Astronomers View the Universe through Spectra Colored Glass

The top 10 elements in abundance in the Universe are: Hydrogen, Helium, Oxygen, Neon, Nitrogen, Carbon, Silicon, Magnesium, Iron and Sulfur.  The most abundant compound in the Universe is H20 Water.  Hydroxyl OH is also highly abundant.  Oxides of the top ten elements also have high abundance. When illuminated by Ultra Violet light, all elements… Continue Reading Astronomers View the Universe through Spectra Colored Glass

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Pluto

From Planet to Dwarf Planet then Kuiper Belt Object Pluto, since originally being deemed a Planet in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh, our conception of the Solar System has continually evolved.  In 2006, a new definition of “Planet” was adopted and Pluto was relegated to Dwarf Planet status.  Beginning in 1992, many other objects beyond Neptune… Continue Reading Pluto

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The Moon

The Moon moves about 13 degrees per day to the east The Moon orbits the Earth in 27.32 days.  The result is that it rises about 50 minutes later each day.  The Moon is a poor reference point for stars and planets in the sky as it moves quite far each day.  The Moon will… Continue Reading The Moon

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Sirius the Dog Star

The Dog Days of Summer The word Sirius is Latin for “scorching” derived from the Greek name.  From Cairo, in August, the Sun is about 15 degrees north of the equator and Sirius is 15 degrees south of the equator.  The heliacal rising of Sirius, namely the day it becomes visible just before sunrise after moving far… Continue Reading Sirius the Dog Star

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