Only a few hours to go now before the launch of one of the most exciting space missions yet. The Kepler telescope will gradually make its way to an earth-trailing orbit which balances out the gravitational pull and minimises the torque on the spacecraft allowing it to be stable and afix its gaze on a patch of sky and stare and stare and stare! Looking at the light from stars to detect the clues that reveal planets. It will be able to reach down to Earth size detection, something that has not been achievable to date. Any such detection of a planet like this in the 'goldilocks' zone around another star will be a great achievement, so fingers crossed for a successful launch.For a movie describing the mission, visit here. 

Right Ascension

Kepler launch imminent

Our next video episode is an overview of some ideas that underpin cosmology. We'll be returning to these in later editions and in other articles on this blog (eg expansion of the Universe, background radiation, dark matter and distorted space), but for the moment this, hopefully, sets the scene. It's a bit long and I'm afraid I speak a little slowly this time, but with any luck the beauty of the images and the sheer profundity of the subject will carry you through!Download iPod video version.

Cosmology - an introduction

In this, the first of our series of short programmes I talk briefly about the Orion constellation and draw your attention to some of its interesting members. My approach is fairly simple and if you want to get the most out of these resources then:(1) Get yourself a notebook and pencil(2) Sketch the basic constellation layout (3) Jot down anything new or interesting you learn from the episode(4) Try and answer the challenging questions I set, either by hitting "google" or looking at astronomy books.Enjoy. Horizon/Nova it is not - but I'm aiming to pass on some basic knowledge rather than to dazzle with orchestral music, globe trotting reports and special effects!!! iPod version available for download here. 

First Podcast/Vodcast January Skies - Orion

A blog (and podcast series) to celebrate the International Year of Astronomy (2009), with regular (and spontaneous) comments and features on astronomy and astrophysics from an ex-professional, but still devout cosmologist!

hubhopper

Right Ascension

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