October Draconid (or Giacobinid) meteor shower has produced spectacular displays in 1933 and 1946 where rates were greater than one meteor per second! Models run recently have predicted a possible reoccurence of the Giacobinid storm this year on 8 October between 18:00 and 22:00 GMT.

Read more »

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Twitter Space Quiz

August 9th, 2011 No Comments

Register now for the UKs first space quiz on twitter by tweeting the hashtag #SpaceQuiz. It will take place on 16th August and there are some great prizes up for grabs.

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Help to spot Mercury tonight!

June 30th, 2011 No Comments

Mercury is a tricky little blighter to spot. Its the closest planet to the Sun at an average distance of 57.9 million km. Due to its proximity to the Sun it can be somewhat challenging to find as its always low in the morning sky just before sunrise or evening sky just after sunset. Fortunately tonight, help is at hend. Read more »

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