Comedian and astronomy enthusiast Dara O Briain joins The Sky at Night presenters for a guide to backyard astronomy, discussing topics such as observing celestial objects, the power of cameras in capturing invisible images, upcoming events in the night sky, the joy of seeing Saturn, astrophotography tips, parallel universes, and space station spotting.
Amateur astronomers witnessed the impacts of Comet Schumacher-Levy-9 on Jupiter, highlighting the dynamic nature of the universe and the power of planetary interactions.
The sighting of Venus's atmospheric ring, forming a complete ring extending beyond 180 degrees, created a stunning visual effect and deepened the connection to our celestial neighbors.
Observing lunar eclipses revealed the changing appearance of the moon and the awe-inspiring sight of Earth's shadow obscuring part of its surface, emphasizing our active participation in cosmic events.
Deep dives
The mesmerizing impact of a celestial event: Comet Schumacher-Levy-9's collision with Jupiter
One of the most memorable moments in astronomy was the observation of Comet Schumacher-Levy-9 colliding with Jupiter. This comet, split up by Jupiter's gravity, caused a series of impacts on the gas giant's atmosphere. Amateur astronomers witnessed these impacts through their telescopes, capturing the changing appearance of Jupiter's atmosphere as dark bruises formed. The event provided a unique opportunity to witness the dynamic nature of the universe and the incredible power of planetary interactions.
The enchanting allure of Venus's atmospheric ring
Another captivating experience in astronomy was the sighting of Venus's atmospheric ring. Due to Venus's orbit, its crescent shape in the sky can extend beyond 180 degrees, forming a complete ring. This phenomenon, sometimes visible during the daytime, creates a stunning visual effect, enhanced by the scattered light of the sun. Observing this atmospheric ring provided a sense of wonder and a deeper connection to the beauty and complexity of our celestial neighbors.
The magical discovery of lunar eclipses
The discovery of lunar eclipses was a transformative experience in astronomy. Observing the moon and realizing that the phases were not always as expected led to the realization of witnessing a lunar eclipse. The changing appearance of the moon during an eclipse, as part of its surface becomes obscured by Earth's shadow, was both intriguing and awe-inspiring. This experience reinforced the idea of being an active participant in the universe, able to witness cosmic events and connect with the broader celestial tapestry.
Observing the Night Sky
One of the main highlights of observing the night sky is the opportunity to witness celestial objects like the planet Jupiter and meteor showers. Jupiter, visible to the naked eye, becomes particularly impressive during its opposition to the Sun. Additionally, the Leonid meteor shower, occurring around mid-November, offers a chance to witness shooting stars and enjoy the spectacular show. While the meteor shower may not be as rich as some others, it still provides a delightful experience for stargazers. The ability to simply step outside and observe the night sky, without the need for expensive equipment, adds to the accessibility and enjoyment of this pastime.
The Role of Amateur Astronomers
Amateur astronomers play a crucial role in the field of astronomy, contributing valuable observations and discoveries. They often bring new perspectives and insights to the scientific community. For instance, amateur astronomers have helped in the observation and recording of meteor showers and the monitoring of weather patterns on giant planets like Jupiter. Additionally, through astrophotography and online platforms, amateur astronomers can actively participate in data collection and classification, aiding professionals in their research. The collaborative efforts between amateur and professional astronomers enhance our understanding of the universe and showcase the importance of citizen science in advancing astronomy as a whole.
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by the longest running science show in the world, The Sky at Night, alongside comedian and astronomy enthusiast Dara O Briain for the ultimate guide to studying the stars from your own back garden. Sky At Night presenters Dr Maggie Aderin Pocock, Chris Lintott and Pete Lawrence join the panel to offer their top tips to backyard astronomy over the winter season. From binoculars to telescopes and even the naked eye: meteor showers, planetary moons and odd behaving galaxies are just some of the heavenly phenomena visible with or without equipment from the comfort of your own garden or local park. An out of this world seasonal special. And you can catch the monkey's on a special edition of the Sky At Night on BBC iplayer from November 13th.
Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem
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