Saturday 31 December 2011
Monday 12 December 2011
Geminids meteor shower
The Geminids meteor shower should reach peak activity around the 13th and 14th December.
Conditions this year are not ideal with the presence of a waning gibbous moon, but it may still be possible to spot some shooting stars. Geminid meteors are often slow and bright with coloured trails which can linger for a while after the meteor has burned up.
The object that created the stream of debris associated with the Geminids is not a comet, but a rocky asteroid called Phaethon 3200, part of a group of asteroids whose orbits cross that of the Earth.
Tuesday 6 December 2011
New planet found in hunt for earth's twin
A planet within the "habitable zone" of a star has been discovered.
Named Kepler-22b, it has a radius that is roughly 2.4 times that of earth and is positioned in a 290-day orbit of a star, which means water - and possibly life - could exist on its surface.
Scientists have yet to explore the planet's surface to find it is made of rock, liquid or gas.
Douglas Hudgins, Kepler program scienists at NASA, called the discovery "a major milestone on the road to finding Earth's twin."
The Kepler mission has found more than 1,000 new potential planets, ten of which are near earth size and orbit in the habitable zone of their host star.
Friday 11 November 2011
11.11.11 events prompt Great Pyramid closure
Egypt's antiquities authority temporarily closed the Great Pyramid of Giza to the public, following concerns over spiritual groups holding unauthorised gatherings at the site to mark 11.11.11.
The official reason given for the partial closure of the pyramid, the tomb of the fourth dynasty pharaoh Khufu, was essential maintenance work.
The pyramid is set to reopen as normal at the weekend.
Leonids meteor shower
On the night of 17 - 18 November 2011 the Leonids meteor shower reaches its peak. This is associated with comet Temple-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun once every 33 years, leaving a trail of debris in its wake. The earth passes through this trail once a year, and we see a meteor shower.
Tuesday 8 November 2011
Asteroid ahead
An asteroid is set to pass relatively close to the earth this evening.
Named 2005 YU55, the giant rock, about 400 metres (1,3000 feet) in diameter, will pass the closest it has ever been in the past 200 years, but still far enough away to avoid any danger of impact.
The asteroid is estimated to be travelling at about 29,000 mph and will be about 201,700 miles (324,600 kilometers) away — closer than the moon, which orbits at an average 384,499 km (238,864 miles) from the earth.
Tuesday 1 November 2011
Seven billion people on earth
Acording to the United Nations, the earth's population has just reached seven billion.
However, the United States Census Bureau estimates that, with the world’s population increasing by 215,120 a day, the figure of seven billion will be reached in about four months' time.
The discrepancy in these two calculations shows how difficult it is to predict the entire population of the world accurately - it is impossible to say on what day we actually reach that figure, although it is safe to say we are nearing the seven billion mark, give or take a few million.
Monday 31 October 2011
Monday 17 October 2011
Chinese Numerology for 2011
This year, October has five Saturdays, five Sundays and five Mondays.
This happens only once every 823 years. These are known as Moneybag years.
This year also has four unusual dates:
1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11.
If you take the last two digits of the year you were born and
the age you will be this year, the result will add up to 111 for
everyone.
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Warmest October on record
After a cool, damp summer, Britain enjoyed several days of uneasonably hot weather,experiencing the warmest October day on record.
The Met Office reported that temperature reached 85.8 F (29.9 C) in southeast England.
This is the highest October temperature since records began a century ago, beating the previous high of 84.9 F (29.4 C) reached on Oct. 4, 1985.
The average maximum temperature for early October is about 59 F (15 C).
Monday 18 July 2011
St Swithins Day
According to English folklore, if it rains on St Swithin's Day - July 15 - it is said that 40 days of rain will follow.
An ancient rhyme sums up the legend:
'St Swithin’s Day, if it does rain
Full forty days, it will remain
St Swithin’s Day, if it be fair
For forty days, t'will rain no mair.'
St. Swithin (sometimes spelt Swithun) was a Saxon Bishop of Winchester and legend has it that as he lay on his deathbed, he asked to be buried out of doors, at one with nature, where the rain could fall on his grave.
For nine years, his wishes were followed, but then, on 15 July 971, the monks of Winchester attempted to remove his remains to a splendid shrine inside the cathedral. There was a heavy rain storm during the ceremony, which was taken to be a sign of St Swithin’s protest at the move.
However, Met office records over the years show that rain on St Swithin's Day has not always been followed by 40 continuous days of bad weather.
Unfortunately, sunshine on St Swithin's Day gives no guarantee of fine weather for 40days. This year 15 July was fine in most parts of England, but there has been rain since then.
An ancient rhyme sums up the legend:
'St Swithin’s Day, if it does rain
Full forty days, it will remain
St Swithin’s Day, if it be fair
For forty days, t'will rain no mair.'
St. Swithin (sometimes spelt Swithun) was a Saxon Bishop of Winchester and legend has it that as he lay on his deathbed, he asked to be buried out of doors, at one with nature, where the rain could fall on his grave.
For nine years, his wishes were followed, but then, on 15 July 971, the monks of Winchester attempted to remove his remains to a splendid shrine inside the cathedral. There was a heavy rain storm during the ceremony, which was taken to be a sign of St Swithin’s protest at the move.
However, Met office records over the years show that rain on St Swithin's Day has not always been followed by 40 continuous days of bad weather.
Unfortunately, sunshine on St Swithin's Day gives no guarantee of fine weather for 40days. This year 15 July was fine in most parts of England, but there has been rain since then.
Friday 8 July 2011
Last space shuttle launch
Atlantis took off from Cape Canaveral, for NASA's last space shuttle launch.
A last-minute hitch held up the launch for a couple of minutes.
NASA announced the official launch time as 11:29:04 EDT.
A last-minute hitch held up the launch for a couple of minutes.
NASA announced the official launch time as 11:29:04 EDT.
Monday 20 June 2011
Summer Solstice
In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice is on June 21.
The term solstice is derived from the Latin words for "sun" and "to stand still."
As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher until it seems to stand still in the sky. The summer solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year.
Civilizations have celebrated the summer solstice for thousands of years, and today it is still celebrated annually in England at Stonehenge and Avebury, where crowds gather to welcome the sunrise.
The term solstice is derived from the Latin words for "sun" and "to stand still."
As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher until it seems to stand still in the sky. The summer solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year.
Civilizations have celebrated the summer solstice for thousands of years, and today it is still celebrated annually in England at Stonehenge and Avebury, where crowds gather to welcome the sunrise.
Tuesday 14 June 2011
Total lunar eclipse
Total Lunar Eclipse 15 June 2011
This takes place at times in the moon's orbit when it is completely hidden by the earth’s shadow, as cast by the sun.
On this occasion the moon is passing through the densest, central part of the shadow, which has the effect of making the eclipse appear darker.
The moon still remains visible, but less bright, and can take on a copper or red hue due to sunlight scattered on its surface through the earth's atmosphere.
The times when the lunar eclipse can be observed vary according to location.
In the UK it may be seen around 915pm - 10pm.
More details here: http://bit.ly/mru0Wj
This takes place at times in the moon's orbit when it is completely hidden by the earth’s shadow, as cast by the sun.
On this occasion the moon is passing through the densest, central part of the shadow, which has the effect of making the eclipse appear darker.
The moon still remains visible, but less bright, and can take on a copper or red hue due to sunlight scattered on its surface through the earth's atmosphere.
The times when the lunar eclipse can be observed vary according to location.
In the UK it may be seen around 915pm - 10pm.
More details here: http://bit.ly/mru0Wj
Tuesday 31 May 2011
National Family Week
National Family Week runs until 5 June.
For more information visit www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk
For more information visit www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk
Saturday 23 April 2011
Hottest Easter for over a century
Britain has experienced the hottest Easter for over 100 years, with temperatures reaching 27 degrees C (81F) on Good Friday.
This beats the previous record of 74F in London in 1984, and is the hottest Easter since records began in the early 1900s.
Temperatures are expected to remain above average for the time of year for the rest of the month.
This beats the previous record of 74F in London in 1984, and is the hottest Easter since records began in the early 1900s.
Temperatures are expected to remain above average for the time of year for the rest of the month.
Friday 22 April 2011
Earth Day
Earth Day 2011: A Billion Acts of Green®
Earth Day is marked today by campaigns to make the world a greener place.
These include the Canopy Project: Earth Day Network aims to plant a million trees in partnership with non‐profit organizations throughout the world. Locations where reforestation is urgently needed include Haiti, Brazil, Mexico and urban areas of the US.
For more details see www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011
Earth Day is marked today by campaigns to make the world a greener place.
These include the Canopy Project: Earth Day Network aims to plant a million trees in partnership with non‐profit organizations throughout the world. Locations where reforestation is urgently needed include Haiti, Brazil, Mexico and urban areas of the US.
For more details see www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011
Sunday 3 April 2011
Real Robin Hood revealed?
The story of Robin Hood has become the stuff of legend, celebrated through the centuries from early ballads up until the present day.
The outlaw and his band of merry men are most likely composites of several characters whose exploits were woven together from a blend of fact and fiction, and various suggestions have been put forward as to Robin Hood's original identity.
One popular theory is that he was Robin of Loxley, originally of noble birth but then became an outlaw who robbed the rich to give to the poor.
Another name put forward is that of 13th century farmer Robin Godberd, the subject of a new book by historian David Baldwin.
Early evidence shows that Godberd lead a band of men who ambushed wealthy travellers on their way through Sherwood Forest. He was once captured by the Sheriff of Nottingham and imprisoned in Nottingham Castle – details which tally with the story handed down over the years.
According to his Mr Baldwin’s research, Godberd lived from the early 1230s to the 1290s, and his gang were suspected of crimes including robbery, burglary, arson and poaching deer from Sherwood Forest.
Robin Hood - the English Outlaw Unmasked is available from Amberley Publishing.
The outlaw and his band of merry men are most likely composites of several characters whose exploits were woven together from a blend of fact and fiction, and various suggestions have been put forward as to Robin Hood's original identity.
One popular theory is that he was Robin of Loxley, originally of noble birth but then became an outlaw who robbed the rich to give to the poor.
Another name put forward is that of 13th century farmer Robin Godberd, the subject of a new book by historian David Baldwin.
Early evidence shows that Godberd lead a band of men who ambushed wealthy travellers on their way through Sherwood Forest. He was once captured by the Sheriff of Nottingham and imprisoned in Nottingham Castle – details which tally with the story handed down over the years.
According to his Mr Baldwin’s research, Godberd lived from the early 1230s to the 1290s, and his gang were suspected of crimes including robbery, burglary, arson and poaching deer from Sherwood Forest.
Robin Hood - the English Outlaw Unmasked is available from Amberley Publishing.
Friday 1 April 2011
Saturn in sight
Earth will pass between Saturn and the sun on 4 April.
The ringed planet will be at its closest to us and will more shine brightly in the night sky. It will continue to be relatively close to the earth for the month ahead.
To the naked eye, the rings of Saturn are not visible, but the planet will look like a bright golden star.
The ringed planet will be at its closest to us and will more shine brightly in the night sky. It will continue to be relatively close to the earth for the month ahead.
To the naked eye, the rings of Saturn are not visible, but the planet will look like a bright golden star.
Tuesday 22 March 2011
Earth Hour
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change.
At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour.
www.earthhour.org
At 8:30 PM on Saturday 26th March 2011, lights will switch off around the globe for Earth Hour.
www.earthhour.org
Friday 18 March 2011
SuperMoon
The moon may look exceptionally large and bright over the next few nights, as it is closer to the earth than it has been at any time over the past 18 years.
At its closest point (the lunar perigee) it is about 220,000 miles away from us, compared to 254,000 at its furthest point (the lunar apogee).
Tidal forces from the moon are roughly 10-15 per cent stronger during the lunar perigee, but this doesn't necessarily mean they will have any significant effect on the tides on earth. At most, tides would be expected to rise by about an inch (3cm approx).
American astrologer Richard Nolle, who uses the phrase "supermoon" to describe this phenomenon, claims that it can be linked to extreme tides, storms and earthquakes.
However, a number of leading astronomers have denied that the proximity of the moon plays any part in causing earthquakes.
At its closest point (the lunar perigee) it is about 220,000 miles away from us, compared to 254,000 at its furthest point (the lunar apogee).
Tidal forces from the moon are roughly 10-15 per cent stronger during the lunar perigee, but this doesn't necessarily mean they will have any significant effect on the tides on earth. At most, tides would be expected to rise by about an inch (3cm approx).
American astrologer Richard Nolle, who uses the phrase "supermoon" to describe this phenomenon, claims that it can be linked to extreme tides, storms and earthquakes.
However, a number of leading astronomers have denied that the proximity of the moon plays any part in causing earthquakes.
Thursday 17 March 2011
St Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick's Day is a religious holiday celebrated internationally on 17 March. It is named after Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the patron saint of Ireland.
When he was made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in 432 and sent as a missionary to Ireland, he was given the name "Patercius" or "Patritius" which comes from the Latin "pater civium" meaning "the father of his people".
St Patrick suffered many trials as a missionary in Ireland. There are accounts which talk about his struggles with the Druids.
The best known legend about St. Patrick is the story of how he drove the snakes from Ireland. Some tales tell that he stood on a hill and used a wooden staff to drive the snakes into the sea and banished them forever from the land.
St Patrick's Day became an official feast day since the early 17th century, and has since evolved into a time of celebration of Irish culture.
When he was made a Bishop by Pope Celestine in 432 and sent as a missionary to Ireland, he was given the name "Patercius" or "Patritius" which comes from the Latin "pater civium" meaning "the father of his people".
St Patrick suffered many trials as a missionary in Ireland. There are accounts which talk about his struggles with the Druids.
The best known legend about St. Patrick is the story of how he drove the snakes from Ireland. Some tales tell that he stood on a hill and used a wooden staff to drive the snakes into the sea and banished them forever from the land.
St Patrick's Day became an official feast day since the early 17th century, and has since evolved into a time of celebration of Irish culture.
Saturday 12 March 2011
Pi Day
Pi Day is celebrated around the world on March 14th.
Pi is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.
Pi = 3.1415926535...(to the 1st 10 decimal places) and is an irrational and transcendental number, meaning it continues infinitely without repeating.
Here is a musical interpretation of Pi: http://t.co/D8GyFZW
http://www.piday.org
Pi is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.
Pi = 3.1415926535...(to the 1st 10 decimal places) and is an irrational and transcendental number, meaning it continues infinitely without repeating.
Here is a musical interpretation of Pi: http://t.co/D8GyFZW
http://www.piday.org
Thursday 10 March 2011
Uranus in Aries triggers change
Uranus in Aries ushers in a cycle of change from 11 March, inspiring individual self-expression, innovative enterprises and extremism.
This cycle will last until March 5 2019.
This cycle will last until March 5 2019.
Monday 7 March 2011
International Womens Day and Pancake Day
International Women's Day, held annually on 8 March, celebrates its centenary today.
The IWD theme this year is equal access to education, training, science and technology.
It happens to coincide with Pancake Day. Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, marks the last chance for feasting before fasting - using up rich ingredients before Lent, a period of abstinence in the Christian calendar, leading up to Easter Sunday.
For a traditional treat, simply sprinkle your pancakes with sugar and add a generous squeeze of lemon. Or for something sweeter, try topping with sliced banana and maple syrup. Enjoy!
The IWD theme this year is equal access to education, training, science and technology.
It happens to coincide with Pancake Day. Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, marks the last chance for feasting before fasting - using up rich ingredients before Lent, a period of abstinence in the Christian calendar, leading up to Easter Sunday.
For a traditional treat, simply sprinkle your pancakes with sugar and add a generous squeeze of lemon. Or for something sweeter, try topping with sliced banana and maple syrup. Enjoy!
Thursday 3 March 2011
World Book Night
Following World Book Day is World Book Night on Saturday (5 March). Coverage of this event will be broadcast on BBC 2. In celebration of reading, a million free books will be distributed across the UK and Ireland.
http://www.worldbookday.com
http://www.worldbooknight.org
http://www.worldbookday.com
http://www.worldbooknight.org
Wednesday 16 February 2011
Solar flare
The Sun has unleashed its strongest flare in four years, according to observers.
Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) spacecraft recorded an intense flash of extreme ultraviolet radiation coming from a sunspot.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) has issued a geomagnetic storm warning, and says aurorae may be visible from the northern UK.
The eruptions are expected to hit the Earth's magnetic field field over the next couple of days, causing an increase in geomagnetic activity.
Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) spacecraft recorded an intense flash of extreme ultraviolet radiation coming from a sunspot.
The British Geological Survey (BGS) has issued a geomagnetic storm warning, and says aurorae may be visible from the northern UK.
The eruptions are expected to hit the Earth's magnetic field field over the next couple of days, causing an increase in geomagnetic activity.
Wednesday 26 January 2011
Chinese New Year - the Rabbit
The Tiger bows out on February 3, ushering in the Year of the Rabbit.
This year is also ruled by Metal, (one of the five Chinese elements – Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth)While Metal can add coldness, inflexibility and a cutting edge, in the case of the Rabbit, it indicates a higher level of ambition and resolve, adding to the potential success of the year.
This year is also ruled by Metal, (one of the five Chinese elements – Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth)While Metal can add coldness, inflexibility and a cutting edge, in the case of the Rabbit, it indicates a higher level of ambition and resolve, adding to the potential success of the year.
Sunday 2 January 2011
Look to the stars to start the New Year
The BBC has put together three programmes on stargazing to be shown over consecutive nights.
Monday 3rd January - at 8.00pm on BBC2, Jonathan Ross gets a crash course in planet spotting with astronomer Mark Thompson.
Tuesday 4th January – Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain look at three of January’s unusual astronomical events – a partial solar eclipse, the Quadrantids Meteor Shower and Jupiter aligning with Uranus
Wednesday 5th January – Prof Cox chats to the crew of the International Space Station
Amateur astronomers are invited to share their best photographs of the night skies online, to be showcased during the live shows in January. Send images to stargazing@bbc.co.uk or visit bbc.co.uk/stargazing for more information.
Monday 3rd January - at 8.00pm on BBC2, Jonathan Ross gets a crash course in planet spotting with astronomer Mark Thompson.
Tuesday 4th January – Professor Brian Cox and Dara O Briain look at three of January’s unusual astronomical events – a partial solar eclipse, the Quadrantids Meteor Shower and Jupiter aligning with Uranus
Wednesday 5th January – Prof Cox chats to the crew of the International Space Station
Amateur astronomers are invited to share their best photographs of the night skies online, to be showcased during the live shows in January. Send images to stargazing@bbc.co.uk or visit bbc.co.uk/stargazing for more information.
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