Those interested in taking their Astrophotography skills one step further than capturing the Milky Way can also sign up for one of the newly launched specialised courses offered by DAG
Published: Thu 29 Dec 2022, 9:06 PM
Last updated: Thu 29 Dec 2022, 9:13 PM
The Dubai Astronomy Group is taking giant leaps to bring the unknown closer to humankind and to show us what lies beyond our planet.
Sheeraz Ahmad Awan, General Manager of Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG), believes that knowing about astronomy is a necessity in this day and age. “With the establishment of the UAE space agency, the launch of the hope mission, the Rashid moon rover and the UAE government looking at a future on another planet, understanding astronomy is crucial.”
Over the next year, the Dubai Astronomy Group has an extensive program of workshops, training programs and tours for amateurs and those wanting to dive into space a little deeper. DAG regularly holds Astro tourism workshops upon request from visitors. The tours take place in the desert, and astronomy professionals speak to the participants about the Arabic heritage in astronomy.
“We set up telescopes, and we offer them Arabic hospitality experience. This is part of what we do to promote the Arabic culture and heritage,” said Sheeraz. This year, instead of being limited to private requests, DAG plans to open its Astro tourism activities to the public.
Photo: Twitter/Dubai Astronomy Group
DAG also organises Astro tourism trips to Jabal Al Shams in Oman, Los Angeles, USA and Iceland, where participants will witness the Auroras – the spectacular celestial phenomenon which is featured on most people’s bucket lists.
He said that it is a fact that one of our ancestors was an astronomer because, in the past, it wasn’t a hobby but a necessity. “Understanding astronomy and the stars bring in a full loop. We’re coming back to a point where the understanding of astronomy, space and stars is becoming crucial in developing nations and our civilisation,” he said.
Photo: Twitter/Dubai Astronomy Group
Sheeraz believes that astronomy changes live because it changes minds. “Being able to understand our universe and how massive things are out there gives you an amazing perspective of yourself and what is your size in the bigger scheme of things. It is a humbling experience,” he said.
Those interested in taking their Astrophotography skills one step further than capturing the Milky Way can also sign up for one of DAG’s newly launched specialised courses.
“We are introducing the Astrophotography program as a public programme as well. We are giving people the opportunity to come and learn directly from an observatory astronomer who is collecting data on a regular basis,” said Sheeraz adding that these courses are more on the research and development side of astronomy, which takes it beyond the hobby status.
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Over the years, he said more people expressed interest in basic aspects of astronomy, such as learning how to use the telescope, 3D printing and attending solar system courses. “We also have people express interest in being involved in the research side of things as well. This is why we are creating these programs, which are more extensive and longer than the regular 1-2 day workshops.”
Photo: Twitter/Dubai Astronomy Group
The young audience is also one of their targets. “They are mind blowing. They’re so tuned in to the subject and they would ask you questions that you wouldn’t even imagine so they are also interested in the technical side of things,” he said.
The educational classes which will take place at the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre include an introduction to astronomy class, a practical astronomy course, Planetary Astrophotography, Pure DSLR Astrophotography and crash courses in Telescope Training, Meteorites, 3D Printing and Paper Modeling. The Astro tourism programs include packages in Arabian astronomy, Greek mythological astronomy and astronomy in ancient civilisations and world major cultures.
When Denise Lin turned 40 during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she had no idea what to expect from the next decade of her life.
The Vancouver-based photographer wanted to try something new and adapt to the circumstances when she stumbled upon a ’40 over 40′ campaign in a photography group online, highlighting women over age 40.
Lin said she fell in love with the idea and after a bit of research, was inspired to create her own version.
Early this month, the portraits and stories of 40 women were featured in Forty Over 40, a magazine Lin curated that was unveiled at the Bravehearts Gala fundraising event supporting the B.C. Women’s Health Foundation, at the Hycroft Manor in Vancouver on Dec. 8.
Participants of the 40 Over 40 campaign are photographed along with Denise Lin at the Bravehearts Gala in December 2022. (Denise Lin Photography)
“This is the most uplifting experience we have ever had,” Lin told CBC’s The Early Edition host Stephen Quinn, referring to herself and the women featured in the campaign.
“I wanted to capture the beauty and strength these women already have. We all have our inner life that needs need to be seen and felt. I’m just there to support that.”
After a year and half of planning, customizing the project to make it meaningful and positive for participants, Lin announced the campaign through a social media callout in April this year, and hired hair stylists and makeup artists for the shoot.
The former graphic designer photographed and interviewed the women in the process of putting together the magazine.
She said she teamed up with the foundation to support women across the province who have experienced violence.
Project inspired ‘greater confidence’
Kathryn Murray-Hoenig of Vancouver and Esther Chou of North Vancouver are two of the 40 featured women.
For Murray-Hoenig, a mother of two and high school science teacher of 22 years, the shoot was an opportunity “to see herself in another light,” she said, after years of battling endometriosis that resulted in a hysterectomy over a year ago.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus implants abnormally outside of it to form lesions, cysts, nodules and other growths, the Endometriosis Network Canada describes.
“I’ve put on 25 pounds post-surgery and my body didn’t feel like my own anymore,” Murray-Hoenig said. “I was somewhat adrift in alterations with my identity with the surgery.”
She said the shoot inspired “a greater confidence in myself and in my appearance, and a greater value of who and what I am and of what I give in the different areas of my life.”
Participant Kathryn Murray-Hoeing said the shoot was an opportunity for personal growth, and helped her work through changes in her life. (Denise Lin Photography )
Having had her surgery at the Women’s Hospital, Murray-Hoenig said the fundraising event meant more.
She said she hopes the campaign will challenge stereotypes seemingly prevalent in the media that beauty is confined to the young and thin.
“There is still very much real beauty as we age, and sometimes a greater depth of beauty as opposed to just being pretty.”
‘It was so freeing’
Chou, who turned 40 in July, says the campaign was an empowering, emotional and inspiring journey.
It was also a full circle moment: Chou spent a large portion of the year at the B.C. Children’s Hospital with her son.
“This is more of an emotional journey because B.C. Woman’s and B.C. Children’s work so closely with each other and they are beside each other and two of my kids were born there too,” she said.
“It really meant a lot to me.”
Esther Chou, 40, said working on the project with Denise Lin was an empowering, emotional and inspiring journey. (Denise Lin Photography )
As a mother of three, Chou said Lin empathised with her trying to find time for herself, juggling between her personal and professional roles.
She said she was also able to connect and resonate with women with similar stories.
“Because I felt like there was something lacking, it was so freeing after I made up my mind,” she said. “I was like: ‘This is it, I’m going to do it.’
“And I have no regrets.”
The Early Edition6:37Campaign photographed 40 women over 40 celebrating life and beauty
We speak to Denise Lin, a Vancouver photographer, who’s recent photo campaign helped empower women to feel confident and celebrate their lives.
Lin said she’s doing another round of ’40 over 40′ in 2023 for the same cause, in addition to a makeover project for members of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC).
She said she hopes to offer a positive experience for the women through the shoot, before they do a fashion show to raise funds for the centre.
In addition to our active community of nature lovers across the USA, we have nature lovers’ groups for all 50 states. Members share their favorite spots and local adventures with us, and we want to pass some of our favorite nature photos along to all of you! These highlight the beauty of the United States – every single state has something special to offer. It certainly is America, the beautiful!
Vermont is a top fall foliage destination, and it’s easy to see why. Popular towns to visit include: Stowe, Burlington, St. Johnsbury, Woodstock, Grafton, Montpelier, and Shelburne.
Linville Gorge Wilderness, North Carolina – Leslie Restivo
At over 1.5 billion years old, Rib Mountain is one of the oldest geologic formations on earth. Now part of a state park, visitors can enjoy incredible views all year and skiing in the winter.
Yosemite National Park, California – Marc Howard Photography
Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, especially the Horsetail Falls “Firefall.” The Firefall occurs seasonally, when the sun hits the falls at just the right angle.
Arches National Park, Utah – Explore The Light Photography
Discover over 2,000 natural arches within the 76,000 breathtaking acres of Arches National Park! You’ll also find other unique rock formations including beautiful pinnacles, rock fins, and balanced rocks.
Marblehead Light, Ohio – North Coast Aerial Images
Colorado is home to a wide range of beautiful wildflowers including Castilleja and Lupines. Some of the best places to see them include Crested Butte, Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspen, and American Basin.
This Hill Country gem is a popular place for float trips and the #1 state park for camping in Texas.
Which photo was your favorite? There were thousands of gorgeous of shots to choose from, because there are thousands of beautiful places across America! To see photos of incredible destinations across the USA, subscribe to our Nature Lovers Newsletter and join our Nature Lovers Group on Facebook.
Después de una de las peores temporadas meteorológicas, con un diciembre muy lluvioso, por fin pudimos programar una salida a la caza de Marte en una breve ventana de 2 días despejados coincidiendo con las fechas navideñas.
Cargué el SC8″ y la AZ-EQ6 en el coche con los complementos de astrofoto planetaria. Las cámaras, ADC, la barlow y el ordenador y salimos de casa antes de que atardeciera. En estas fechas tan próximas al solsticio de invierno la noche comienza muy pronto y a las 17:30 ya estábamos en el lugar de observación en la Sierra montando el equipo. Como había llovido mucho los días previos esperábamos una humedad relativa muy alta. La temperatura era fresca pero no fría, o al menos no tan fría para finales de diciembre.
Mientras el tubo se aclimataba empecé a alinear a la polar con el Polemaster y a hacer los primeros puntos de sincronización con el Cartes du Ciel para que los GoTos de la montura fueran cada vez más precisos. Busqué también una estrella próxima a Júpiter para colimar. Me sorprendió encontrar el telescopio bastante más descolimado que otras veces pero tras unos cuantos ajustes sobre una estrella desenfocada sobre los tornillos de colimación quedó todo perfecto.
Como Marte todavía tenía que subir más y Júpiter en cambio estaba en descenso decidí tirarle unos vídeos al gigante gaseoso antes de que fuera demasiado tarde. Primero puse la QHY5iii462C porque es la cámara que más conozco pero la idea era probar luego la SV305 Pro para comparar. A pesar de que el tubo no estaba totalmente aclimatado se apreciaba que había un buen seeing y se distinguían bastantes detalles de las bandas ecuatoriales de Júpiter.
Marte con la QHY5iii462
Una bonita Luna en fase creciente y con un poco de luz cenicienta completaba una estampa espectacular en el cielo junto a Júpiter, Marte y las constelaciones invernales. Allí estaba Orión, como siempre majestuosa, Tauro y las Pléyades, Capella en Auriga… la transparencia era bastante buena a pesar de la humedad que empezaba a levantarse. El termómetro IR daba un valor de -25C para la zona cenital. No saqué el SQM porque la Luna falsearía los valores y además la contaminación de los adornos navideños de los pueblos próximos también afectarían.
Tras capturar unos vídeos de Júpiter pasé a apuntar a Marte, revisé la colimación y empecé a capturar otros vídeos. Se apreciaba notablemente el casquete polar y la zona oscura de Syrtis Major, una gran zona mesetaria. La temperatura comenzaba a descender y ya estábamos a unos 6º soportables gracias al buen abrigo que me regalaron el año pasado. Dimos cuenta del bocadillo mientras seguíamos capturando vídeos de Marte y contemplando el cielo estrellado.
Después de quedarme satisfecho con las capturas realizadas cambié la cámara y empecé a usar la SV305 Pro para comparar. Aunque la tasa de frames no era tan alta como con la QHY5iii462C se comportó muy bien, con una buena sensibilidad y detalle mientras ofrecía una tasa de captura bastante buena.
Lamentablemente no pude estirar más la sesión porque la lámina del SC8″ empezó a empañarse. La cinta calefactable falló y el parasol ya no era suficiente para contener la humedad. Estaba todo chorreando, el tubo, la mesa, el parasol del ordenador… así que tras darme por satisfecho con el material obtenido decidimos recoger a eso de las 23:00. Sin duda había sido una noche muy productiva.
50 genius solutions to various problems, people posted on Reddit community r/RedNeckEngineering. Before we step into the Reddit community r/RedNeckEngineering, I should warn you not to try this at home under any circumstances. Because safety will likely be breached, and the gadgets you’ll see will raise an alarming level of suspicion.
So let’s see what the buzz is all about in this hilarious subreddit with 354k members that has been rolling since 2013. Whether it’s a curse or a blessing, we will find out. All photos are linked and lead to the sources from which they were taken. Please feel free to explore further works of these photographers on their collections or their personal sites.
#1 Invisible Bottom
Image source: u/CharlieMike111
#2 Solo Couch Carry
Image source: u/muchhodl
#3 Soap holder at my friend’s house
Image source: u/muchos-memes
#4 Self feeding fire
Image source: u/Capt_Irk
#5 Found this fork in my brothers house and asked him why he had done it…. then he ran upstairs to grab his IPad
Image source: u/projectolivine
#6 My 12 year old son modified his bike with carpet for barefoot riding
Image source: u/flaglerite
#7 Alarm System
Image source: u/MeliaDanae
#8 I think this qualifies?
Image source: u/Low_Adhesiveness_763
#9 Redneck repurposing of kids’ recreational toys
Image source: u/Cautious-Damage7575
#10 My local elotero putting a shopping cart to good use
Image source: u/elmexiguero
#11 Found on FB, thought it was pretty slick
Image source: u/[deleted]
#12 Need to relocate your switch?
Image source: u/[deleted]
#13 Your move, NASA
Image source: u/may_sun
#14 Spotted this beauty at a Walmart
Image source: u/turbocharged_autism
#15 Outdoor urinal behind home garage
Image source: u/davidb300z
#16 Fixed the downspout
Image source: u/tsmeagain
#17 This man is before his time
Image source: u/bjs1023113
#18 Heavy Duty Office Chair
Image source: u/Dr_Zol_Epstein_III
#19 Almost unnoticeable
Image source: u/unskillfu11
#20 No foundation? No problem….also… WTF?
Image source: u/anthonysny
#21 Im actually impressed
Image source: u/rusty3474
#22 My gas cap stopped closing properly, so I came up with a solution
Image source: u/0311fml
#23 This counts, right?
Image source: u/LinuxUser13301939
#24 Just don’t bring it to the boil
Image source: u/[deleted]
#25 We like redneck engineering so much in Brasil we have a word for it : “Gambiarra”
A fun evening of great music to bring in the New Year in one of Wellington’s iconic locations along the waterfront. Covers band Zephyr will entertain from 8pm, followed by a kids’ countdown at 9.30pm. Orchestra Wellington will play from 10pm, followed by the New Year’s countdown and a blast of fireworks to bring in 2023. wellington.govt.nz/newyear
NYE Cabaret
Dirty Little Secret, Dec 31, 7pm, $499 for VIP tables or $20 for general admission
The best New Year’s Eve in Wellington always happens on the Dirty Little Secret rooftop! Enjoy a cabaret themed extravaganza complete with drag performers, burlesque dancers, an epic DJ and first-class views of the fireworks. Bookings: dirtylittlesecret.co.nz
Celeste Fontein/Supplied
Take a walk to the Mount Victoria lookout – one of the many walks taking in the capital city.
Wellington walks
Leave the concrete jungle behind and experience the beauty of nature with popular Wellington city walks.
The many walking tracks around Pōneke, range from beginners to pro, for adults, kids, and dogs. (Dogs must be on leads outside dog exercise areas.) Full details and maps are available at wellington.govt.nz/recreation/outdoors/walks-and-waklways/across-the-city
Brooklyn wind Turbine route
A 2-hour walk or 6km ride (one way).
This route is popular with mountain bikers, runners – and a healthy spillover of native birds from the nearby Zealandia sanctuary. From the top of Aro Street at the Polhill Reserve entrance follow the blue markers with wind turbine symbol along trails called Transient, Sawmill, Fenceline and Windmill to get to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine. Follow the same route back or plan another route using the webmap which shows other trails in the area. Just off the trail are the Brooklyn Gun Emplacements.
Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway
Walk through historic pine forests and enjoy unbeatable views of the harbour and city. Only minutes from the city.
Full loop: Allow 1.5 hours to walk the full 4.6 kilometre loop from Courtenay Place up Majoribanks Street to the summit and back via Oriental Bay. Shorter loop: To complete a shorter 45 minutes (2.6 kilometre) lookout loop within the Town Belt, start at the top of Majoribanks Street or Bayview Terrace. Allow extra time if you want to savour the views. Follow the trail that runs above Charles Plimmer Park dog exercise area back to your starting point.
City to Sea Walkway
The City to Sea Walkway starts in the heart of central Wellington near Parliament and ends at the south coast, 14.4km away in Island Bay. It takes 6 – 7 hours, but can be done in stages. To complete it in 1 day you will need a good level of fitness. Where the city to sea walkway passes through the Botanic gardens and Berhampore golf course it is closed to bikes.
Southern Walkway
The 10.6km walk along the Town Belt between Oriental Bay and Island Bay, can be completed in 4–5 hours depending on fitness. Although the walk is steep in places, it is not difficult overall and is suitable for those of average fitness. To keep to the track, follow the pink bollards that will guide you along the entire walkway. From north to south the walkway entrance is sign-posted and begins near the intersection of Oriental parade and Carlton Gore Rd. From south to north, the walkway begins in Shorland Park
Great Harbour Way / Te Aranui o Pōneke
This is a walking and cycling route around Wellington Harbour from Fitzroy Bay in the east to Sinclair Head in the west.
The route offers a rare opportunity to walk or cycle the entire coastline of a major city harbour, continually touching the water’s edge. Work continues each year to extend the route, with the proposed plans having the Great Harbour Way run almost 70km from Pencarrow, Eastbourne, right around Wellington Harbour before finally ending at Owhiro Bay on Wellington’s south coast.
Exhibitions
Kiwi Art House Gallery Christmas Group Exhibition
Kiwi Art House Gallery, 288 Cuba St, to Dec 24, then Jan 10-Jan 31, free
Featuring 18 artists and 45 artworks large and small from artists from around the country.
Of The Hill by Mary Macpherson
Photospace Gallery, to Jan 28, free
Of the Hillis about Te Ahumairangi hill in Pōneke/Wellington, and hills beyond. It’s a work about the power and presence of the land, rocks and plant life we live on and with. Visit photospacegallery.com
Summer Show
Studio Toru, Eastbourne, free
The Summer Group Show is a mixture of established and emerging contemporary artists from around Aotearoa. Introducing new artists to Studio Toru and welcoming back some familiar local artists.
Supplied
Selwyn Muru: Te Whiti with the Sacred Birds of Taranaki, on display at the NZ Portrait Gallery.
Selwyn Muru: A Life’s Work
NZ Portrait Gallery, Shed 11, Wellington waterfront, to Feb 12, free
The exhibition weaves together a biographical portrait of the life’s work of Muru. It offers an insight into the breadth of his achievements through a focus on his art, and seeks to raise public awareness of his mahi, especially with younger generations who may not be aware of his contributions.
Summer at The Dowse Art Museum
10am-5pm, Tuesday to Sunday, Dec 24 10am – 3pm, Dec 25 and Jan 1 closed, free
Whetūrangitia/ Made As Stars: The gods are real.Explore the work of 13 Indigenous artists from Aotearoa and around the globe who unlock ancestral histories.
Nick Taylor/Supplied
Wharenui Harikoa exhibition at the Dowse by Lissy Robinson-Cole and Rudi Robinson. Photo: Nick Taylor
Wharenui Harikoa: Lissy Robinson-Cole and Rudi Robinson: This full-scale crocheted wharenui features vivid rainbow poupou, tekoteko, tukutuku panels and adorned pou tokomanawa that will delight the senses.
Psychedelic: San Francesco Rock Posters of the 1960s: The Grateful Dead, The Doors and many more iconic bands feature in this one of a kind collection.
Rob McLeod: Excuse Me Mr Frankenstein, Vlad Is Outside Feeding: Enter a weird world where the characters literally leap off the pages of a comic book.
Turumeke Harrington: He pito mata, I’m energetic!: This soothing space features elements from the marae as you have never seen them before bathed in a soundscape that is full of surprises.
Suji Park: Noise Collector: In this dynamic installation, ceramics come to life with flashing lights, mirrored walls and beaded tentacles.
Summer at Te Papa
10am-6pm, free
Manu Rere Moana | Pacific Voyagers: The navigation of the Pacific by sailing waka is one of the great achievements of human technology. This exhibition explores the mātauranga of celestial navigation that enabled these extraordinary voyages.
Te Rawhitiroa Bosch
A photograph from the exhibition He Kaupapa Waka shows a waka taua at Waitangi 2020. Photo: Te Rawhitiroa Bosch.
He Kaupapa Waka | A Fleet of Waka: Created by photographer Te Rawhitiroa Bosch, this exhibition celebrates the traditions of waka and their thriving communities. Featuring stunning photographs, taonga and a soundscape by Tiki Taane.
Dane Mitchell: Iris, Iris, Iris: Prepare to be enchanted by the scents, meanings, and interpretations of the word ‘iris’.
Hiahia Whenua | Landscape and Desire: This exhibition explores the different ways that artists in Aotearoa have expressed their relationship to the land.
Kate Newby: She’s Talking to the Wall: Through clay and glass, Kate Newby explores how natural materials transform when shaped and fired.
Kaleidoscope: Abstract Aotearoa: The abstract exploration of shape, colour and pattern that has captured our imaginations in the Pacific.
Te Taiao | Nature: Meet our weird and wonderful wildlife, immerse yourself in birdsong, explore the geological forces that shape our shaky land and more!
Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War: A ground-breaking exhibition of giant sculptures that bring New Zealand’s Gallipoli story to life.
Mataaho Collective: Te Puni Aroaro: Experience the ground-breaking artworks of Mataaho Collective – four wāhine Māori artists who have worked together for the last decade.
Summer at Whirinkaki Whare Taonga
Upper Hutt, daily 9am-4pm, free
FORTUNE: to Jan 23: Artist Bev Moon has created a yum cha feast, not of food, but carefully knitted wool. Fortune is the artist’s tribute to her Chinese mother and grandmother who faced great obstacles to settle in New Zealand. Both women were superb cooks and accomplished knitters. Moon weaves both crafts together in this touching tribute. Complete with table and all the trimmings, this is a yum cha not to miss.
supplied
Fortune, by artist Bev Moon, a Yum cha feast created of carefully knitted wool is currently on show at Whirinaki Whare Taonga.
Wellington Arts Review: to Feb 26: The bi-annual review of recent works by artists from the Wellington region. This exhibition showcases a wide range of media from a diverse number of artists.
Upper Hutt in Black and White: A photo essay of Upper Hutt seen in black and white photography. This is an exhibition of history in photos seen through the lens of 10 photographers who have captured the people and places of Upper Hutt on film. From formal portraits to outdoor panoramas, people in everyday life to iconic places, this is a unique insight into our city in black and white.
On Thursday evening (Dec. 29), the moon will reach its first quarter phase; this will be the last time the moon reaches one of its four major phases in 2022.
Since the new moon on Dec. 23, the lunar surface has gradually been becoming more illuminated, and tonight, it’ll appear to be half-lit. The next phase of the moon will be the full moon, which will occur on Jan. 6, 2023.
The final first quarter moon will be joined by a special guest tonight: Jupiter, the solar system’s largest planet. Both will be visible in the southern skies in the constellation Pisces and should be close enough together to see with a pair of binoculars (though will be too far apart to see with a telescope). Jupiter and the moon will be in conjunction, meaning they share the same right ascension, the celestial equivalent of longitude.
Related: The Christmas night sky 2022: The planets pay a holiday visit
Though the first quarter moon will rise around noon, it’ll become most prominent after dusk, when the sky reaches darkness. In New York City, darkness arrives at 4:55 p.m. EST (2155 GMT), when the moon will be 47 degrees above the southeastern horizon. (You can estimate degrees above the horizon using your fist — when you hold your fist out at arm’s length, the size of your fist will roughly equate to 10 degrees). The moon will continue rising to 49 degrees, its highest point in the sky, which it will reach at 5:56 pm EST (2256). The moon will remain visible for several more hours, setting around midnight.
At the same time, the moon and Jupiter will reach conjunction, the point where they share the same right ascension. They’ll also appear to be at their closest point together in the night sky, called an appulse. Look for Jupiter to the northwest of the moon — the two celestial bodies will be separated by 2 degrees and 18 minutes.
Want to photograph this phase of the moon with Jupiter nearby? Take a scroll through our guides for the best cameras for astrophotography and the best lenses for astrophotography, which are helpful for both novices and pros. Then check out our guide explaining how to photograph the moon, which provides helpful tips to up your lunar photography game. And if photography isn’t your jam, that’s all right — you can simply enjoy skywatching via the best binoculars and the best telescopes.
Editor’s note:If you snap a photo of Jupiter near the first quarter moon and would like to share it with Space.com’s readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].
Follow Stefanie Waldek on Twitter @StefanieWaldek (opens in new tab).Follow uson Twitter @Spacedotcom (opens in new tab) and on Facebook (opens in new tab).
“GrouPixx is an app that will bring family and friends together for a portrait without everyone being present. You can be in Hawaii and I can be here and GrouPixx will bring us together,” said Florence, creator of GrouPixx. “It is in the final stages of Beta testing. It is Patent Pending by the US PTO office. It will be on both platforms – Android and Apple. It is scheduled to launch the 4th week of January.”
Other features that make GrouPixx different from other photo apps is its ability to choose the background, and the capability to add a special message to the photo utilizing the signature pen.
The winter weather has made for an amazing display on the lakeshore. People have flocked to see the ice-covered lighthouse at the Grand Haven South Pier.
fox17
“When I see the lighthouse, standing up against Mother Nature, I just am in awe. What it has to do, what it has to endure, and the power that Mother Nature brings to the pier,” Connie Passejna said.
Several photographers and tourists stood on the shoreline to capture the best moment.
fox17
“I came out to see the ice on the pier and see the waves hitting the pier,” Passejna added.
Before you head out to the pier, make sure you are safe.
“So, any traffic out on that pier is not safe. Right now, it’s all covered in ice,” Grand Haven Police Department Captain Lee Adams said.
The Grand Haven Police Department has closed off the pier, and for good reason.
“If somebody slips and falls, for one, they’re gonna hit their head on the ice or something, but they can also end up in the water. And a lot of the ladders that are along that pier are iced over,” Capt. Adams added.
Even with good equipment, one person isn’t going to risk adventuring out there.
“If it was my spikes, I have to be careful and stay off of the really smooth, slippery parts,” Passejna.
Still, there’s plenty to see, even from afar away.
“This is crazy. It’s ice everywhere. It’s like an ice castle along here,” Kathryn Volz said.
“It’s very beautiful, very unique, but you can enjoy it from the shore here and be able to see everything and take pictures without walking out there and putting yourself in danger,” Adams said.
The gate has been closed off to their pier, and is currently covered with ice. If you do cross the gate you could face up to a $500 fine.
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Update: Today’s livestream of the solar system planets will now begin at 12:30 p.m. EST (1730 GMT).
Take a grand tour of the solar system tonight (Dec. 28) as each of the planets in the solar system will be visible at the same time.
As 2022 comes to an end, skywatchers can take in the rare sight of all of the planets in our solar system (aside from Earth) together in the sky. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are all currently visible simultaneously with the naked eye. The two outermost planets, Uranus and Neptune, can meanwhile be observed with binoculars or a telescope.
To celebrate this excellent skywatching opportunity, the Virtual Telescope Project is hosting a free “grand tour of the solar system (opens in new tab)” livestream starting at 12:30 p.m. EST (1730 GMT) on Wednesday (Dec. 28). You can watch the live webcast courtesy of the project’s website linked to above, or on their YouTube channel (opens in new tab).
Related: The Christmas night sky 2022: The planets pay a holiday visit
The five planets visible with the naked eye — Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Jupiter and Mars, in that order — will line up in the sky starting from the southwestern horizon. Mercury, the smallest planet in the solar system, will be difficult to see with the eye, but it’s possible if dark sky conditions are right.
An illustration of the night sky on Dec. 28 showing the relative positions of Venus and Mercury. (Image credit: Starry Night Education)
Uranus, visible only through binoculars or a telescope, can be found between Mars and Jupiter, while Neptune will be visible through optics between Saturn and Jupiter.
An illustration of the night sky on Dec. 28 showing the positions of Neptune and Jupiter relative to the moon. (Image credit: Starry Night Education)
Gianluca Masi, an astronomer with the Virtual Telescope Project, says while the occurrence of all other planets being visible isn’t particularly rare, it does make for an impressive skywatching opportunity. “It happens from time to time, but it is always a spectacular sight,” Masi told Newsweek (opens in new tab).
Such “grand tours” happen roughly every one to two years, on average. In June 2022, skywatchers were treated to five planets — Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn — arranged in a rare alignment the likes of which hadn’t occurred since 1864.
If you want to take a look at the planets of the solar system and don’t have all the gear you need, be sure not to miss our guides for the best binoculars and the best telescopes to view the planets or anything else in the sky. For capturing the best skywatching images you can, we have recommendations for the best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography.
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