What kind of planets are likely to ensnare comets coming in from the icy outer reaches of a planetary system? The post When Planets Collect Comets appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
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See a Rare Transit of Iapetus on July 17–18
It’s tiny. It’s challenging. But you won’t get the chance to see Iapetus transit the globe of Saturn again until 2037! The post See a Rare Transit of Iapetus on July 17–18 appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreAsteroid Bennu Almost Swallowed Spacecraft Whole
Scientists knew the asteroid Bennu was likely a rubble pile rather than solid rock, but OSIRIS-REX’s recent visit surprised them in showing just how loosely the asteroid really is. The post Asteroid Bennu Almost Swallowed Spacecraft Whole appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreTitan Occults a Bright Star, Mira Awakens, and Comet PanSTARRS Shines
Pick one or see them all. July offers a potpourri of celestial events for both naked-eye observers and telescope users that include a rare occultation by Saturn’s moon Titan, a bright comet, and Mira at maximum. The post Titan Occults a Bright Star, Mira Awakens, and Comet PanSTARRS Shines appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreSolar System Gets its Ducks in a Row
We’ll have not one but many opportunities to enjoy a rare lineup of the bright planets over the next few weeks. Amazingly, they’ll be aligned in order of their distance from the Sun. The post Solar System Gets its Ducks in a Row appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MorePerseverance Watches Wild Winds on Mars
NASA’s Perseverance rover is recording the windy weather in Jezero Crater, chronicling its role in making the Red Planet dusty. The post Perseverance Watches Wild Winds on Mars appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreTau Herculid Meteors Surprise and Delight
We touch on the highlights of the memorable Tau Herculid meteor shower and also report on the recent outburst of the recurrent nova U Scorpii. The post Tau Herculid Meteors Surprise and Delight appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreMystery of the Sun’s Chemical Makeup Lingers
Astronomers think they might have a solution to the conundrum of the Sun’s chemical composition. The post Mystery of the Sun's Chemical Makeup Lingers appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MorePiano Concerto on the Planets Premieres
A piano concerto based on the solar system’s planets just had its world premiere. And you can hear a sampling of the music right here! The post Piano Concerto on the Planets Premieres appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreThe Sun Is Waking Up — Right On Schedule
The Sun is ramping up activity, but contrary to some reports, this solar cycle is still consistent with scientists’ predictions. The post The Sun Is Waking Up — Right On Schedule appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
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