Messier 5
This review of Messier 5 is to provide details about the observational history, details about how to find it in the sky, what the object could look like in your scope, and potential astrophotography options…
Articles by Mike R
Solar Maximum Explained
After looking at the solar minimum in depth, it is only natural to discuss the opposite effect, which is the solar maximum. Solar maximum, sometimes abbreviated as solar max, is a regular period of greatest Sun activity during the…
Dark Sky Places In The Pacific Northwest
Previously, we discussed the International Dark Sky Association Places Programs available to parks, communities, sanctuaries, and more! The process to apply, and maintain certification can be lengthy, but with a limited number of locations it…
Gravity: An Introduction
Gravity is a natural phenomenon by which all things with mass or energy are brought toward. Another term that is often used to describe how this works is that objects gravitate toward one another. As gravitational attraction of the original gaseous matter…
The Social Benefit Of Attending Rocket Launches
In this article, we will talk about one of the benefits that we found from attending NASA Social events and other space events such as launches. Other than being able to view history with your…
Craters Of The Moon National Monument
Located in Idaho between the towns of Arco and Carey, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a U.S. national monument and national preserve in the Snake River Plain in central Idaho. The…
Messier 4
This review of Messier 4 is to provide details about the observational history, details about how to find it in the sky, what the object could look like in your scope, and potential astrophotography options…
International Dark Sky Places Program
With the recent distinction of Sunriver, Oregon being chosen as an “International Dark Sky Place,” we decided to do what we do best–compile resources and provide maps. In this form, what we will be doing…
Observatory Location: Ground, Sky, Or Satellite
Where are the best places to have an observatory? What are the positives and negatives of placing a telescope in the atmosphere versus the ground versus an airborne telescope? We will take a look at…
The Different Spectrum Of Light
Light spectrum is the many different wavelengths of energy produced by a light source. Light is measured in nanometers, abbreviated to nm. Each nanometer represents a wavelength of light or band of light energy. Visible light is the part of the spectrum from 380nm to 780nm. These light…