Not for profit website/blog on astronomy, space and my writing
An oversight on my part (can’t count) I accidentally skipped episode 31 and went to 32. To avoid messing up database records and associated hyperlinks, I will not be going back to episode 31 so the next one will be episode 33. Episode 32 will remain for ever in some multi dimensional episode void.
So don’t be looking for something that does not exist. Even if your name is Hans Blix.
Want to know what’s in the night sky for this month? Tune in to Chris Northen’s radio show between 09:00 and 10:00 on allfm 96.9
Manchester Astronomical Society’s member Mike Oates presents “sky notes” on the first Friday of each month.
Yes, you can listen online. Next broadcast – tomorrow morning.
Sir Patrick Moore is primarily known for his work on the long running TV series, The Sky at Night but he is an author, musician and an observational astronomer, too. He is also a former director of the Armagh Planetarium, a co-founder of the Society for Popular Astronomyand a former president of the British Astronomical Association.
His autobiography was published when he was Eighty in 2003. It is upfront, strongly opinionated, potentially uncomfortable in places for some and remarkably honest. He writes unapologetically with the political correctness of an earlier generation. He recounts his meetings with many of the key contributors in science and astronomy of the late twentieth century. It is a unique personal account of the development of astronomy and science during a fascinating period humanity’s exploration of space. An absolute “must read” for those of us who grew up with Sky at Night.
I met Sir Patrick Moore at his home in Selsey, called Farthings, on 20th of August 2009. He was an extremely hospitable host. We discussed several themes of his autobiography Eighty Not Out, and we started with cricket.
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Today’s quote, reflecting his tongue-in-cheek and humorous approach to to life, is from Patrick Moore himself.
At my age I do what Mark Twain did. I get my daily paper, look at the obituary and if I am not in there I carry on as usual.
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Here’s something that only happens once in a blue moon. A blue moon! Well its not actually going to turn blue. It will be the same familiar colour as the full moon on 2nd of December and it will be the same again tomorrow. Two full moons in the same month.
The lunar month (29.5 days) is fixed and a calendar month (28,29,30 or 31 days) is not. Once about every three years the difference catches up and offer the unusual prospect of two full moons in the same calendar month.
This is of no astronomical significance but its a great way to end a decade. If you have clear skies tomorrow why not put on a few layers go out and have a look, take a picture or even go for a blue moon walk.
All the best for 2010.