Month: August 2022

Bright fireball over Madrid traced back to comet of origin

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A particularly bright meteor seen in the skies of Earth on July 31 has been tracked back to a comet that created a field of debris when it began to disintegrate thousands of years ago.  Scientists believe that the fragment that ended its life as a fireball over Madrid, Spain, began its existence as part of Comet 169P/NEAT, which formed at the same time as the solar system, around 4.6 billion years ago. The comet, an icy body that sheds debris as it travels, is responsible for the Alpha Capricornids…

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Celestron Powerseeker 127 EQ review

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The five-inch diameter reflector is frequently considered an ideal choice of astronomical telescope for the serious beginner, occupying a sweet spot of good light-gathering power with reasonable economy. The Celestron Powerseeker 127EQ is aimed firmly at this market and is the biggest and most powerful scope in the Powerseeker range.  It comes complete with a German equatorial mount, to facilitate easy tracking of objects across the night sky when properly set up and aligned, and a decent aluminum tripod that provides a steady base.  The standard kit includes a 20mm…

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Star Trek movies, ranked worst to best

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We’re leaving the Neutral zone and taking a stand with our list of the best Star Trek movies. Star Trek is going through a bit of a retro renaissance at the moment, thanks to a successful first season of Strange New Worlds, which takes place before Kirk ever took over as Captain of the Enterprise. It’s put many a Trek fan in the mood for more classic Trek action. You could cherry-pick the adventures of Kirk and Co. by watching the best Star Trek: The Original Series episodes or if…

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Saturn at opposition: See the Lord of the Rings at its best this month

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It’s time to watch the “Lord of the Rings” once again. If you step outside on Thursday (Aug. 11) and look toward the east-southeast horizon shortly after 9 p.m. local time, you’ll see the August full moon slowly ascending the sky. And as you watch, take note also of a bright yellow-white “star” shining to the moon’s upper left.  Except that’s not a star, but quite possibly the most spectacular planet in our solar system: The ringed wonder, Saturn.  Related: Saturn’s Rings: Composition, Characteristics & Creation By around after midnight,…

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Best cameras for astrophotography 2022

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Here we’ve rounded up the best cameras for astrophotography in one handy list to help point out the equipment which will help you capture your best astro images. When you’ve chosen one of the best cameras for astrophotography, the added bonus is that they are also typically versatile cameras that perform exceptionally in the daytime as well. This negates the need to spend on additional equipment, something we all want to avoid when living costs are forever rising. Remember, it’s not all about the camera. Lenses are just as (if…

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