Astronomy by the Bay

Tonight's Moonrise

Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson in the Cupola module of the International Space Station, during Expedition 24. This is why I'd get fired as an astronaut. I'd be there all day. :)

Brighter Jupiter, and the ringed beauty, Saturn, as they approach the Great Conjunction, on the Winter Solstice. Already visible together in binoculars, they will appear less then 0.1 degree apart on that day. The last time they appeared that close was 1632... just 22 years after Galileo discovered Jupiter:s moons. :)

"It's the most wonderful time of the year! :) (Credit: adriennehedger.com)

An update on the current Shoot the Moon contest: All photo entries that you have sent me are now under the same pinned post. I added 26 new entries to the list tonight. I encourage you to check out the pinned post to be sure your photo is there. If it's not, place it there.. or send it to me as a comment under this post and I will move it. If you haven't yet submitted a photo, it looks like we'll have clearing skies tomorrow evening, so you still have time. Remember, there'...s no judging.. all entries are treated equally, so send in that photo. :) Contest closes at midnight on Monday. The draw will take place at 8pm AT on Wednesday. :) See more

Orion rising :) (Hauwei P30 phone)

It's the time of year when families consider feeding a child's interest in the night sky. Perhaps a gift of an interesting stargazing book, with lots of fun facts, or maybe their own set of binoculars to enjoy views of the Moon and the Milky Way, or maybe even a telescope. Do it! Because life lessons can be learned through an appreciation of the night sky. What can it teach them? It teaches patience. Astronomy, like any interest, has a learning curve... and a new book or sta...rgazing equipment will take time to master. Teach them to be patient. The sky won't change in 100 years... they have lots of time to learn...and the reward will be knowledge, and a new appreciation for what we all take for granted. It teaches imagination. When we stop to take a moment to look up, we all wonder what's out there. Children have amazing imaginations, and excellent questions. Let them imagine, for that's what leads to discoveries, and the advancement of the human race. When they hear of space missions to other worlds, and that not long ago, we walked on the Moon, it teaches them that nothing's impossible. What they dream today could be real in their lifetime. And it teaches humility. When you're enjoying the night sky together, let them know that all of the stars we see at night are in the Milky Way with us, yet we see just a tiny fraction of the billions of Suns, and we can imagine billions of exotic worlds orbiting them. And there are perhaps trillions of galaxies. So our life issues, even our entire lifetimes, are just a tiny footnote in the unfolding story of the Universe. And there will always be lesser and greater creatures than ourselves. But that in all of those creations, they will never find another like them. So giving a stargazing gift to a child to advance their appreciation for the night sky is always a good idea. They will be a better person because of your encouragement. :) See more

It's a clear sky locally, and although it's chilly, it only takes a few seconds to capture a photo and send it in to my contest. (wink, wink, nudge, nudge ;) ) Sharing the main prize with two of the most important people in your life would make for a great Christmas gift. Contest closes December 7th :)

Look at what I found just hanging around ;) Let's see some photos tonight.. only a couple of entries in the contest so far :)

Last night, during our Sunday Night Show, our friend and cohost Paul Owen revealed his new website... Paul Owen Photography. Paul's remarkable images include dazzling astrophotos, wildlife scenes, and much more. I invite you to check out his amazing collection at http://paulowenphotography.ca/ :)

Tomorow evening, under expected clear skies locally, watch for the Waxing Gibbous Moon as it visits the red planet, Mars, somewhere between Cetus and Pisces. Mars has another visitor on the way. The Mars Perseverance Rover will seek signs of ancient life and collect rock and soil samples for possible return to Earth. It's arrival is expected in February. :)

**ENTER YOUR PHOTOS HERE****NEW PHOTOS ONLY PLEASE** *SHARE THIS POST FOR A SECOND ENTRY* The last "Shoot the Moon" contest of the year is here. :) How to Enter:... Take a NEW photo of the Moon with any device and place it here in the comments. There is no judging, so don't be shy :) Share this post for a second entry.. due to your privacy settings, be sure to comment that you've shared it. THE PRIZES: A private 90 minute session of stargazing. Due to COVID, an in person session is not possible, so it will be virtual. Mike Powell, Paul Owen and I will also provide you with 2 extra invitations to give to friends or family to join us. Ask all your questions about the night sky, equipment and astrophotography... all while enjoying your 5 favorite deep sky treasures live through telescopes. The second and third prizes will be a one year subscription to SkyNews magazine...that's 6 issues delivered to your door. Contest closes at midnight on December 7th. :) See more

We're having some trouble with Facebook Live ... Please join us on YouTube