First Sunset Of The Spring

Excited to support the Summer Challenge at Indian Springs Library! Today, I got to explore the wonders of our closest star, the Sun, using my trusty telescope.

I love observing the Sun's surface and its incredible features. From sunspots to solar flares, it's a reminder of the vast and dynamic universe we’re a part of.

Speech at the Avi Kwa Ame one year Anniversary! To commemorate this special milestone and to reflect on the beauty and significance of our natural surroundings.

Did you know that the Milky Way has over 150 globular clusters?

One of the most striking globular clusters in our Milky Way is Messier 3 (M3) I came across an amazing image of the globular cluster M3 taken with the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope. For comparison, I share a photo that I have taken through the DWARF II.

Did you know that M3 is a collection of several thousand to millions of stars, all gravitationally bound?

It's approximately 34,000 light-years distant and contains around 500,000 stars!

You can spot it high above the disk of the Milky Way after sunset and before sunrise. Take a look with binoculars or a telescope and see if you can spot T Cor Bor (which is about to go nova, one of these days!)

Excited to support the Summer Challenge at Indian Springs Library! Today, I got to explore the wonders of our closest star, the Sun, using my trusty telescope.

I love observing the Sun's surface and its incredible features. From sunspots to solar flares, it's a reminder of the vast and dynamic universe we’re a part of.

Exciting Discovery Alert!

Hey space enthusiasts, did you know that NASA's TESS has just uncovered a cosmic wonder?

NASA's exoplanet hunter just discovered a "weird" world named Phoenix that's defying expectations! This hot Neptune-sized planet is surprisingly small, old, and hot - and it's still got an atmosphere despite being super close to its red giant star.

According to the scientists, Phoenix should be a bare rock due to its proximity to the star, but instead, it is emerged from the flames with a nice and puffy atmosphere. It's a real mystery how it's managed to hang on!

Phoenix is part of a rare class of planets that orbit close to their stars, and its discovery shows just how diverse exoplanets can be. The team predicts that Phoenix will eventually spiral into its star in about 100 million years.

What can we learn from this peculiar planet? For one, it's giving us new insights on the late-stage evolution of planetary systems - including our own Earth! Who knows what secrets Phoenix holds about our planet's future?

So, let's get excited about this cosmic discovery and see what other mysteries NASA's TESS spacecraft will uncover!

I left an illustration shows the exoplanet Phoenix in the glare of its red giant parent star. (Image credit: Roberto Molar Candanosa/Johns Hopkins University)

Interview with Univision Nevada about the parcial solar eclipse event 2024

Today, I had going to Kizuna Japanese Spring Festival: Haru Matsuri, and it was absolutely amazing! 🌸

It was a true journey into Japanese culture, filled with incredible arts, activities, and performances. I shared a special moment with my mom during the Japanese Tea Ceremony, marveling at the meticulous beauty of this tradition. I also discovered something new—the refreshing ice yuzu tea, which I absolutely loved trying.

I love the calligraphic and origami, ikebana, taiko drumming, koto music, yosakoi dancing, martial arts, delicious food.

It was a day brimming with culture and joy!

Last night I caught some stunning shots of the Waxing Gibbous Moon with an impressive 88% illumination. However, I couldn't spot much on Mars' surface—just a little too elusive for my telescope.

I had an amazing time presenting and sharing the wonders of our solar system through a solar telescope at the Bunkerville Library today!

As part of the Summer Challenge Program, we explored the sun's surface, learned about solar flares, and discovered how our incredible star impacts our everyday lives.

It was fantastic to see both kids and adults so engaged and enthusiastic about astronomy. Your curiosity and questions made the event truly special!

Thank you to everyone who came out and participated. Don’t forget to keep looking up and stay curious. The universe has so much to offer!

What an great experience at the astronomy camp with over 200 young explorers!

We kicked off the day by setting up tents, firing up the BBQ, and indulging in delicious s’mores. As the sun began to set, the kids got their first glimpse through the telescope, watching the sun in all its glory.

Later that night, we dived into an Astronomy 101 session and embarked on a breathtaking constellation tour. Through my 8-inch telescope, they marveled at the Moon (they LOVED it!), Jupiter and its satellites, and the mysterious Mars.

With the Seestar, we explored deep-space wonders like M13, M42, M81, and M82 bringing distant galaxies and nebulae to life.

To wrap up this magical night, we lit floating lights, sending glowing lanterns into the sky—just like stars finding their way home.

This night was more than just stargazing, it was an adventure beyond Earth, sparking curiosity and awe in every child.