Tag: Skywatching
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Sense the Solar Eclipse with NASA’s Eclipse Soundscapes Project
When darkness sweeps across the landscape during a total solar eclipse, unusual things start happening. Fooled by the false dusk, birds stop singing, crickets start chirping, and bees return to their hives. Reports of these atypical animal behaviors date back…
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Meet the Creators, Part 3: NASA’s 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Posters
A total solar eclipse is a captivating experience – evoking feelings of awe and wonder that are sometimes best expressed through art. Inspired by the upcoming total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, artists Tyler Nordgren and Kristen Perrin have…
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How the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Is Different than the 2017 Eclipse
On April 8, the Moon’s shadow will sweep across the United States, as millions will view a total solar eclipse. For many, preparing for this event brings memories of the magnificent total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. In 2017,…
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Five Tips for Photographing the Annular Solar Eclipse on Oct. 14
An annular solar eclipse is crossing the Americas on Oct. 14, 2023. This astronomical event is a perfect opportunity to capture unforgettable images of the Moon “taking a bite” out of the Sun or creating a “ring of fire” effect…
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The Moon Illusion: Why Does the Moon Look So Big Sometimes?
Why does the Moon look so big when it’s rising or setting? The Moon illusion is the name for this trick our brains play on us.
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Spritacular: NASA’s New Citizen Science Project to Capture Elusive Upper Atmospheric Electrical Phenomena on Camera
A flash of lightning, and then – something else. High above the storm, a crimson figure blinks in and out of existence. If you saw it, you are a lucky witness of a sprite, one of the least-understood electrical phenomena…
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What is the North Star and How Do You Find It?
The North Star isn’t the brightest star in the sky, but it’s usually not hard to spot, even from the city. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, it can help you orient yourself and find your way, as it’s located…
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Five Things to Know about the Moon
Looking for some quick facts to impress others when you’re out enjoying a moonlit night? Well, here are five things to know about the Moon that you can share with others when you’re gazing up at our natural satellite.
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How to Find Good Places to Stargaze
If you’re hoping to do some skywatching, but you’re not quite sure how to find a great spot, we have you covered. Here are some key things to know about how to find the best places for stargazing.
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What Are Asterisms?
There are 88 star patterns known as constellations that are recognized by astronomers and the International Astronomical Union. In addition to the star patterns within the constellations, there are a variety of other familiar patterns of stars. These are called…