"Heads-Up"
Information for the Astronomically Observant

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 June 2009
What are the names of the smallest and the largest constellations in area in the sky?

Answer: Crux (the Cross) and Hydra (the Water Snake)

Astronomy question for the month of July 2009
When an object in space collapses and its gravitational influence is so strong its escape velocity exceeds the speed of light, what is it called?
Answer and explanation next month

The next total solar eclipse will be Tuesday, July 21

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].

This is a very special year for astronomers throughout the world. 2009 has been adopted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as the “International Year of Astronomy.” For more information, go to these IYA2009 websites:
IYA International
http://www.astronomy2009.org
United States IYA
http://www.astronomy2009.us
NASA IYA Program
http://www.astronomy2009.nasa.gov
Galileo Reference Guide
http://www.astronomy2009.us/Content/Resources/IYAResource-Galileo.pdf
Kepler Reference Guide
http://www.astronomy2009.us/Content/Resources/IYAResource-Kepler.pdf
Cosmic Diary
http://www.cosmicdiary.org
Galileo Teacher’s Training Program
http://www.astronomy2009.us/education/galileoteachers
United States Dark Skies Awareness
http://www.astronomy2009.us/darkskies
International Dark Skies Awareness
http://www.darkskies awareness.org

"Heads-Up" Information for the Astronomically Observant

"Heads-Up"
Information for the Astronomically Observant