STEAM Education & Research
Family Astronomy Night, Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 7 PM EST – VIRTUAL EVENT
Our Marvelous Moon – Part 2! Join: https://msu.zoom.us/j/93351955313 Password: MSU This past November, we learned about the Moon’s orbit. This month, we will learn more about the Moon itself! Did you know that both the size and the distance of the Moon were already known to ancient astronomers over two thousand years ago? Why are there “seas” on the Moon when we…
How the Universe Was Discovered in the Constellations of Fall
Did you know that in just a few weeks, Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer together in the sky than at any time since the year 1623? Have you noticed that there are star clusters and even some galaxies in the sky right now that you can see with your unaided eye? Have you heard that the best meteor shower of the…
Our Amazing Moon: More Complicated Than You Would Expect!
Our Amazing Moon: More Complicated Than You Would Expect! Did you know that the Moon is responsible for how our calendars look? Do you know what a “supermoon” is? (Or Hunter’s Moon? Or a Blue Moon?) Can you see the man in the Moon? (Or the woman? Or the bunny?) Are you able to tell time using the Moon’s phases and position?…
Family Astronomy Night, Tuesday, November 17 at 7 PM EST– VIRTUAL EVENT
Our Amazing Moon:More Complicated Than You Would Expect! Did you know that the Moon is responsible for how our calendars look? Do you know what a “supermoon” is? (Or Hunter’s Moon? Or a Blue Moon?) Can you see the man in the Moon? (Or the woman? Or the bunny?) Are you able to tell time using the Moon’s phases and position? Have…
Family Astronomy Night, Tuesday, October 20 at 7 PM – VIRTUAL EVENT
Mars from Space: What Robotic Spacecraft Have Discovered About The Red Planet. Zoom Join Link: https://msu.zoom.us/j/93902393137 Password: MSU Did you know that Mars boasts the tallest mountain in the solar system, and the largest volcano as well—even though the “red planet” is barely half the size of Earth? Have you heard that Mars also has the longest canyon in the solar system—ten…
Mars: Humanity’s Favorite Planet
Did you know that this October, Mars will be closer to Earth than it will be for any time in the next 15 years? Have you noticed that Mars has increased in brightness all year, and is now about forty times brighter than a year ago? Are you aware that Earth has had more missions to Mars fail than to all other…
Family Astronomy Night
Family Astronomy Night will continue to be held virtually via Zoom. Visit our new webpage for upcoming dates and to watch past presentations. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 7 PM EST for the next presentation.
Comets! and the Planets in September
Did you see Comet NEOWISE as it flew by the Earth over the past few months? Did you notice that it seemed to be flying “backward” as it passed the Big Dipper? Have you been watching Jupiter and Saturn moving side-by-side through Sagittarius in the evening skies? Did you know that Mars is nearing its closest Earth approach when it will be…
Virtual Astronomy Night Monday, August 31
Join us virtually on Monday, August 31 as we learn about comets! Dr. Edmund Stark of MSU St. Andrews will provide an engaging presentation focused on comets: what they are, where they come from, how they have appeared throughout history, and why they behave as they do! Visit the event page for full details and Zoom sign-on information. Photo credit Sherri Yezbick-Taylor…
How to See Comet NEOWISE Before It Disappears
Did you know that a really special comet has just entered the evening sky? NEOWISE had been approaching the sun in the morning sky over the past month. It has just emerged from behind the sun (closest approach on July 3) and has now entered evening skies for residents of the northern hemisphere. It will reach its closest point to Earth during…
