Video of hugh fireball

Some think this brilliant fireball may have been a small asteroid.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=8714738

A new type of cloud has been discovered

It doesn't happen very often that new clouds are discovered. But this one is new one for the weather record books

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Undulatus_asperatus

Famous Leonid meteor show morning of Nov 17

Most likely the weather here in Kansas/Missouri will be rainy and cloudy. Maybe there will be some clearings.

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/10nov_leonids2009.htm?list1285438

Another good article by Joe Rao whom I was with in 1998 during the Caribbean eclipse is here.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33589356

Beautiful blue Sun

The blue sun in a different light shows us much.
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap091104.html

Mars changed from a warm planet into a colder one, now some news

Long ago, something bad happened to Mars, transforming a warm and hospitable world into the cold, seemingly lifeless desert we view today. Many scientists believe the Red Planet lost most of its atmospher. A new NASA mission named MAVEN is specifically designed to answer some questions about the series of events.

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/06nov_maven.htm?list1285438

Mysterious rift in Africa likely to Create New Ocean

Something new in Africa may occur.
http://webmail.aol.com/28878/aol-1/en-us/Suite.aspx

Barophiles are extreme organisms that might help us

More about life in the extremes
http://www.khurak.net/barophiles-003809/

Surprising small asteroid hits

The asteroid "hit" took astronomers completely by surprise with
50 kton of TNT (two to three times more powerful than World War II-era atomic bombs). Apparently there was little news of it spread around the world for some reason (I only heard about it briefly) when it hit in Indonesia in the atmosphere.
See the smoke trail of the blast and a new video too by using links!
10/28/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the Spaceweather page lower portion)
http://www.spaceweather.com/

Crab Nebula further revealed

This supernova (exploding star) was so bright in 1054 that the Chinese recorded that it happened. Today we have different views of this phenomenon.
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap091025.html

Mysterious trails from above are Martian Dustdevils trails

Dustdevils are found on Earth rising from the surface. However on Mars they are taller sometimes rising to 8 km (do you know how many miles this is?) into the thin Martian air. Read more

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap091021.html

Learning about weather resource here

http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/%28Gh%29/guides/mtr/svr/torn/dgr/sch.rxml



http://www.stormtrack.org/library/faq/

lunar lander and no wings

NASA Science News for October 15, 2009

How do you fly on a world with no atmosphere? Wings won't work and neither do propellers. The space agency is perfecting the art of "airless flying" using a prototype lunar lander at the Marshall Space Flight Center.

FULL STORY at

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/15oct_lunarlander.htm?list731500

The Moon is a big sponge

The Moon is a big sponge that absorbs electrically charged particles given out
by the Sun. These particles interact with the oxygen present in some dust grains
on the lunar surface, producing water. This discovery, made by the ESA-ISRO
instrument SARA onboard the Indian Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter, confirms how
water is likely being created on the lunar surface.

More at:
http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEM8TBYRA0G_index_0.html

vast, glowing ribbon at the edge of the solar system

NASA's IBEX spacecraft has discovered a vast, glowing ribbon at the edge of the solar system. One mission scientist calls the discovery "shocking" and says theorists are "working like crazy" to explain the finding.

FULL STORY at

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/15oct_ibex.htm?list731500

Are Hummingbirds Still Present?

Last couple of years I have seen hummies starting 8/22 for a month but not this year. Here is info about reports and more FYI.

http://webmail.aol.com/28200/aol/en-us/Suite.aspx

NOW Where Are Hummingbirds Still Present? Please Let Us Know!
The coldest air of the season is moving across the continent now. Most hummingbirds have already abandoned the northern states and the Canadian provinces, but some scattered sightings are still being made. When did you see your last hummingbird of the season? Are hummingbirds still present where you live?

Please Report Your Hummingbird Observations:
1) PLEASE REPORT NOW if you are still seeing hummingbirds.
2) Please submit a FINAL REPORT for the date you last saw a hummingbird. CAREFUL! Do not use today's date. Our goal is to show when and where hummingbirds are present. Therefore, date your final report for the last date a hummingbird was present. DON'T WORRY: If you should report a "final" hummingbird, and then see one again, simply report again. Your final report will appear on the map.

You Can Report Your Sightings Here:
http://www.learner.org/cgi-bin/jnorth/jn-sightings

Migration Map: (Showing fewer and fewer hummingbirds!)
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/maps/humm_fall2009.html

Meteor Crater Arizona

8/11/2009 APOD
can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Free charting/planetarium software

One printable star chart that I have found interesting is at
http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1052

Another more interactive simple charting program is at
http://www.philharrington.net/tuba.htm

For a really deep, printable atlas, there is triatlas at

http://www.uv.es/jrtorres/index.html

If all you need is a monthly one page chart,
http://www.skymaps.com/

For planetarium programs, one of the best free ones find more at
Cartes du Ciel.
Hallo Northern Sky,
Celestia, and
Stellarium are also not too bad.

National Parks TV documentary

If you have been to one or more national parks then fine on your local PBS station and find and view this brilliant documentary. Movies, photos and information give an appreciation for how the National Parks were developed.

Ice seen in Martian craters produced by meteorites

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/24sep_martianice.htm?list1285438

water found on the moon

Using instruments on three separate spacecraft, scientists have discovered water molecules in the polar regions of the Moon.

FULL STORY at

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/24sep_moonwater.htm?list731500

A new found planet : First rocky extrasolarplanet

The mass of this new planet indicates it is not a gas giant but is rocky like our first 4 planets in our solar system. Now the quest is to find a rocky planet farther away from a star similar to Earth.
9/23/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD Spaceweather page lower portion)

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

toba super volcano almost wiped out human race

The eruption went 20 miles in air (Mt. St.Helens went 10 miles)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toba_catastrophe_theory

Newfound Planet Orbits Backward

Another strange planet is found
By Jeanna Bryner and Robert Roy Britt
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/090812-backward-planet.html

a space telescope sees how two worlds collided thousands years ago

Space telescopes view past collision

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/090810-planet-smash.html

Beautiful galaxies in space

Star islands in space are beautiful to look through small and bigger telescopes.
can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Perseids what a hype and what a bust

I've been watching meteors for years so I guess when the skies are clear, whether cold or warm, I will try, as I have done over the years despite the hype. The hype of the Perseid meteor shower, this year , was nerve racking.

It was clear over Kansas for the most part but the Moon was keeping many of the faint ones. I don't care about seeing the faint ones, all I look forward is a few bright ones to remember.
I only could compare this Perseid hype to Comet Kohoutek when much is expected but little if nothing is delivered. Not only were two maximum dates expected but the extra bombardment was supposed to happen either later evening and/or early morning. This was compounded by observers seeing a lot (which led me to believe what are they smoking anyway) or literally nothing (my case).
A human eye can see so much and when the hype media says 100- 200 meteors per hour these are expectations not realizations. You are not going to go out and see fireballs falling around you. If you are lucky you can see one or two bring ones or some every few minutes at the peak.
I gave it a go one more time.
In Olathe, KS (near Kansas City), the Moon was finally setting a little lower so that the sky was darker in the area of the NE and the constellatioin Perseus. It was far better than last years Full Moon but up until now seeing the meteors was still disconcerting. However supposedly there was to be another "spike". So instead of going to bed, I go out my sleeping bag and waited, again.

In an hour , with clear skies, all I saw was 8 Perseids. But all except one was pretty bright.
The best was a short yellow Perseid at zero magnitude (not quite a fireball) , that left a nice 0.75 train (smoke trail). There were 2 fireballs (yellow and yellow-white) at -2 that were 25 degrees long and pretty. So at least I saw something.

But an all sky camera can see much more over time. Ths spectacular photo shows dozens. There is on that stands out and I wish the author would have said more how bright this particular wide bright one was.
8/14/09
can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one
http://spaceweather.com/

Perseids meteor shower tonight

The Moon will be close but that won't keep us from seeing the brighter meteors as they strike the atmosphere. It is definitely a hindrance but it you see a few bright ones, then I (and others) will be happy.

Earthgrazers, meteors that skim the atmosphere and appear after sunset are bright, long and spectacular and some might appear in your location.

There also might be an extra flurry of meteors around midnight for about an hour so we shall see.
More information
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/31jul_perseids2009.htm

If you see some meteors tonight let me know . I will post my own . I might even try to take some photos.

Jupiter Impact clouds

Much is happening to the clouds that created when some type of celestial object punctured the atmosphere of Jupiter on 7/19/2009
8/8 spaceweather
can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one
http://spaceweather.com/

Small comet or asteroid plows into the atmosphere of Jupite

While I was in China seeing the country and getting ready for the day of the total eclipse, we heard about this unexpected discovery- a small celestial object plowing into the atmosphere of Jupiter. Here now are 3 d like images. Give it a try.
can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one
http://spaceweather.com/

Mysterious Noctilucent Cloud Storm Panorama

I've been to Russia and Canada but never seen these clouds. Strange and mysterious this is a nice photo of them.
7/11/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD page lower portion)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Lowly Worms in Space may provide clues to Microgravity

Worms may provide clues to microgravity, long term effects in space and much more.
By Jeremy Hsu
Astrobiology Magazine
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/090709-am-worms-space-experiment.html

Sharp eyed most likely Galileo Discovered Neptune years before others

This is a possible astronomy mystery waiting to be solved to a greater extent.
By Robert Roy Britt
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/090709-galileo-neptune.html

Beautiful celestial structure: Pillars of Eagle Castle

This now famous part of the sky , seen with Hubble Space Telescope or not, is an amazingly rich photo of colors and celestial structures. The Eagle nebula comsic structions are both beautiful have a lot of curiousity that cries out to ask “what are these things?”
APOD
7/10/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD page lower portion)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Nature's Fireworks: My volcanic sunset photo and more

Nature puts on its own fireworks type displays in the way of volcanic eruptions and sunsets. I wanted to view the sunset structures of the volcano called Russia's Volcanic Sarychev Peak which erupted- on June 12. I waited taking pictures of the sunset and clouds. Suddenly these whitish plume streaks “popped” out of the bluish tinged western sky above the other clouds (light plumes above the orange clouds). I took this photo of these difficult to see volcanic plumes high above the cloud in the sky on July 1 above Olathe, KS. They are best seen when clouds do not obscure the filtered light to illuminate them. This was test on July 2 when the streaks did not appear even though the skies were clear. The sooty like clouds low in the north and west obscured the sun’s rays. (I did not think the atmospheric soot were from the volcano).
I did not quite see the reported lavender shades of color, spewed volcanic aerosols mixture of ash and sulfur compounds into the air.

Photo taken with my canon rebel xti at f5.6 , ASA 100 , 1/15 second with tamron 28-200mm telephoto.

http://spaceweather.com/submissions/large_image_popup.php?image_name=Eric-Flescher-volcanicplumestreaks9867sm_1246629642.jpg

photos from the earth
http://www.spaceweather.com/

a short video and unique view of this volcanic eruption from outer space

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Riauw5UTnW8&fmt=22

simulation of the SWIRLING SULFUR DIOXIDE plumes can be seen at
7/3/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the Spaceweather page lower portion)
http://www.spaceweather.com/

found a 1,100 pound meat-eating dinosaur with three slashing claws

Scientists keep uncovering more dinosaur fossibls. This one would have been dangerous too.
http://news.aol.com/article/austrailia-dinosaur-find/555266

Bizarre mysterious lines on Saturn's moon Enceladus

Scientists still have many questions about how these structures called Tiger Stripes on Saturn's Enceladus form and then loft jets of ice particles into the space around the moon and creating one of the rings of Saturn. This photo from the Cassini spacecraft shows much detail.

6/28/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD page lower portion)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Volcanic plume movie and sunset volcanic photo

Russia's Sarychev Peak volcano continues to display beautiful multimedia based information concerning the eruption. Here are links to a video/ movie and also a beautiful photo taken from a jet showing a unique volcanic sunset.
6/26/2009
can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one
http://www.spaceweather.com/
,

Spectacular overhead view of volcano from International Space Station

This is a spectacular view of the SARYCHEV PEAK VOLCANO from overhead as seen by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
6/24/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the Spaceweather page side portion)
http://spaceweather.com/

using your red/blue stereo glasses try this one
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the Spaceweather page lower portion)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

iPod Saves Girl from Lightning Strike

(June 19) -- Sophie Frost was lucky to receive an ipod from her grandmother, not just for enjoying tunes on the go but for saving her life several days later when she was struck by a powerful bolt of lightning.
The 14-year-old British girl was hit by a 300,000-volt bolt while she and her boyfriend were standing underneath a tree. Although the impact knocked them both out and left them with minor burns, the electricity was diverted away from her vital organs, the Daily Mail reported.

http://www.gnn.com%2Farticle%2Fipod-saves-lightning-strike-victim%2F534805

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/06/19/ipod_lightning_strike/

Experts analyze Lunar eclipses for life on other planets

Lunar Eclipses Could Aid the Search for Life on Other Planets
Experts analyze our reflection on the Moon's surface

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Lunar-Eclipses-Could-Aid-the-Search-for-Life-on-Other-Planets-114021.shtml

more at
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/47919427.html

Sprites are extreme high altitude lightning

I actually first about sprites when my students were doing our research projects. Sprites how are extreme high altitude lightning displays. These remarkable electrical displays can sometimes be photographed as this one was at 80 km. See the photo and directions how to do sprit chasing and look for the phenomenon.
6/9/09
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the Spaceweather page lower portion)
http://www.spaceweather.com/

Asteroid Eros closeup

The NEAR spacecraft took pictures of this “rock” and also landed on the asteroid to obtain further analysis.
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap090607.html

Lightning sparked by Volcano

There interaction of this storm and volcanic eruption yielded the photographer a brilliant photo. Congrats. The the image
6/5/09
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the Spaceweather page lower portion)
http://www.spaceweather.com/

Mysterious Spokes on Saturn’s Rings

Such phenomenon was unexpected but scientists are gaining clues concerning what causes these shadow like structures on the rings.
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD page lower portion)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Mars will not look as big "as a saucer " this August

Here it comes again. The planet Mars will be close but it will NOT appear as "big as the Moon" so some people and naysayers say.
This cartoon was just in the newspaper concerning this.

Wife saves Man from shark attack

Sharks can be dangerous. Luckily her husband knew what to do when the creature attacked him.


http://news.aol.com/article/wife-saves-man-from-shark/496227?icid=main|main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fwife-saves-man-from-shark%2F496227

Komodo Dragon Terrorizes Villages

Sounds like one of those tabloids: Dragon attacks man. Well that is what happened when one of the largest lizards in the world, recently attacked a man.

http://news.aol.com/article/komodo-dragon-attacks/496753?icid=webmail|wbml-aol|dl3|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fkomodo-dragon-attacks%2F496753

Ancient fossil finally show to public

Just revealed , this fossil is quite a find. 

http://news.aol.com/article/early-skeleton-evolution/490119?icid=webmail|wbml-aol|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fearly-skeleton-evolution%2F490119

Remarkable encounter with photos of Kirksville, Mo tornado 5/13/2009

Two stormchasers and I had great success videotaping and observing the Kirsville, MO tornado 5/13/2009 from a pretty close distance.
The account and videoclips are in this link.
http://stormsatori-kcstormguy.blogspot.com/2009/05/our-remarkable-close-encounter-with.html

Amazing photo of Space Shuttle and Hubble "on the Sun"

I don't know how this photographer thought out the logistics to view the Space Shuttle and the close by Hubble telescope as it was racing across the Sun! Here is the remarkable photo. Congra
ts!
5/16/2009
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
not this date try archives

Space Shuttle will come to the rescue and help Hubble

It is of great interest and anticipation that the astronauts will soon help repair and update the belove telescope. Read more
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/090508-hubble-huggers.html

Saturn's huge moon Titan, another moon and ring

Jewel of the solar system is what is commonly known for the planet Saturn because of the beautiful ring system. While other planets have rings, Saturn's is wider and more extensive. The ring's particle's are from broken up moons and other materials from other moons. More information at
5/5/09
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD page lower portion)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

More about comet dust and comets

Scientists have been trying to gain more information about the "celestial snowballs" called Comets. Conclusions concerning a high altitude mission to collect comet dust has now been confirmed.
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/01/comet-dust.html

"Flakey" Halley's Comet meteors can be seen Wednesday morning

Comets leave behind small particles in space. The space in the sky is defined by the orbit that trails near the Earth. When the Earth enters the orbital area left behind by the comets,  these particles enter the atmosphere and can be seen as "meteors" which streak across the sky. Wednesday night is the best time to see these Eta Aquarid meteors from the Southern or Northern Hemisphere. More here at

http://www.spaceweather.com/meteors/etaaquarids/etaaquarids.html?PHPSESSID=ieuk71al9nvuugd21q3gej8815

Gaseous blog looks like an eskimo

This great image through the Hubble telescope views this gaseous area. To many it looks like a beautiful eskimo like person. Take a look and see what you think. More information etc at 

5/3/2008

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one

The earliest gamma ray burst detected

Scientists have discovered the oldest gamma ray burst detection. This is produced when a star dies and a black hole is created and energy is released. More at
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/28apr_grbsmash.htm

Puzzling Strange Space Blob

New and fascinating celestial objects are being discovered all the time. Here is a new one posted by
Jeremy Hsu, Space.com
(April 22) -- A newly found primordial" blob" may represent the most massive object ever discovered in the early univers.The gas cloud, spotted from 12.9 billion light-years away, could represent the earliest stages of galaxy formation back when the universe was just 800 million year

http://news.aol.com/article/space-blob/443146?icid=main|main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fspace-blob%2F443146

CME movie - Coronal Mass Ejection

More information is being discovered about these massive storms that are thrownn out by the Sun and head outward into space sometimes towards Earth. Here is a good movie of the CME to give you a better idea of what they look like

http://www.spaceweather.com/
lower down on the page
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD Spaceweather page lower portion)

Amazing lightning photo tells more about connections with Volcanoes

It has always been a mystery how lightning appears and can be created from volcanic eruptions . Interesting that this first time photo has not been captured before. For the first time, scientists have observed and traced lightning inside a plume of ash spewing from an actively erupting volcano.

Volcano's Lightning Captured in Photo
[URL="http://news.aol.com/article/volcano-lightning/420325?icid=main|main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fvolcano-lightning%2F420325"]http://news.aol.com/article/volcano-lightning/420325?icid=main|main|dl1|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fvolcano-lightning%2F420325[/URL]

Spacecraft March-April madness

The March madness is over for basketball (I am not happy about the outcome BTW). But vote for your favorite out of 2 of these spacecrafts. It ends April 8 so don't delay.
Wish I knew about this sooner. I am a little perturbed that Hubble did not make it very far. That would be my pick.
http://mission-madness.nasa.gov/mm/results.html?1

Sun's surface : a video that shows what is happening

While the surface of the Sun appears smooth, closer examination reveals their are little circle like appendages called spicules that drive the heat upward to the surface.
4/5/2009
can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Biodiversity- information

What makes life different and why? Here are loads of links and much more information.
http://www.astrobio.net/news/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=334

Where life exists and what makes it so where it is?

Life occurs all over the globe. Hot places, cold regions, under the ocean, in desserts and more. Scientists are looking into more of the mysteries of life and how it occurs in so many places.

http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/090402-am-life-tropics.html

Flickr : my EOAS photos

I have uploaded some of my stormchasing and total eclipse of the sun photos.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreric1kansas/

Fireball reports 3/29/2009

http://www.spaceweather.com/glossary/fireballreports_29mar09.htm?PHPSESSID=bkvvltgm95bshs2q9063i8ifj1

Scientists recover meteorites from asteroid which entered our atmosphere

This endeavour was the first of its kind- trying to observe an asteroid entering the atmosphere and recovering parts of the celestial body in the form of meteorites. Recently it was known that a very small asteroid was about to enter the atmosphere and burn up on 10/7/2008. The hope was that the asteroid could be observed entering the atmosphere and that some meteorites would survive on reentry.
Here is more information and a photo of one of the bigger meteorites
3/28/2009
not 3/28 consult archives
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
Here is more information about the meteorite
http://www.universetoday.com/2009/03/25/meteorites-found-in-africa-from-first-predicted-asteroid-hit/
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v458/n7237/full/nature07920.html

Redoubt volcano erupting

Looks like things are starting to rumble

http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Redoubt.php

Sungrazer Comet photo 3/21/2009

This photo was snapped on 12/23/1996 by the LASCO oriented SOHO space telescope and showed a comet arching into and later being destroyed by the Sun’s heat.

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one

Small asteroid flies close by Earth

On 3/20/2009, asteroid 2009 DO111 flew past Earth only about 288,000 miles away--just beyond the orbit of the Moon! About the size of a football field, this dangerous space rock was visible in backyard telescopes as it sped through the constellation Cassiopeia shining at 13th magnitude, far below naked eye visibility.

Here is a nice photo taken
http://spaceweather.com/submissions/large_image_popup.php?image_name=David-Strange-2009DO111_20090318_dgs6_1237551645.jpg

Interaction with bird migrations and learn more

There is a great website that bird lovers might not know about. It is called Journey North and has many details about migrations for hummingbirds and many other birds. It is well done so check it out . And while you are at it check out the other interactive websites
I coordinated and wrote the Annenburg website about weather and created the stormchaser simulation.

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/

http://www.learner.org/

Hummingbirds Journey North

This is a neat website that provides ongoing information concerning migration patterns about birds, monarch butterflies and more. Here is one of my favorite about my favorite birds, hummingbirds. Here is a sample of the email reports that I get. (You, teachers and students can sign up to input your data and more).
*****************************************************************
Hummingbird Migration Update: March 12 , 2009
*****************************************************************
Hummingbird Migration Updates Will be Posted on THURSDAYS:
Feb. 5, 19, Mar. 5, 12, 19*, 26, Apr. 2*, 9, 16*, 23, 30*, May 7*, 14*, 21*, 28*, June 4* (* Migration Data Only)

Today's Update on Journey North's Web Site:

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/humm/spring2009/Update031209.html

Today's Report Includes:
* The Migration: Highlights, Animated Maps, and Questions
* Journal and Slideshow: Why Are Rufous Hummingbirds Far Ahead?
* Explore: Is Your Schoolyard Ready for Hummingbirds?
* Questions? "Ask the Expert" Opens March 13
* This Week's Hummingbird Resources

*****************************************************************
Highlights: Welcoming the Waves!
"Our little jewels are back," writes one observer. Warm southerly winds paved the way this week for a flood of ruby-throated hummingbirds: 66 new reports! Can you find the two new states they've moved into? How does this compare with your predictions -- or with last year's migration? (Look at today's Rubythroat Map Questions handout.)

Out West, a big batch of rufous hummingbirds are gathered in Oregon and Washington. A careful observer has one explanation: "The red-flowering currant (one of their earliest spring food sources) is just about to open its first flowers." They may be feeding on blooming wildflowers, but how did they manage to get so far ahead of the rubythroats? Today's slideshow will give you some clues.

"I saw my first male. He comes every year. Females follow," writes one hummingbird lover. So far, most observers have spotted only male birds of both species. What do you think is going on? Explore!

Ladies Second! Why Male Hummingbirds Lead the Migration

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/humm/MigrationMalesFirst.html

It looks like it will be a colder, rainy weekend in rubythroat country. Will they rush northward ahead of the front or just hunker down? Keep your eyes peeled and stay tuned for next week's update! In the meantime, what can you learn about this incredible migration from other Journey north observers?

This Week's Observations from Citizen Scientists

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/humm/spring2009/Sightings031209.html

Migration Maps and Sightings

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/humm/spring2009/Update031209.html#maps

Map Question Handouts
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/humm/spring2009/Handout031209_Ruby.html (ruby-throated)
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/humm/spring2009/Handout031209_Ruf.html (rufous)

Photo Study: Hummingbird Feathers -- Flashy or Flat?
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/humm/GorgetRUTH_Roll.html

This Week's Observations from Journey North's Citizen Scientists
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/humm/spring2009/Sightings031209.html

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Journal and Slideshow: Why Are Rufous Hummingbirds Far Ahead?
Look at both of this week's migration maps, above. How can rufous hummingbirds be in Canada already, when rubythroats are still gathered in the southern United States? Are the Rufous hummers faster or more eager? Is this just an unusual year? How would you explain this?

Think: First, write your ideas on the Hummingbird Journal page. Then compare migrations by watching the slideshow.

Hummingbird Journal Page
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/humm/journal/Questions.html

Slideshow: Why Do Rufous Hummingbirds Seem Far Ahead?
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/humm/MigrationSpeciesDiff1_09.html

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Explore: Is Your Schoolyard Ready for Hummingbirds?
Hungry hummingbirds are headed your way! Even if you live in an area where they don't nest, some might stop by on their way north. Will they be able to find what they need to survive in your backyard or schoolyard? Let's explore!

Explore: When Will Our Hummingbird Habitat Be Ready?
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/humm/jr/HabitatInteractPredictJr.html

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Questions? Ask the Expert Opens March 13
Journey North's hummingbird expert (and bander) Lanny Chambers has again volunteered to answer your questions. Lanny has had a life-long passion for hummingbirds. He researches them and runs an award-winning Web site about their migrations. Here is your chance to ask Lanny questions you haven't been able to answer yourselves.

The deadline for questions is Friday, March 27 (1 p.m. EDT).

* Meet Lanny and submit your questions on the Web.
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/humm/Ask.html

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This Week's Hummingbird Resources
You'll find help for getting started, lessons, slideshows, handouts, and other teaching tools.
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/humm/spring2009/Update031209.html#Resources

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The Next Hummingbird Migration Update Will Be Posted on March 19, 2009.

Comet Lulin still looking good

I've posted my photos previously of the comet. Some other amateaurs still have some nice photos. Here's another one.
3/7/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the Spaceweather page lower portion)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap090307.html

Comparing Jupiter’s Moon Europe to our Moon

Is there life under the ice of Europe? This premise and the observations and characteristics for Europa are tentalizing. Ice covered, there are cracks with orange-red coloration with the cracks. Is there seas under the ice? Other areas on Earth have life in inhospitable conditions? Maybe on Europe too?

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

3/8/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD page lower portion)

A mission to Europa is being planned that would arrive at Europa in 2020. So it is a long way off and so is paying for the billions of dollars for this mission. But for now we can learn more about Europa and its tentalizing features at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europa_(moon)

Beautiful planet Saturn- jewel of the Solar System

Saturn is not the brightest planet as seen from the Earth but it sure is the most beautiful. It’s rings, observed by using a small or larger telescope, always amazes everyone and is a wonder to behold. Once thought to be the only planet with rings (we now know Jupiter, Uranus and even Neptune have smaller rings), these rings have most likely been caused by pieces from other moons and shattered moons and materials. More about the rings and Saturn.

http://solar-system-astronomy.suite101.com/article.cfm/planetary_ring_systems

3/4/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD page lower portion)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Iceball falls into the Sun

On Feb. 23rd, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) observed a comet plunge into the sun and disintegrate. This one was part of a family of small comets called Kreutz sungrazers which resulted from the breakup of a giant comet s over 2000 years ago. Most are small and faint, but this one was a beauty. Watch the movie of its demise. The comet appears coming up from the left at around 8 oclock. (The black disc is a coronography type instruments that shield the Sun to show the surrounding area).
http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/pickoftheweek/C3_comet_feb09_zm.mov

Green Comet and Blue Star Regulus

Last night February 28, at Powell Observatory, 20 minutes south of Kansas City, we welcomed w about 200 people who wanted to observe the comet through our 30 inch telescope. The snow had stopped, the clouds disappeared and we had color clear weather. The green comet was glowing at 6th magnitude. It now was up and south of the bright star Regulus. People could see its coma (cloud like area around the comet head called the nucleus , which you can't see in this photo) and nucleus which was near the center but was more difficult to observe. (Photo taken by Eric Flescher through 6 inch telescope,60 seconds- I am workin on the color photo).
Another person in Italy took a picture of the green comet when it was near bluish Spica a few days ago (we had clouds during this close approach). You can see it at
3/1/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the Spaceweather page lower portion)
http://www.spaceweather.com/
On 2/25/2009, I took more photos of the comet. The tail is now easily seen and more pronounced as it has swung around Earth and now away from it, heading toward the outer reaches of the solar system. The tail is out to the side instead of behind the coma so we can now see it. Now the view is more like what we normally think of a comet, with it's nucleus having a streaming tail (boiling off by the Sun's energy), pointing away from the Sun.

Mardi Gras' Fat Tuesday’s Green Smudge Comet Lulin

It was my hope to take photograph the Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday’s Green Smudge Comet Lulin. I wanted to show what Comet Lulin might look like with out a big telescopic view, from a city or slightly darker area to simulate what most would see as the comet comes closest to Earth on 2/24. I tried a couple of weeks ago but no success.

Last night 2/21, I tried again at Powell Observatory, Louisburg, KS just south of Kansas City. Some people said that the comet could now be spotted with binoculars and even naked eye! And I saw it had brightened and could see both these views as well as in our 30 inch telescope.

0n 2/21/09 returning back to Powell, I saw the brightening comet. The nucleus was brighter and so was the rest of the comet coma. It is moving away fast from the Sun.
We could see it moving across the the telescope's field. The coma was bigger and one side (left) was brighter. We could see it easily with our binoculars and could see it (naked eye) as a smudge below Saturn.

This time I was successful using my Canon Rebel XT with 55mm lens, ASA 800 at 30 seconds f/6.3.
You can see the smudge comet (6 magnitude) in the photo just under ) the 3.56 star Zanijava which is just below the brighter planet Saturn (mag 0.56) to the left of the bright blue star called Denabola, in the constellation Leo . Since it was 11:00 CT, the comet was still coming up from the East horizon and still drank in some of the lights from the horizon. Still I was glad to image it . If I could see it with naked eye and binoculars and image it without a big lens (my next attempt), you can too!

Additional information

Comet Lulin, discovered at an observatory in China , is now brightening for a date to be nearest Earth on Feb 24. Now at mag 6 we hope it will brighten to 5th. I saw it with our 30 inch telescope a couple of weeks ago using our Powell Observatory’s 39 inch telescope. Its greenish colored and was difficult to see. The nucleus was even more difficult to see.

This photo on APOD is like what I saw of it and sketched from last week. A tenuous circle like cloud like coma with viewable but difficult to see nucleus right in the center.

2/21-22/2009
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
if not 2/21 look at archivescan't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one

Also there are several nice photos on spaceweather.com

Also nice article and more pics at
http://www.space.com/spacewatch/090220-comet-lulin.html

Encounter Comet Lulin and Internationa Space Station 2/18/2009

Here is of what the sky will look like in the morning of 2/18/2009 showing the locations of (1) Comet Lulin (at about mag 6 need small telescope or binoculars) red spot slightly to the left of center)
(2) ISS (Space Station) mag 0.07 middle- left of Saturn (mag 0.61)
(3) Saturn (mag 0.61) near constellation Leo
Taken with Starry Night Pro
Location from : Kansas City, KS (your view may vary a bit)
Time: around 6:18 Central Time

Galileo's Sunspots

Galileo was the first person to see sunspots while working with his telescope. He discovered more about these "dark" spots and their true nature.
2/15/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the Spaceweather page lower portion)
http://www.spaceweather.com/

Redoubt volcano may erupt soon - look at it now with 3D glasses
2/10/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the Spaceweather page lower portion)
http://www.spaceweather.com/

Small, Hot Earth-Like Planet Discovered

Astronomers are finding smaller planets ultimately trying to find small Earth like planets. This one is hot but it is one of the smallest. These discoveries were made with the COROT space device.
Space.com

filed under: SCIENCE NEWS
http://news.aol.com/article/new-planet/327842

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/COROT/SEM7G6XPXPF_0.html

Ten New Amphibian Species Found

Amazingly new creatures are being found all the time. The latest are frogs and more.
filed under: SCIENCE NEWS
http://news.aol.com/article/new-amphibian-species/327136

Comet Lulin has a disconnected tail

The brightening Comet Lulin, which hopefully peak in brightness, as it comes closer to Earth on 2/24/09, now has a disconnected tail
see 2/5/09
if not 2/5 see archives
http://www.spaceweather.com/

Lenticular clouds over Washington state

These strange clouds look like huge flying saucers.
2/3/2009
can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Newly found planet has wild temperature swings

Strange hot Jupiter planets has wild swings in temperature
http://news.aol.com/article/planet-with-hot-flashes/320901

Annular eclipse in Pacific 1/16/2009

Here is a beautiful photo of an annular eclipse. It's not as spectacular as a total solar eclipse but it is still eerie (the Moon is too far away so a bright ring surrounds the Moon). We in the US won't be able to see this eclipse but we will "see it" by watching videos and seeing photos. Here is a really nice annular photo.
1/25/2009
http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/
can't find it? use the archives and go to earlier date other then this one

Beautiful Lenticular cloud format

These rare clouds are very interesting. Sometimes they have been mistaken for "flyin saucers".
1/21/2009
not this date check archives
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Ice flowers

I've never heard of these things before today. They look something like gypsum flowers and the those that I have seen while caving.

http://my.ilstu.edu/~jrcarter/ice/

also more ice flowers at
http://www.spaceweather.com/
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the spaceweather page lower portion)

Close up view of Saturn's cratered moon Hyperion

Saturn's Hyperion: A Moon with Odd Craters
1/18/2009
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD page lower portion)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Methane gas on Mars : might it indicate life

Interesting development finding methane gas
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2009/01/15/methane_plume_on_mars_a_sign_of_life/?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed5

Beautiful Saturn in a whole different light

Actually this photo taken by the Cassini probe is from inside Saturn's shadow . Very different type of view yielding several extraordinary aspects of the planet's ring system and more.
1/11/09
(if not this date go to this link/website and then go to archives link which is on the APOD page lower portion)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

A halo like cloud around the moon is called a-----

Sometimes when you look up in the sky, whether day or night, you can see interesting phenomenon. Perhaps you have seen one like this but did not know what to call it.
Lunar coronas
http://www.atoptics.co.uk/droplets/cormoon.htm

check out the rest of this site Atmpospheric Optics. Interesting stuff

More yellowstone earthquakes- is a big one coming?

Yellowstone is a big volcanic area that has a lot of volcanic activity but is a possible site for future eathquakes, Here is information about the latest rumblings.

http://news.aol.com/article/yellowstone-earthquakes-raise-fears/292261

Orbital animation and Quadrantid meteor shower jan/3-4

The Quadrantid meteor shower is coming up Jan 3-4. Best time in the morning (maximum 7am Eastern, 6 am Central) The source of this meteor shower is possibly a dead comet or asteroid. Read more below and take a look at the cool animation.

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/our_solar_system/meteors/quadrantid_shower.html&edu=high

http://meteorshowersonline.com/quadrantids.html

I will be out there if it is clear.