Colbert Gets His Wish

As reported by NASA, Stephen Colbert will have his name on a piece of important space equipment. While it may not be a module of the International Space Station, it will be aboard ISS. Formerly known as T2, the Combined Operational Load-Bearing External Resistance Treadmill will provide astronauts will a much-needed exercise regime that will help keep them healthy in space. Way to go, COLBERT!

National Astronomy Day

I know I've been remiss in my posts of late, but I can't let today pass without reminding you that Saturday, May 2 is International Astronomy Day. Wherever you are, find an event and celebrate this exciting day with your loved ones. If you are in the Santa Barbara area, the Museum of Natural History will be hosting their annual festivities, including live science demos, make-and-take crafts for kids, lots of planetarium shows, a speaker from JPL to talk about a next-generation Mars robot, and a free telescope raffle.
I'll be at the Miami Science Center with Hubbystronomer and Little Dudestronomer. If you're in the area, I'll hope to see you there. If you're elsewhere, make sure to celebrate Astronomy Day!

The Sculptor Galaxy

Enjoy this lovely image, and please click to enjoy it even closer up!

Photo by Emanuele Colognato (copyright 2008, all rights reserved)

M33

Enjoy this photo of the spiral galaxy M33, taken by Charles Lillo in the Everglades. Click for biggination.

Image credit: Charles Lillo (copyright 2008, all rights reserved)

M81 and M82

Two, two, two galaxies in one (image, that is)! Click image for hugification.

Photo by Emanuele Colognato (Copyright 2009, all rights reserved)

Galaxies Galore!

This month's IYA theme is galaxies, and I'm dying to talk with you more about that. However, I'm going to be out of town for the week. So I've prepared a few entries ahead of time to help you appreciate the best part of galaxies - looking at them! Special thanks to the talented photographers who let me use their images. They're all locals, in the South Florida Amateur Astronomical Association with me. See you next week!

100 Hours of Astronomy

Tomorrow marks the beginning of 100 Hours of Astronomy, a worldwide event with millions anticipated to participate in astronomy activities round the clock. You can take part by finding your local events, but if you're from my two largest demographics, I'll save you some time:
1. The greater Santa Barbara area - the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit have teamed up once again to provide loads and loads of fun for people of all ages at a variety of venues. For more info, visit the AU's events link.
2. South Florida - you can find me and other members of the South Florida Amateur Astronomers Association at Fox Observatory in Markham Park.
If there are no events in your area (but I'd be surprised - astronomers are practically taking over the world this weekend!), you can participate remotely by tuning in to live webcasts from science centers around the world or by looking through telescopes with a streaming feed.
So get on board and take part, it's never been easier to get a little more astro-loving in your life. And bring your friends - they may not be as cool as you are, what with your Momstronomer buddy giving you the heads-up.