Another week, another Carnival of Space. We’ve been quiet here at Urban Astronomer while I work on a new project and (on a personal note) prepare for the birth of another child. But there’s always time to curate a Carnival of Space so let’s get started. First up is the ever-reliable Universe Today, with an article on material salvaged from a meteorite that originated on the planet Mars, which may have had a biological origin and could be proof of … Continue reading →
What a weekend… I’ve had family visiting, a fire on the farm, and a once-in-a-lifetime encounter between a comet and Mars to photograph. Oh, and a Carnival of Space to publish. Something had to give, and unfortunately it was the Carnival. Sorry about that! But you didn’t come here to read my excuses, you came for the latest and best writing on space science and astronomy, so if you just keep reading, I’ll make sure that that’s what you get. First … Continue reading →
For some years, astronomers have known that the gaseous outer edges of the Milky Way galaxy flare out away from the neat, flat disc that contains the spiral arms. However, this gas is hard to see and harder to study, and nobody knew for sure where it came from. But a few months ago, a team of astronomers based at the South African Astronomical Observatory announced their discovery of a small number of stars within these flares. These stars are … Continue reading →
It feels like a lifetime since we had the Carnival of Space here at Urban Astronomer, but finally it’s my turn again to play ringmaster! The Carnival of Space is a travelling internet phenomenon, floating from space blog to astronomy website, showing off the best astronomy and space science writing from around the world. It’s been going for over seven years, and it just keeps getting better. This week’s carnival is a little lighter than usual, but it’s all going … Continue reading →
On 13 September, South Africa’s amateur astronomers and telescope makers will converge on the Military History Museum in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, for the annual ScopeX Telescope and Astronomy Exhibition. ScopeX has run continuously for thirteen years, and has attracted the support of the National Research Foundation, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and numerous commercial sponsors. Attractions this year include talks by noted astronomers, science shows and workshops for kids. A … Continue reading →
