POSSIBLE OUTBURST OF ALPHA MONOCEROTID METEORS: This week, Earth will pass by a stream of dusty debris from an unnamed comet. Forecasters believe the close encounter could cause an outburst of alpha Monocerotid meteors. The time to look is 04:50 UT on Nov. 22nd (11:50 p.m. EST on Nov. 21st). This timing favors observers in western Europe and eastern parts of Canada and the USA. More: full story, sky map.
VENUS AND JUPITER ARE CONVERGING: The sunset sky is about to become even more beautiful than usual. Venus and Jupiter are converging for a close encounter in evening twilight that will decorate the southwestern horizon for the rest of November. "The two planets are getting closer," reports Peter Lowenstein who photographed them last night from his back garden in Mutare, Zimbabwe:
"A break in the weather after the onset of the rains provided a good Southern Hemisphere view," says Lowenstein. "I can't wait for next week when the conjunction is at its best."
At closest approach on Nov. 24th, Venus and Jupiter will be only 1.4 degrees apart--about the width of your index finger held at arm's length. On Nov. 27th and 28th, the crescent Moon will join the show, forming a celestial triangle that people in the USA will want to go outside and see after Thanksgiving dinner.
Mark your calendar and enjoy the show. Sky maps: Nov. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.
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THE SUNFLOWER SPACE PENDANT: Are you looking for a far-out gift? Consider the sunflower space pendant. On Oct. 18, 2019, the students of Earth to Sky Calculus launched a cosmic ray balloon to the stratosphere. This cheerful pendant went along for the ride, 109,923 feet high:
You can have it for $109.92 (its altitude divided by 1000). The students are selling these pendants to support their cosmic ray ballooning program. Each rose gold-plated pendant comes with a greeting card showing the flower in flight and telling the story of its journey to the edge of space and back again. They make great birthday, anniversary and Christmas gifts.
Far Out Gifts: Earth to Sky Store
All sales support hands-on STEM education
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