Sunday, February 23News That Matters

Tag: sky

What Is a Black Moon and How You Can Experience This Rare Phenomenon

What Is a Black Moon and How You Can Experience This Rare Phenomenon

Breaking News, Environment, Fact Check
As the year comes to a close, skywatchers have the chance to witness a unique celestial event known as the "black moon." This term, though not officially recognized in astronomy, refers to the rare occurrence of a second new moon within a single calendar month. Popular among stargazers and amateur astronomers, the black moon offers a fascinating opportunity to observe the night sky under optimal conditions. When and Where to See It The black moon will occur on December 30 at 5:27 PM ET (2227 GMT) for those in the Americas. For viewers in Europe, Africa, and Asia, the event will take place on December 31, with observers in India able to witness the phenomenon at approximately 3:57 AM on the same day. How Does a Black Moon Happen? A new moon occurs when the moon and the sun share...
Jupiter to Light Up the Night Sky in a Rare Celestial Event on December 7

Jupiter to Light Up the Night Sky in a Rare Celestial Event on December 7

Breaking News, Space
A spectacular astronomical event is set to captivate stargazers on December 7 as Earth aligns directly between the Sun and Jupiter. This rare occurrence, known as Jupiter’s Opposition, will illuminate the largest planet in our solar system like never before. Throughout the night, Jupiter will dominate the skies, its brilliance unmatched and its details visible to anyone with even a basic telescope or binoculars. During this phenomenon, Jupiter’s sunlit side will face Earth in its entirety, creating a breathtaking view that resembles the full moon in its glory. As Earth’s faster orbit brings it into perfect alignment with the gas giant, the planet will appear larger and brighter than at almost any other time. The result is a celestial show that will keep skywatchers enchanted from dusk t...
Study Finds Severe Light Pollution at Major Astronomical Observatories Worldwide

Study Finds Severe Light Pollution at Major Astronomical Observatories Worldwide

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Space
A new study conducted by researchers from Italy, Chile, and Galicia reveals that light pollution is significantly affecting the skies above many of the world's major astronomical observatories. The study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, emphasizes the urgent need for measures to reduce artificial light contamination to preserve the efficacy of ground-based astronomy. The research team examined light pollution levels at nearly 50 observatories globally, including both large professional facilities and smaller amateur observatories. Utilizing a model that simulates light propagation in the Earth's atmosphere and incorporating night-time satellite data, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of light pollution at these sites. Tra...