2016 Astronomy Thread

[KONY]

Was going to just do a specific Meteor shower thread, however I figured a general Astronomy one would be a bit better.

Here is a list of the common meteor shower dates this year:

January 3-4, 2016 Quadrantids
Around the March equinox … fireball season
April 21-22, 2016 Lyrids
May 5-6, 2016 Eta Aquarids
July 28-29, 2016 Delta Aquarids
August 11-12, 2016 Perseids
October 7, 2016 Draconids
October 20-21, 2016 Orionids
November 4-5, 2016 South Taurids
November 11-12, 2016 North Taurids
November 16-17, 2016 Leonids
December 13-14, 2016 Geminids

 

[stoned-trout]

I always manage to miss the meteor showers....yeehaw...

 

[igrowone]

one year i saw a big perseid light show
but just that 1 year, disappointments otherwise for various reasons
if you do catch a good meteor shower, hang on to the memory

 

[KONY]

Delta Aquarids popping off right now, My wife saw a really nice one as we watched the international space station fly over a bit ago. There is a text service u can sign up with and it text you the morning of, when the space station is going to be over.

 

[KONY]

In 2016, astronomers expect an outburst of Perseid meteors! The prediction is for 200 meteors per hour seen on the peak night, August 11-12 (evening of August 11, morning of August 12). That’s about double the usual rate. From southerly latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll enjoy the shower, too, with about a third as many meteors expected. In 2016, the waxing gibbous moon sets before the predawn hours.

For people in major cities, this is one time of the year I would recommend driving away, as far as you need to see the stars, even if its hours. A local baseball or soccer field is a perfect place if a wooded area. Just be careful of cops, they love harassing people in these spots afterhours.

http://www.lightpollutionmap.info/#zoom=4&lat=5309788&lon=-8551041&layers=B0TFFFF

 

[KONY]

Perseids is amazing... So far saw 2 really great ones. Then a handful of good ones. Really gotta get comfortable laying on the ground and look up for a bit, atleast a whole joint worth of time before the eyes adjust.

 

[armedoldhippy]

sat up all night last night watching the Perseids with my bro. we used "going catfish fishing" as an excuse to sit out & stay tore up all night, LOL! if i don't start bringing fish home, afraid my wife will catch on...

 

[Rob547]

Friday morning (1am) I saw about 5 meteors fly by over the course of 30-45 minutes. Tried again this morning but no luck... in MA

 

[Budz Lightyear]

Is this thread still going?
This weed is kinda hittin me and Ive suddenly got loads of questions about space,
lol Now, just hear me out. but,.. Has anyone ever checked to see if theres a planet on the other side of the sun from us? One thats on the same orbit, so we're always eclipsed from each other? Have we checked that?? I'm just wondering

 

[buzzmobile]

Has anyone ever checked to see if theres a planet on the other side of the sun from us? One thats on the same orbit, so we're always eclipsed from each other? Have we checked that?? I'm just wondering

We checked it out. Wonder no more.

It's under control.

...and then there's this:
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddar...e-for-the-first-time-bringing-new-discoveries

 

[armedoldhippy]

Geminids peaked Monday night. dozens per hour after 2 am. moon was about down then. there is currently a comet going by. it has such a huge orbit, it won't be back by here for 80,000 years. catch it while you can! Comet Leonard, i think it is...only spotted about a year ago.

 

[Tudo]

Is there gravity on the moon? How does marz rover kick up soil and why does it come right back down if there is zero gravity? Is it all a scam?
Sorry I know, scam is such an silly word.

 

[armedoldhippy]

Is there gravity on the moon? How does marz rover kick up soil and why does it come right back down if there is zero gravity? Is it all a scam?
Sorry I know, scam is such an silly word.

yeah, the moon has gravity. (not sure how strong Mars' gravity is compared to earth or moon) not much, as it is a much smaller body, probably of a less dense composition too. otherwise shit would just float away. moon is rock & dust instead of liquid iron core etc (allegedly. haven't been there myself, lol) scam? you mean where they faked the moon landings & NASA has spent all those billions of dollars since on hookers, cocaine, single barrel whiskey & knucklehead Harleys? no, aint heard that conspiracy...yet.

 

[buzzmobile]

Geminids peaked Monday night. dozens per hour after 2 am. moon was about down then. there is currently a comet going by. it has such a huge orbit, it won't be back by here for 80,000 years. catch it while you can! Comet Leonard, i think it is...only spotted about a year ago.

Little cat feet have blocked all attempts to observe the above.