APOD 2.6

The Umbra of Earth (December 15, 2011)

This is a compiled picture of the phases of the moon during the lunar eclipse on December 10: it goes from partial to total to partial again.  The photos were taken in Beijing, China.  During the eclipse, the moon was in the Earth's umbra for a total of 51 minutes.  This picture helps to depict the movement of the moon through the eclipse, and the shape of the Earth's umbra.

APOD 2.5

Vesta Rocks (December 10, 2011)

The images above are thin slices of meteoroids viewed under a polarizing microscope.  After analyzing the mineral content and the parts of the spectra that they embody, scientists have concluded that they are most likely from the 4 Vesta asteroid belt currently being studied by NASA.  They would have most likely originated from deep within the crust of Vesta.

APOD 2.4



As Above, So Below (December 3, 2011)

This picture was taken with a single, long exposure in a medium format camera with color slide film.  It is a photograph of star trails and the colorful, cloud-like ocean over Medvednica mountain, near Zagreb, Croatia.  From the way the star trails appear, the North Celestial Pole is off in the upper right edge of the frame. 

Observation on December 4, 2011

Location: My house (27.309583 latitude, -82.503184 longitude)
Temperature: 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Weather: Partly cloudy
Time: 8:00 EST to 9:30 EST

Because of a street light, trees, clouds, and the brightness of the moon, it was difficult to view much.  The moon was so bright that it formed a moon halo of about 3 degrees when measured with my fist.  Despite the set backs, I was able to observe Jupiter, Orion and Orion's belt, Draco, the Pleiades cluster, and Cassiopeia.
Next time I'm going to have to go somewhere that does not have as much light pollutioin to spoil the fun!