Science Anyone???

Hello all!
First of all, I would like to say that I think I have a very FUN way to start off Astronomy Club this year! Begin looking for details in school this upcoming week!

Ok, let's take a look at what's going on in the world of science...

ISS FLYBYS

I looked up to see if the ISS is flying by this week, and it does not look like it is. However, it appears as though there is a number of other satellites that will be making a pass over the area these next few days. For more information on these flybys, go to Spaceweather.com's satellite tracking tool at www.spaceweather.com/flybys

SUNgazer!

I was searching the internet for some new, cool science/astronomy sites, and I came across Sungazer. This website provides some pretty cool pictures of the sun taken in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum as well as provides resources and information about observing the sun! Check it out at http://www.sungazer.net/

Shuttle Launch

The next Shuttle launch is scheduled for Monday, November 1 at 4:40pm. The STS-133, Space Shuttle Discovery will make its way to the International Space Station. We will be keeping an eye on this, and looking more into it as the launch date (and Space ShuttleDiscovery's final flight) gets closer. Hopefully, you all can view the launch! Watching a launch (if only from the TV) is awesome! One day, I hope to go down to Cape Canaveral, FL and watch a launch in person! How cool would that be!!!???!!!! Anyway, check out this picture (taken from NASA) of Space Shuttle Discovery as it is moved on the launch pad (39A) and getting its payload (cargo) to prepare for the mission. *picture and info are credited to NASA (http://www.nasa.gov/)

METEOR SHOWER!!

The next major meteor shower is the Orionids, which peak on Oct. 21. The best viewing time is 2 or 3 am, when the constellation Orion, is high in the sky. However, you should still be able to see some as early as 10 or 11pm This year, on Oct. 21, there will be a full moon, making it difficult to see the 70+ meteors per hour, but you should still be able to see the really bright ones! Going to miss the Orionids? No worries, check out the Leonids peaking on Nov. 17! Another spectacular show!

NEW SPECIES!

Scientists in Papua New Guinea discovered several new species! Do you know where Papua New Guinea is? It is near Indonesia! They discovered some new bugs and a new species of frog! Check out some of what they found! The info on the new species and the below photos were taken from Yahoo! News (http://www.news.yahoo.com/)

OK, well, that's all for now! Keep an eye out on the news for any interesting stories! Fell free to bring them in to school to share with the class!

Keep an eye to the sky!

Ms. T