Articles by Mike R

Dew Shield

Dew Shield

A dew shield is a device used to prevent moisture or condensation buildup on the lens of a camera or telescope collector during night observations. There are two general ways that a dew shield can work, which is by either just providing shade for the lens in use…



The Discovery of Pluto 90 Years Later

2020 marks the 90 year anniversary of the discovery of Pluto. Pluto was officially discovered on February 18th, 1930, by Clyde W. Tombaugh of the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff Arizona. Founded by Percival Lowell in…


Japanese Space Program

50th Anniversary Of Japan’s First Satellite

On February 11th 1970, Japan became the fourth space power after launching the satellite Ohsumi into orbit from Uchinoura Space Center, Japan. Launched on a Japanese Lambda 4-S booster at 04:25:00 UTC, the Ohsumi spacecraft…


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Polar Alignment

Polar alignment is the act of aligning the rotational axis of a telescope’s equatorial mount or a sundial’s gnomon with a celestial pole to parallel Earth’s axis. There are a variety of alignment methods and equipment to help amateur astronomers to assist with polar alignment of their…


National Weather Service

National Weather Service At 150

Established on February 9th, 1870; the organization known today as the National Weather Service was created by a joint Congressional resolution that was later signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant. The organization is a…


December February Supermoon

Is February 2020 A Supermoon?

February 9th will see a Full Moon but not a supermoon, as the Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully…


asteroid redirection near earth asteroid impact crater craters

Asteroid Redirection

Come learn about the basics of asteroid redirection including what are asteroids, why redirect them, and what options are available. Asteroids striking Earth are never a good thing. What is an Asteroid? The classic definition…


Mars

Mars 2020 Missions

2020 was a big year for Mars Missions as Earth and Mars are in good positions relative to each other for landing on Mars. There were 4 Mars planned missions–3 rovers, 2 orbiters, and 1 lander to launch…


careers manned spaceflight space SpaceX Commercial Crew Program

US Companies Return To Manned Spaceflight

With the prospect of NASA sending astronauts soon with the recent success of the SpaceX Crew Dragon Abort mission, it looks like manned spaceflight for the US is right around the corner. But before the…