Join me to watch the NASA livestream of the historic Artemis II launch, sending people back to circle the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.

If the location changes last minute based on room availability at South there will be a sign on the door and we will be somewhere in the Olympic Hall (OLY) building

The time and date of this event may change: launch windows depend on suitable weather and every technical detail going correctly. Please visit here and check BlueSky and West Seattle Blog for the most recent update. (This does mean I have several places to update, so bear with me on change announcements.)

Links to NASA’s coverage schedule and livestream.

I recommend children watch this event on a ~20 minute delay. If you do not know why I recommend that, research the Challenger mission.

Map to the Jerry M Brockey center:

The Launch

Why do we care?

We haven’t sent people back to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.

This is a test flight and will allow us to gather a massive amount of information that will improve training, planning, and design for the upcoming missions where we will land people on the Moon again.

This crew includes four amazing astronauts with a lot of firsts: Victor Glover, the first Black astronaut to go to the Moon; Christina Koch, the first woman to go to the Moon; Jeremy Hansen, the first non-US citizen to go to the Moon (Canadian); and Reid Weisman, the first commander of a mission returning human spaceflight to the Moon.

People are not landing this time, that is planned for Artemis IV maybe in 2028.

The crew will be farther from Earth than any crew has ever been: they go a little bit farther out in their flyby of the Moon than previous missions.

This mission prepares us to be able to land on the Moon.

We no longer have the Apollo technology, we could not just dust that off and use it anytime over the last 50 years. The technology had to be reinvented. And we know more now, so the technology has changed dramatically.

We will be able to test the safety systems for the Artemis program.

We’re going to get some more neat pictures of the far side of the Moon. Sure, we have sent satellites to do this, but people are active observers and can notice interesting things to photograph, whereas a satellite will only take the images it is pre-programmed to take.

No one under the ages of about 53 has been alive while astronauts could get to the Moon. A significant portion of the population doesn’t know what it feels like in real time to have people achieve this marvel of spaceflight. To us, it is history. It is in books and videos. The Artemis II mission is history in the making. Come watch it launch!

After that, the star will dim back down to something you need binoculars to see, and then dimmer still so you’ll need a telescope again–as is true right now.

Lots of info about the nova: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/marshall/nasa-global-astronomers-await-rare-nova-explosion/

Published directions for how to find the Corona Borealis in the night sky suggest finding Hercules first—one of the most difficult to find because it is so dim. Let’s do something else.

Corona Borealis itself is much easier to find. I suggest you use star hopping. Here’s how:

1. Start by finding the Big Dipper. I know that’s a big ask at first, but it is always in the North, and pretty big. Use a planetarium app on your phone to help find it the first time.
2. Follow the arc of the handle of the Big Dipper and keep on going past the end in the same arc.
3. Keep following that arc until you get to a bright star. This is (believe it or not) Arcturus. You have just “arced to Arcturus.”
4. Arcturus is the base of a medium brightness constellation named Boötes, which is shaped like a mostly-eaten ice cream cone.
   • 
5. Slide up the left-hand side and just sorta fall/flip off the end into the little cup of stars.
6. Ta-Da! That little cup of stars is Corona Borealis!!!
7. The nova, when it happens, will be off to the left.

Images by Alice Enevoldsen. Starfield from Stellarium. Photos from Unsplash: Ice cream cone – Dana DeVolk. Bowl – Tom Crew. Dipper – David Klein.

– Alice

#1 Most Important Thing

You can easily safely watch a partial solar eclipse, and you should! You just have to know how! Here are many ways: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2023/oct-14-annular/safety/ (I am linking to the annular eclipse safety information because it is going to be partial here, not total.)

My favorite way to watch a solar eclipse is the indirect method using a colander/spaghetti strainer or other object with small even holes (circles or squares, not long lines).

Turn your back to the Sun.

Hold out the colander until you see its shadow on the ground showing all those little holes. Each one of those is a perfect little image of the Sun! When the Sun is partially eclipsed, you will see little crescents. This works even better if you put down a piece of plain paper or another flat “screen” for the shadow. You can also do this by interleaving your fingers to make a “hashtag” pattern with your fingers, or just look under a tree at the dappled light shining down.

Please do not buy eclipse glasses from a large online marketplace that doesn’t specialize in astronomical viewing equipment or eclipses. The American Astronomical Society maintains a list of reputable vendors of eclipse glasses. In 2017 I had to replace the glasses of almost everyone in my entire campground because they had bought pairs that only an expert like myself could identify as counterfeits and dangerous. It was very hard to tell the difference. https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters

The glasses that Seattle Public Library and King County Public Libraries have received through the library eclipse education program are safe.

I will add images of my favorite viewing methods here in detail later. But NASA and AAS (linked above) will always have safe advice.

Here are some alternate languages on safe viewing:

• Amharic 2024 Eclipse Safety – pdf
• Chinese (Simplified) 2024 Annular Eclipse Safety – pdf
• Somali 2024 Eclipse Safety – pdf
• Vietnamese 2024 Eclipse Safety – pdf
• Spanish 2024 Eclipse Safety – pdf
• English 2024 Eclipse Glasses Instructions – pdf
• These are from Eclipse2024.org

Non-visual Observing

Feel/measure for temperature change around the maximum of the eclipse.

Listen, and participate in NASA’s Eclipse Soundscapes Citizen Science project!

My Events: When and Where?

Eclipse Viewing:

Monday, April 8, 2024–10:35am-12:25pm – Maximum (20%) at 11:29am

Location: South Seattle College — grassy field to the east of the south parking lot. Just south of the Wellness Center.
Map.
Parking permits for the lots on campus are for sale at the kiosks. Street parking is available on 16th Ave SW.

I’ll bring whatever glasses I have left, help you be sure you’re viewing safely (as long as you ask me!), and I’ll bring indirect viewers.

All ages welcome! Public is invited! Students and college community members invited!

What if it is cloudy or raining???

• Thunder: cancelled
• Heavy rain/clouds: if it is the kind of weather than might clear up, I am likely to go anyway and wait it out. If it is going to stay socked in, I may cancel. I’ll post information on all the social media and be sure West Seattle Blog knows.
• Light clouds: oh yeah, we’re doing this. Our lighter clouds move around a lot, and the Sun shines through them. REMEMBER: It is NOT safe to view the eclipse through the clouds without other protection. You still need eclipse glasses or indirect methods, even though indirect methods are less likely to work when cloudy.

UPDATE April 8, 2024 9am – Event is still on. If the cloudcover holds this heavy or if it is pouring rain, we will go inside for activities and a livestream. OLY 105 or OLY 120 (theater). Look for signage and my posts on social media.

Resources

Detailed map for October: http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/ASE_2023_GoogleMapFull.html?Lat=47.52534&Lng=-122.34484&Zoom=18&LC=1

Detailed map for April: http://xjubier.free.fr/en/site_pages/solar_eclipses/xSE_GoogleMap3.php?Ecl=+20240408&Acc=2&Umb=1&Lmt=1&Mag=1&Max=1

https://www.nsta.org/eclipse

https://eclipse.aas.org/

     

November 2022: I’m only really active on the bird app, but these other are me for real, and I’ll switch when we need to.

• When:
  • We have noticed that the Sun sets about 10-15 minutes earlier than the USNO‘s official prediction says, because of the horizon altitude. We use the PeakFinder app to determine exact sunset time, but I only use that the day of the event.
  • The moment of the solstice/equinox doesn’t usually happen during this event, but I list it here for you to know.
• Where: Solstice Park – all the way up the hill from the tennis courts (or, if you’re not in Seattle, wherever you have a view of the western horizon!)
• Who: Everyone welcome, as usual. Consider your health when making your decision to attend. (Please do leash your dogs as we usually have a good number of people, kids, and other dogs around.)

Parent and Child at Sunset by Kazuhiko Teramoto, skyseeker

Come watch the sunset at Solstice Park in West Seattle. I’ll be there even if it is cloudy because sometimes the Sun peeks through just as it begins to set, but if it is driving rain or a thunderstorm I’m staying home with some tea!

If you’re interested – here’s the timing of various celestial events  from Seattle, courtesy of the U.S. Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department.

This event is my part of the NASA’s Solar System Ambassador program, and thanks to West Seattle Blog for publicizing all of them!

Everyone is welcome, see you there!

~ A l i c e !

When: Thursday, February 18, 2021 12:20pm-1:15pm

Where: Register in advance for this meeting (because it is public)

I will be livestreaming the splashdown via https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/timeline/landing/watch-online/ within the commentary. I will be chatting directly with you, and will attempt not to be talking over the NASA official commentators, but explaining some terms they use and answering your direct questions.

To watch the livestream of the launch on your own go to NASA’s Mars Landing site to get the best links from NASA.

Also, here are some great activities and information to get you started.

See you later this month!

-Alice

When: Sunday, August 2, 2020 11:15am Pacific Time

Where: Register in advance for this meeting (because it is public): https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkfuqvrz8tHtF1InWLMWB77rwAopWZc8cl

I will probably be livestreaming the splashdown via https://www.nasa.gov/live within the commentary. I will be commentating directly with you, and will attempt not to be talking over the NASA and SpaceX official commentators, but explaining some terms they use and answering your direct questions.

To watch the livestream of the launch on your own go to https://www.nasa.gov/live to get the best links from NASA.

Here’s my Twitter summary of why the launch was historic, and hence the return-to-Earth as well:

This is going to be a very big step. If I’m checking my history correctly, this will be the first crewed orbital flight of a truly-new design of spacecraft since the Space Shuttles first orbited in ~1981. I’m not dismissing SpaceShipTwo’s accomplishment of suborbital human spaceflight in 2018, but orbital is definitely different.

I am also not dismissing 神舟(Shenzhou) in 2003, though you have to admit that 神舟 is very, very, very similar to Сою́з(Soyuz). In trying to capture the significance of this upcoming crewed Dragon launch, the technology of 神舟 didn’t *feel* as new.

I guess I’m trying to say this *feels* very different and very new. As we’re living in a time of heightened anxiety with the pandemic, things that *feel* like risky new technology can *feel* even newer or riskier. Let us not mistake *feelings* for quantitative and scientifically-conducted risk assessment in any of our scientific endeavors right now, be they human spaceflight, quarantine advice, or the accelerated development of massive SARS-Cov-2 testing and vaccines.

See you in the morning!

-Alice

The problem with Comet NEOWISE is, even though it is fairly bright for a comet, it is still very close to the Sun from our point of view. When the Sun is in the sky, or even not in the sky but near the horizon, the sky itself is bright, washing out dimmer stars and sky objects. So you have to find the balance point between the peak of the comet’s brightness (which seems to be today July 9) and its distance from the Sun in the sky. Starting July 12 it will get farther and farther from the Sun in our sky, and be visible later and later after sunset.

NEOWISE is currently approximately visual magnitude 2 (smaller numbers are brighter), which is easily visible in a semi-dark sky. You can use these star charts to estimate whether or not a magnitude 2 object will be visible where you are. If you can see as many stars as are in the magnitude 3 chart, or more, then the comet will be visible. If you’re reading this after July 10, check the current magnitude of the comet, and look for the chart for stars dimmer than that.

Image from Globe at Night

Morning Sky

Your best chance for July 10 and July 11, 2020 will be around 3-3:40 am looking towards the Northeastern horizon.

Image from Stellarium

The Northeast horizon is our worst horizon in West Seattle, because that’s directly over Seattle proper. Lots of light pollution. If you want to see this comet, you’ll have to go to the other side of the city. Consider the peninsula or the East side of the Cascades. Wherever you choose, please wear a mask and stay more than 6 feet away from stargazers who aren’t part of your household.

Evening Sky

In a few days, after July 12, it will start to be visible after the Sun sets. You’re welcome to try for it before July 12, but since it sets just an hour after sunset, the odds aren’t good. You’ll be looking north of the Northwest horizon.

Image from Stellarium

This is a much better horizon from West Seattle, you can view it from most place on the West side of West Seattle. I recommend trying for this one starting July 12 or so, and watch the news to see if other Northern Hemisphere folks have sighted it in their evening skies yet. Wherever you choose, please wear a mask and stay more than 6 feet away from stargazers who aren’t part of your household.

Binoculars

STOP! READ THIS!

If you use binoculars to see this, you must promise me you’ll put them down about 20 minutes before sunrise is predicted to happen. Please. This object is too close to the Sun for me to risk your eyes. Similarly, don’t begin looking for it until at least 5 minutes after you see the Sun finally set below the horizon.

This comet is going to be much more spectacular in binoculars or if you take a long-exposure photograph. A number of phones have “night sight” settings in the camera now, that will also bring out a little more detail, but you’ll need to hold the phone still: rest it on a stable surface.

Any old binoculars will work, they don’t need to be specific to astronomy.

Some useful sources:

• Sky and Telescope has a map of NEOWISE’s positions over the course of July, and some photos by amateur astronomers.
• Globe at Night has some reference star charts so you know how bright the stars are that you’re able to see.
• Earth and Sky has tips on comet viewing, and the picture from Alexander Krivenyshev in Guttenberg, New Jersey is the most like what you’ll see.
• Aerith.net by Seiichi Yoshida is full of detailed information about this comet, along with its most recent brightness.

Keep Looking Up!

-Alice

When: Wednesday, May 27, 1:00pm Pacific Time

Where: Register in advance for this meeting (because it is public):
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0rdu6rqTwiGtThxCfYc7rK-UgGcvDTj6qY

I will probably not be livestreaming the launch within the commentary. It’ll be better quality if you open the Zoom link up in one tab, and the launch livestream in another. I will be commentating directly with you, and will attempt not to be talking over the NASA official commentators, but explaining some terms they use and answering your direct questions. If it does seem to work better, then I will try livestreaming the launch also. We’ll see. Technology, yo.

To watch the livestream of the launch go to https://www.nasa.gov/beourguest and register to get the best links from NASA. I will also post more links here and in the Zoom chat once we’re rolling tomorrow.

Here’s my Twitter summary of why this is historic:

This is going to be a very big step. If I’m checking my history correctly, this will be the first crewed orbital flight of a truly-new design of spacecraft since the Space Shuttles first orbited in ~1981. I’m not dismissing SpaceShipTwo’s accomplishment of suborbital human spaceflight in 2018, but orbital is definitely different.

I am also not dismissing 神舟(Shenzhou) in 2003, though you have to admit that 神舟 is very, very, very similar to Сою́з(Soyuz). In trying to capture the significance of this upcoming crewed Dragon launch, the technology of 神舟 didn’t *feel* as new.

I guess I’m trying to say this *feels* very different and very new. As we’re living in a time of heightened anxiety with the pandemic, things that *feel* like risky new technology can *feel* even newer or riskier. Let us not mistake *feelings* for quantitative and scientifically-conducted risk assessment in any of our scientific endeavors right now, be they human spaceflight, quarantine advice, or the accelerated development of massive SARS-Cov-2 testing and vaccines.

See you tomorrow!

• When:
  • We have noticed that the Sun sets about 15 minutes earlier than the USNO‘s official prediction says, because of the horizon altitude.
  • The moment of the solstice/equinox doesn’t usually happen during this event, but I leave it here for you to know.
• Where: I will host Summer 2021’s Solstice Sunset watch live on Zoom from an undisclosed West Seattle location.
  • I want to support folks in continued social distancing to protect our children and unvaccinated vulnerable folks from SARS-Cov-2/coronavirus.
  • I recommend you find a nice outdoor space to watch the sunset from, and tune in to the participatory webcast for some social interaction and celebration of the turning of the seasons.
  • Please wear a mask and social distance from people until you discuss your combined comfort levels. Some people aren’t ready to give up masks, some people aren’t vaccinated, some people never worried about transmission in an outdoor setting. Let’s be polite and kind as we all navigate each other’s risk tolerances.
• Where: Solstice Park – all the way up the hill from the tennis courts (or, if you’re not in Seattle, wherever you have a view of the western horizon!)
• Who: Everyone welcome, as usual. (Please do leash your dogs as we usually have a good number of people, kids, and other dogs around.)

Parent and Child at Sunset by Kazuhiko Teramoto, skyseeker

Come watch the sunset at Solstice Park in West Seattle. I’ll be there even if it is cloudy because sometimes the Sun peeks through just as it begins to set, but if it is driving rain or a thunderstorm I’m staying home with some tea!

If you’re interested – here’s the timing of various celestial events  from Seattle, courtesy of the U.S. Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department.

This event is my part of the NASA’s Solar System Ambassador program, and thanks to West Seattle Blog for publicizing all of them!

Everyone is welcome, see you there!

~ A l i c e !