The "devil comet," Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is currently visible in the Northern Hemisphere and will be at its brightest in mid-April. It can be observed with binoculars or a small telescope just after sunset, looking West beneath the Moon and to the right of Jupiter. Although it will make its closest approach to Earth on June 2, it poses no danger to the planet. Comets are composed of frozen dust, rock, and ice from the solar system's formation, and as they heat up, they emit gases and dust, forming a glowing head and a tail.
Detroit News photographers captured stunning images of the solar eclipse, showcasing the celestial event through their lenses. The photographs offer a unique perspective on the astronomical phenomenon, highlighting the beauty and wonder of the solar eclipse.
Cleveland.com photographers captured 75 stunning images of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, with Joshua Gunter at the Great Lakes Science Center, John Kuntz at Progressive Field, and David Petkiewicz in Public Square. The photos showcase the eclipse and the reactions of onlookers, including former Browns QB Joshua Dobbs and Cleveland Guardians players. Petkiewicz scouted locations for weeks to capture iconic images of the eclipse flanked by Terminal Tower.
Check out stunning photos of the rare solar eclipse that occurred on April 8, 2024, capturing the breathtaking celestial event as the moon passed between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow over parts of the world.
NASA has released a stunning collection of custom posters to commemorate the upcoming eclipse on 8 April 2024, featuring diverse illustrations celebrating the celestial phenomenon in unique styles, and they are free to use. The posters are a rare opportunity to witness one of nature's most stunning phenomenons and are considered worthy of being among the best poster designs.
On April 8, a total solar eclipse will darken parts of North America, marking a rare celestial event not to be seen for decades. The eclipse, which occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun, will be the last of its kind in North America for 20 years. With a path of totality spanning from Texas to Maine, it is expected to be the largest mass travel event in the U.S. in 2024, with an estimated four million people traveling to witness it. Texas is a prime location for eclipse chasers due to its position in the path and favorable weather prospects. Skywatchers are encouraged not to miss this historic and memorable event.
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the United States from Texas to Maine, attracting millions of people to witness the celestial event. The path of totality, where the eclipse will be fully visible, spans 115 miles and will pass through several states. Eclipse chasers, enthusiasts who travel to witness total solar eclipses, are eagerly anticipating this event, which is projected to be the largest mass travel event in the U.S. in 2024. A list of U.S. cities where the eclipse will be most visible, along with the duration and start time of totality, has been provided for eager viewers.
NASA shared a picture of Charon, the largest of Pluto's five moons, and its parent body, Pluto, showcasing impact craters and a ridge dividing the moon's surface. The post has garnered over 572,000 likes, with users expressing awe and admiration for the cosmic ballet between Charon and Pluto. Earlier this month, NASA also shared an image of the 'cosmic jewellery' phenomenon captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, located 15,000 light-years from Earth.
The rare celestial phenomenon of the T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) star explosion, set to occur sometime between now and September, will light up the Corona Borealis constellation for about a week, reaching a brightness comparable to the North Star, Polaris. This event, classified as a nova, results from the interaction of a white dwarf and a red giant star, triggering an enormous thermonuclear explosion. Unlike a supernova, the star system survives, and the nova is expected to be visible to the naked eye for several days, offering a unique opportunity to witness the ephemeral yet awe-inspiring nature of celestial phenomena.
Scientists have detected a "never-before-seen" burst of fast radio bursts (FRBs) using the SETI Institute's Allen Telescope Array. Unlike previous FRBs, this burst dropped in the center frequency of the bursts, and no regular timing was detected. The findings provide confirmation of known FRB properties and the discovery of new ones, helping scientists narrow down the source of FRBs, possibly extreme objects like magnetars. However, no existing model can explain all the observed properties of FRBs, highlighting the mystery surrounding these celestial phenomena.
The Leonid Meteor Shower of 1833, with an estimated 240,000 meteors lighting up the sky in a nine-hour period, caused widespread panic and belief in an impending apocalypse. Many people turned to religion for answers, while scientists studied the event to understand its cause. This event marked the birth of modern meteor astronomy, leading to the discovery that meteor showers are often produced by comets. The next major meteor storm of the Leonids is expected in 2033 or 2034.
Saturn's iconic rings will become invisible from Earth by March 2025 due to an optical illusion caused by the planet's tilt within its orbit. However, they will be visible again by 2032 when Saturn rotates to showcase the other side of its rings. This phenomenon occurs every 13.5 to 15.7 years. The rings, composed of ice, rocky debris, and dust, may potentially be lost permanently in approximately 300 million years.
Saturn's magnificent rings, first observed by Galileo Galilei in 1610, are set to vanish from view in 2025 as they steadily disintegrate into icy particles. Composed of seven distinct rings, these cosmic features are believed to be formed from the remnants of comets, asteroids, and moons that were torn apart by Saturn's gravitational pull. However, the rings will reappear in 2032 as Saturn tilts, providing an enhanced view of its moons. Scientists continue to study the rings to better understand their origin and the processes that shape our solar system.
Photographers across the United States captured stunning images of the annular solar eclipse, also known as the "ring of fire," which created a mesmerizing celestial spectacle. From Oregon to New Mexico, photographers documented the eclipse using various equipment, including smartphones and telescopes. Despite some technical challenges and weather conditions, these photographers managed to capture breathtaking shots of the Moon passing in front of the Sun, showcasing the beauty of this rare phenomenon.
San Diegans had the opportunity to witness a partial annular solar eclipse, also known as the "ring of fire," where the moon crosses in front of the sun, creating a ring-like effect. The eclipse reached its maximum coverage at around 9:26 a.m., with the sun being about 70% obscured. The path of annularity spanned across North, Central, and South America, with the next visible annular eclipse in the contiguous United States not occurring until 2046. Eclipses continue to captivate people due to their scientific significance and enduring fascination.
