Atlantis Launches

I don't always post when the shuttle launches, but in this case I will. Because I was there! That's right; Hubbystronomer, Little Dudestronomer and I headed to Cape Canaveral to see the launch. How was it, you ask? Just as amazing as you imagined. It was really bright and shot up into the sky. It took a few seconds for the deep rumbling the reach us, and then it gave me heart palpitations.

It was so neat to see so many people out for the launch. There was a real spirit of camaraderie as we all waited, and people were even polite on the road afterward. That's the real sign of community.

Now the astronauts aboard will head to the Hubble Space Telescope for some repairs and replacements. It sounds simple, but this will be anything but. I'm sure there will be plenty of news coverage, so stay tuned.

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!