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

*****************************************************************
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

*****************************************************************
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

*****************************************************************
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

*****************************************************************
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

*****************************************************************
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/