Welcome to Heads-Up, the Mayborn Planetarium’s informal, yet in depth look at tracking the constellations, planets and all things galactic. The report is written each month by our resident astronomer, Warren Hart. A former U.S. Air Force navigator, an astronomical guide on cruise ships and for the Texas Parks and Wildlife, Warren has an extensive background in astronomy. Follow his report for each day’s occurrences or click on a specific day on the calendar link to the right.
Astronomy question for the month of February 2012 is:
What causes the Earth's magnetic field?
Answer and explanation next month
Astronomy question for the month of January 2012
Why do some planets have many satellites (moons) and others have none?
Answer:
The larger the planet, its' gravity will more easily attract nearby bodies. It is likely a large fraction of the 63 and more known satellites of Jupiter initially came from the asteroid belt. With similar reasoning, Neptune's 13 satellites initially came from the Kuiper Belt.
Warren's Star Tour
Thursday, February 23 at 7 p.m.
Warren Hart the Mayborn Planetarium’s staff astronomer, will take you on a guided tour of the night sky above Central Texas. Join him as he guides you through an in-depth and traditional planetarium experience. The sky is always clear under the “dome “and you have the best seat in the house for Warren’s Star Tour monthly at the Mayborn Planetarium & Space Theater.
Tickets are $6/adults, $5/children under 12. For more information, contact the Planetarium office at 254-526-1768.
Please note:
Central Daylight Saving Time (CDST) is in effect this year until 2 a.m., Sunday, November 1
All times, angles and distances to view the celestial objects described for each day are based on observing the sky from the Mayborn Planetarium and Space Theater’s location:
31° 07’ 08.50” north latitude
097° 48’ 18.40” west longitude
950 feet / 290 meters elevation
[UTM 14R 613.9kmE 3,443.4kmN].