Category Archives: Just for Fun
Our Galaxy Isn’t As Big As You Think It Is
Galaxy size comparison chart (Rhys Taylor)
Think the Milky Way is a big place? Think again — check out this graphic by Arecibo astrophysicist Rhys Taylor, which neatly illustrates the relative sizes of 25 randomly-selected galaxies using images made from NASA and ESA observation missions. It even includes a rendering of our own remarkably mundane galaxy at the center for comparison.
(Warning: this chart may adversely affect any feelings of galactic superiority you may have once held dear.)
Space Book Alert: Your Ticket to the Universe
Your Ticket to the Universe: A Guide to Exploring the Cosmos (Available for purchase from Smithsonian Books on April 2)
Every once in a while an astronomy book comes out that combines stunning high-definition images from the world’s most advanced telescopes, comprehensive descriptions of cosmic objects that are both approachable and easy to understand (but not overly simplistic) and a gorgeous layout that makes every page spread visually exciting and enjoyable.
This is one of those books.
Captain Kirk Calls the Space Station (VIDEO)
So what happened this morning? Oh not much… just watched CAPTAIN KIRK TALK WITH AN ASTRONAUT IN ORBIT, THAT’S ALL!
Yes, it’s true. Today, Feb. 7, William Shatner called in to the Space Station as it flew 240 miles over the southern Atlantic Ocean and chatted for a bit with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who graciously answered Bill’s questions on being an astronaut and the challenges of space flight. A recording of the event is above — check it out! After all, busy starship captains and space station commanders don’t get together very often.
Video: CSA/Ustream
Voyager’s Grand Tour: a Webcomic
“Voyager”, a webcomic by Jed McGowan
Do you like space exploration? Do you like comics? Then this is for you.
“Voyager” is a webcomic by LA-based artist Jed McGowan about the Voyager 1 spacecraft, launched from Kennedy Space Center on September 5, 1977. Over the next three years it flew by Jupiter and Saturn, taking unprecedented photos of the giant planets and their moons before embarking on its trip out of the Solar System — a journey that it is still undertaking today, over 35 years later. At this time of this writing, Voyager 1 is 18,499,168,000 km from Earth, a distance that takes light over 34 hours to make.
Jed’s wonderful comic has very few words… but really, very few words are needed. Check it out on his blog here.
That’s No Space Station, It’s a MOON!
First Alderaan, then Prometheus?? Here we go again!
Saturn’s moon Mimas looks uncannily like the Death Star, and this animation by Diamond Sky Productions makes the resemblance even more apparent. Now witness the power of this fully-armed battle station!
(No shepherd moons were harmed in the making of this video.)
See the original post from 2006 (yes, it’s an oldie) on the CICLOPS site and read more about Mimas here.
Happy New Year!
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with peace, happiness, health and, of course, new discoveries! (Can you even believe it’s 2013??)
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
– Carl Sagan
