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Skywatchers: See Two Asteroids with Binoculars!

Tuesday, October 22, 2002

The number of known asteroids has skyrocketed in recent years, but very few of these tiny bodies ever come within easy reach of the simplest optical aid. This year we have a somewhat unusual situation, for skywatchers can track down two of them, Ceres and Melpomene, as soon as the sprawling constellation Cetus, the Whale, climbs sufficiently high in the east...

More: Sky & Telescope - Ceres and Melpomene in Binoculars

Posted by HotTopics in Sky Watching at 12:00

Orionid Meteor Showers

Monday, October 21, 2002

Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through the orbit of a comet, allowing tiny particles of comet debris to burn up in the planet's atmosphere. During the next two weeks, we will experience the Orionid Meteor shower with peak activity October 21-22. The Orionid Meteors are named after the constellation Orion which marks the celestial location of the meteors. Brew some coffee and plan to stay up late for a great show!

More: Science@NASA - Meteor Storm Forecase

Posted by HotTopics in Sky Watching at 00:00

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