Astronomy thread!

[RICHARD]

Hey Richard.......go read this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Evans_(astronomer)

Bob is a friend of mine. He lives in Hazelbrook, Blue Mountains.
I first met him around about 2001, and did building work on his home for him on and off up until about 4 years ago (I no longer live in the Blue Mountains).
He's the nicest guy you could ever meet, and always willing to show you his gear and sit down over a coffee and talk to you about what he has spotted in the heavens.
I was at his home one day, and he and his wife were most excited about a new supernova Bob had spotted the previous evening. He was waiting for a phone call from some USA lady astronomer doctor who logs the info on the supernovas and records the names of whoever first spots them first.
Bob got the phone call about 11am that day, and hung up the phone with a big smile on his face.....I knew then what had happened....he had spotted a new supernova and contacted the USA observatory some 5 minutes before some Japanese guy did.
I think Bob has the highest score in the world now for visual sitings.
If you ever make it to downunder....I'll intro you to him.....a most interesting man he is.

WOW, I remember hearing something about that "5 minute window" story.

I am a space geek and am jealous.



Wom,

check this out, well worth a nice early morning walkabout.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata...ngs/index.html

[wombat2u2004]

WOW, I remember hearing something about that "5 minute window" story.

I am a space geek and am jealous.



Wom,

check this out, well worth a nice early morning walkabout.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata...ngs/index.html

Thats a good site mate. I'll add that to favourites.

[RICHARD]

Thats a good site mate. I'll add that to favourites.

I am sorry, I didn't explain it very well.

Under the 'sightings' space on the left you can figure out when the shuttle/ISS are passing over your house. It's a blast and I have been following the last 4-5 flights.

One of the best views is toward the end of the mission. The Shuttle and ISS undock/split up. You can watch them track across the sky, chasing each other in orbit.

[wombat2u2004]

I am sorry, I didn't explain it very well.

Under the 'sightings' space on the left you can figure out when the shuttle/ISS are passing over your house. It's a blast and I have been following the last 4-5 flights.

One of the best views is toward the end of the mission. The Shuttle and ISS undock/split up. You can watch them track across the sky, chasing each other in orbit.

I had a good look mate, and clicked on my location etc etc.
I think there is only about 5 sitings I can do in the next few weeks, and they only last a couple of minutes.

[RICHARD]

I had a good look mate, and clicked on my location etc etc.
I think there is only about 5 sitings I can do in the next few weeks, and they only last a couple of minutes.

The wonder of it will keep you going out to watch, I caught the flyby this morning....I woke up at 1:30 and could not go back to sleep...

During other flights the has been as many as 7-10 passes, If the orbit is right? You may see a two passes in about one hour!

[wombat2u2004]

The wonder of it will keep you going out to watch, I caught the flyby this morning....I woke up at 1:30 and could not go back to sleep...

During other flights the has been as many as 7-10 passes, If the orbit is right? You may see a two passes in about one hour!

I remember having one pointed out to me a while ago, but it never lasted long. Maybe being in the northern hemisphere, you are closer to space than we are

[RICHARD]

I remember having one pointed out to me a while ago, but it never lasted long. Maybe being in the northern hemisphere, you are closer to space than we are

Check it out.....

Do you have a globe in your house?

Our hemisphere is closer to UP. Up is closer to the stars.

We win.