I am no astronaut, but then I love to stare up above the sky at night. However, that is not the only reason why I ordered it from a laser pointer shop. On the contrary, I placed an order to get benefit in my official activities. Generally, I need to conduct many presentations and seminars in official tours frequently. There comes the concept for me. How about carrying an astronomy laser pointer? As I thought, so I started searching for one. But believe me; I was screwed up while choosing it. There are plenty of choices for you. Be it online laser pointer shop or brick & mortar shop, ultimately you have to choose one that suits with your requirements and budget. There comes the biggest dilemma. The right balance is rare to find. However, thanks to DinoDirect that I finally found my astronomy laser pointer.

The Ultra Powerful Red Laser Pointer Pen Beam Light 200mW helps me to point out any graphics, figures or numbers on the projected screen in my seminars. The best part is I feel more confident and cool and stylish while my presentations now. Moreover, it looks like a pen and very easy to carry in my pockets. It is 200mW, which means you can hit a target far away from you with this astronomy laser pointer. Even I even used it to find ways in dark streets several times. Even those who are love to venture for rock climbing and other outdoor sports activities can find it extremely helpful for them. It is powered by two AAA batteries. Thus, I never faced any problem with its power supply. All and all, it is a useful product from DinoDirect and that also at competitive price range.

http://www.escience.ca/telescopes/RENDER/5/2038/3116/14584.html

or

http://www.escience.ca/telescopes/RENDER/5/2038/3116/12561.html

Best answer:

Answer by GeoffG
The 90mm refractor is going to be much better than the 70mm refractor: 29% better resolution and 65% more light gathering power.

But I wouldn’t recommend either of these telescopes because of their small apertures and shaky mounts. A much better choice would be this 130mm reflector on a solid Dobsonian mount, and for less money:

http://www.escience.ca/telescopes/RENDER/5/2038/3119/14563.html

Better still, go to Khan Scope across the street and two blocks south: they have better prices than Efston.

Here are a few web pages with good information on beginner’s telescopes:

http://www.gaherty.ca/tme/TME0702_Buying_a_Telescope.pdf

http://www.scopereviews.com/begin.html

http://observers.org/beginner/j.r.f.beginner.html

For more advanced information, read Phil Harrington’s Star Ware, 4th edition (Wiley).

You’ll get the greatest value for your money with a Newtonian reflector on a Dobsonian mount, such as these:

http://www.telescope.com/control/category/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes/~VIEW_INDEX=0/~VIEW_SIZE=1000000

http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/swtinc/product.php?class1=1&class2=106

Buy from a store which specializes in telescopes and astronomy, either locally or online; don’t buy from department stores, discount stores or eBay as mostly what they sell is junk. Find your local astronomy club and try out different telescopes at one of their star parties:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/organizations

I strongly recommend that beginners steer clear of astrophotography until they have learned their way around the sky. Astrophotography is by far the most expensive and difficult area of amateur astronomy.

Many people who buy telescopes have no idea how to find interesting things to observe. A good introduction to finding things is NightWatch by Terence Dickinson (Firefly). A more advanced book is Star Watch by Phil Harrington (Wiley).

What do you think? Answer below!

http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/sun.php

http://www.astronomy-for-kids-online.com/images/Pluto.jpg

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/image/neptune_voy2.jpg

http://www.mira.org/fts0/planets/101/images/uranus.jpg

http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/space/planets/saturn81.jpg

http://www.star-fox.com/image/jupiter2.jpg

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/images/mars.jpg

http://www.spacetoday.org/images/SolSys/Earth/EarthBlueMarbleWestTerra.jpg

www.tivas.org.uk/solsys/tas_solsys_venus.html

http://sos.noaa.gov/images/Solar_System/mercury.jpg

Best answer:

Answer by oklatonola
I looked at only the first link in your list. If you click the SOHO hyper link underneath the SOHO image of the sun, it takes you to another web page:

http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/

At the bottom of that web page it says
“Last modification: 27 Mar 2009 ”

In your bibliography, include both websites, and then give last modification date on the NASA web-site, since that is your source for the image. If course, that is not the date the image was taken, but as long as you give proper credit for all of your image sources, you should be fine. If the source doesn’t state the date of the image it is using somewhere, it’s very difficult, almost impossible for the general public to find out the dates of particular images, and even if the dates are given, they may not be accurate.

Because you are giving proper credit to your sources, you are not violating copyright law.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Best answer:

Answer by tick tock
when i was studying astronomy at University, the one thing I wished I had done much more than anything else, was amateur astronomy. If you get outside with a bunch of guys that have a strong practical background in observing, you will find yourself much more comfortable later, when you are surrounded by huge scopes and interferometers and a bunch of other stuff i can’t even pronounce.

a strong background in photography would be nice, i had that and was constantly bugged by other students for help.

if you have opportunity to take a class in electronics, do it. Even if all you learn is how to trace a circuit and solder wires, you will be ahead of most students in the Pure Sciences.

I remember being in a team of 4 students doing a low-temperature physics experiment when our probe broke a wire… we were helpless and the Professor thought we were all idiots for never having handled a soldering gun before.

What do you think? Answer below!

Looking for a great place to spend you family vacation? Try the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This National Park is packed with a number of physical and educational activities that will appeal to kids of all ages. Here’s a list of ten activities to get your planning “juices” started:

Ranger Programs – Rangers are trained naturalists who love to share their understanding of the Canyon. Topics cover anything from the California Condor restoration program and geology to fossils and astronomy. The Junior Ranger program is specifically designed for kids, and includes adventure hikes, field classes (teaches how to use binoculars, field guides, and other tools or a naturalist), and games determined by local ecology. Kids can get sworn in as Junior Grand Canyon National Park Rangers once they complete the program.

Museums – The Canyon View Information Center, near Mather Point, provides several outdoor exhibits about the Park. Inside, Rangers man the information desk and are happy to help you decide what you want to do when you turn up. The Center also houses a number of interpretive exhibits. Similar in purpose is Verkamp’s Visitor Center, located east of the El Tovar Hotel. Built in 1906, this building started off as a gift shop, but was converted into a visitor center and features some excellent pioneer history exhibits. Find out how the Canyon was formed and how old it is at the Yavapai Observation Center’s Museum of Geology. The Center’s Canyon-facing wall is all glass and provides intense views of the Gorge. Kolb Studio, built on the edge of the Canyon’s rim in 1905, hosts free art exhibits and houses a huge early 20th-century movie camera used by the Kolb brothers.

Take a Ride on the Free Shuttle – The Park has an excellent transportation system that’s free to all visitors. It stops at the most famous South Rim landmarks (Mather Point, Hermit’s Rest, Yaki Point) and trailheads (Bright Angel and South Kaibab). It’s comprised of three loops: The Village Route (blue); Hermit’s Rest (red); and Kaibab Trail (green).

Day Hikes – There are many great hikes for kids. Bright Angel Trail is located next to Kolb Studio in Grand Canyon Village. The well-maintained trail is a delightful stroll down. It’s the hike up via steep switchbacks that will determine how far you will go (consider taking the Ranger-led adventure hikes for kids). Two places to consider: Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Three-Mile Resthouse. The South Kaibab Trail, too, is in excellent condition and offers several outstanding lookout points for kids. The Rim Trail skirts the Canyon’s edge from Hermit’s Rest to South Kaibab. In general, it’s flat terrain and never goes into the Canyon. It’s excellent for strolling and includes access to the key South Rim lookout points. Note: Dress based on the season and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and foods like salty trail mix.

Mule Treks – These must be booked in advance, especially the trips down to the bottom to Phantom Ranch. If you don’t have a reservation, check availability at the Bright Angel transportation desk inside the Lodge. Popular day trips for kids is the Abyss Overlook Mule Ride, a three-hour adventure that follows the Rim into Pondersoa, Juniper, and Pinon Pine woodlands.

Horseback Riding – One- and two-hour trail rides led by Apache Stables, located outside the Park’s main gate in Tusayan. These rides traverse the Ponderosa Pine forest outside the South Rim. Twilight trips and wagon rides are also available.

Photography Workshops – Limited time only. Call Park to get times and dates. Professional photographers lead photo walks in the Park and discuss how to best use your digital camera to take stunning landscape and wildlife pictures.

Helicotper Rides – A big favorite with kids, helicopter tours depart daily from the heliport at Tusayan and fly into the Canyon’s Dragoon Corridor, the deepest, widest part of the Canyon. The tour continues to the North Rim before flying back over Grand Canyon Village to the airport. If you can swing it, upgrade to the EcoStar helicopters, which are bigger, quieter, and feature stadium-style seats.

IMAX Theater – Operated in conjunction with National Geographic, the Theater features a monster-sized screen that puts you and the kids in the middle of the action. See in 34 minutes what would take a lifetime to experience. Budget time for the exhibits inside and outside the lobby. Tickets cost .50 for adults and .50 for kids.

Grand Canyon Village – The hub of the South Rim, the Village includes Bright Angel Lodge, gift shops, restaurants, museums, a snack bar, information centers and more. Perfect for starting the day or ending it. Check out the snack bar behind the Lodge for inexpensive eats for kids. The restaurant in the Lodge is outstanding and serves big portions. The Lodge’s gift shop is the best on the Rim for affordable souvenirs, bottled water, t-shirts, hats, and more.

If you’re looking to do something different this family holiday, consider the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The National Park loaded with activities that target kids ranging in age from six-years-old to teenagers. From the Junior Ranger Program, horseback riding, and geology museums to adventure day hikes, an easy-to-use shuttle bus system and helicopter tours, there’s something for everyone and every budget.

The star is *clearly* one of the the brightest objects in the sky. At first I thought it was Venus, but it stayed in the described location for the duration of several winters in a row (a few years ago). Not totally sure that it’s there now, I don’t get up so early anymore, but I still sometimes see what I think is the same star.

You astronomy kids know of anything that fits the description?
I should have mentioned (as some of you did) that it had a very bluish white color, not reddish like I’d expect with jupiter or a red star.

Best answer:

Answer by Bob S
The two brightest stars are Aldebaran (left-most star in Orion’s belt) and Sirius. It’s likely one of these that you’re seeing.

Give your answer to this question below!

So how can I make sure that this is what I want to do?? If you are a scientist, how did you know?

I am 17 and I graduate high school in 2010 so I have a little time to think.
Yeah, I failed grade 9. It was a stupid mistake.

Best answer:

Answer by Jhon S
Hey, You know wha you have to do. Just try informing more about this stuff, talking to people who might be experienced. It’s the best way.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Christmas Day is the most important festival in the west. Every year, people do crazy shopping on during Christmas period. It’s easy to find that gifts take a large portion of the shopping list. And this year, there is no exception. You can never forget to send a pretty gift to your friends and families, especially to the kids.

An entirely new crop of kids playthings are introduced to celebrate this grand festival. Most parents are in the hope of satisfying their cute kids with some certain delicate gifts. Then, what are the hottest gifts for kids on this Christmas Day? Here, let’s have a look at the top 3 gifts for children!

Stocking Stuffers

Cheap stocking stuffers are always popular at Christmas. They are suitable for anyone, but I think they are best for kids. First, children love anything cute; the stocking stuffers are not only special on the Christmas Day, but also lovely and interesting for kids. Secondly, they are cheap, so we don’t have to worry too much about that the kids will destroy some valuable gifts.

R/C Animated Solar System Mobile

Kids that dream of turning to astronomy when they get older can start now by exploring the wonders of the solar system in their own room. A animated solar system mobile can show the planets in orbit around the sun. And with the CD and light pointer included, the solar system is effective to help guide kids on astronomy.

Xbox 360 Console

The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft. This is a marvellous gift for kids. It’s essentially a fantastic gift for you moreover your kids. They boast entirely sorts of athletic competition you once played. Just pick one for your children; they would have a good time with Xbox 360 console.

All in all, it’s easy to please children, never forget to buy the best gift he/she would love on the Christmas Day! In addition, there are many other interesting Christmas gifts for children, why not share your ideas with us here?

The best resource for astronomy star charts is the internet. Internet sites like goastronomy.com or skyandtelescope.com supply downloadable charts which are tailormade for where you dwell and when you are gazing up on the sky. The most effective star charts to print out or acquire have a very white background generating each and every star planet nebula or galaxy very visible and simple to find. A star chart may appear confusing and difficult in the beginning but you can treat it precisely like a street map. First you will need to seek out one thing inside the sky to help you locate your eye placement accordingly. An excellent barometer is the North Star or Polaris. This star is easy to find since it is the brightest in the night sky. Additionally it is conveniently situated immediately above the North Pole. As soon as you locate the star within the sky and its according area within the map you are able to easily seek the advice of the legend and identify almost every other star within the atlas.

The big Dipper can be a handy locator. It is easily 1 of the most visible constellations but additionally it is usually above the horizon. Its nearly unattainable to pass up simply because it seems like a large spoon.

Some star charts are much more indepth than others. Some will display much more details whilst others may possibly only display constellations or planets. These distinct gradations in detail are known as magnitudes. As an example a star chart having a stage 1 magnitude may only present several from the brighter stars whilst a degree four star chart will present every one of the planets constellations and galaxies which might be visible. Clearly a chart having a increased magnitude will be much more complicated and complicated than one particular using a reduced magnitude. Which sort of chart you select will rely on how curious youre in regards to the night time sky as well as the level of the information of astronomy. At any fee a star chart is definitely an important item for anyone that has even the slightest curiosity in astronomy.

It might be hard to believe but there is enough entertainment in the night sky to replace at least some of the time kids spend with Facebook, video games, television and movies. See, I said it would be hard to believe! The stars and planets provide a different type of theater, and they can be explored without the cost of an expensive telescope or an expensive trip to a planetarium.

Of course, if you have access to a great telescope and a clear night sky that is the ultimate thrill. But for a smaller budget or a cloudy night, or just for fun in a cozy indoors environment, kids can take a tour of the solar system with a home planetarium.

A home planetarium is many things. Its most obvious use is as an educational tool. Children (and adults) can learn about the location of stars, planets, and constellations. It is an excellent way to discover the nine planets for kids. However, a home planetarium can also be a place of tranquility and peace, where you can rest in the awe and wonder of how the Lord put all the stars and planets in their perfect places… if only we could get the earth to be so perfect!

A home planetarium can begin with a visit to the library to find out how to make your own. Or you can shop online to buy a new one. At the library, you can find books on stars and constellations, star maps, and even stories about the history of astronomy. Astronomy has many historical roots in Greek tradition, as well as the Middle Ages and the early modern era. You can find books about stars and planets for kids.

The simplest home planetarium can be made out of an old cardboard oatmeal tube. Using a variety of pins and needles, poke holes in the top or bottom of the tube. Use a book or star map as a guide to create constellations, stars, and planets. Turn off all the lights in a small bedroom or bathroom and cover any windows with a heavy curtain. Typically, a bathroom has fewer windows, but you may need to test your planetarium in multiple rooms. Mount a flashlight inside the oatmeal tube. Again, you may have to test your planetarium with different flashlights of differing levels of brightness. It may take a few attempts before you are able to accurately recreate the night skies, but this method costs virtually nothing.

The next step up is to use a low-cost cardboard globe. You will have to cut a hole in the base of the globe. Again, use pins and needles to poke holes in the globe that correspond with stars and planets. Use a flashlight or a flashlight bulb in a darkened room to create light within your planetarium.

With patience, a more accurate planetarium can be created with a metal earth globe. Though you may be able to find one of these globes for a low cost, it will cost more than a cardboard globe. You will need an electric drill with drill bits in a variety of sizes to accurately portray the stars and planets. Using your star maps and a marker, you can label the stars on the globe before you begin drilling. Like the cardboard globe, you will need to cut a hole in the base of the globe where you can mount a flashlight or flashlight bulb in your planetarium. You will need to devote much time and patience to create this planetarium, but it will be durable and you will be able to use it for many years.

A home planetarium can bring the night skies to kids who otherwise might not notice the beauty and wonder that surrounds them. With a little creativity, a darkened bedroom can be filled with stars and planets for kids. It can even provide the catalyst to encourage a child to study astronomy!