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.
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.
Our morning was truly magical as we gathered with over 500 enthusiastic people, including many kids, to witness the partial solar eclipse event! 🔭🌞✨ Through the telescope, we marveled at the beauty of the sun's dance in the sky and were delighted to spot some sun spots! 🌟☀️ What an incredible experience of nature's wonders! 🌌🔭 #SolarEclipse #AstroAdventures #SunSpotSpectacular 🌒✨
Have you ever walked on a volcano?
Yesterday I did! The otherworldly landscape was incredible.
I had an amazing hike with Mom exploring the breathtaking volcanic landscapes of Little Hebe Crater and Ubehebe Crater! The highlight of the day was descending into the Ubehebe caldera to capture an impressive selfie and panoramic view.
We were blessed with perfect weather, allowing us to fully appreciate the vastness of the Ubehebe Crater, which is a staggering 600 feet deep and half a mile across.Walking on the sandy volcanic rocks was a unique experience, and in several spots, I sank up to my ankles!
Nature never ceases to amaze me with its wonders. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting these incredible craters.
Interview with Univision Nevada about the parcial solar eclipse event 2024
Just got back from an amazing time at the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival! I had the privilege of supporting the event with my telescope, and the experience was unforgettable.
The skies were incredibly clear and dark on Friday and Saturday nights, perfect for stargazing despite the chilly weather. We had the chance to see Jupiter and its satellite, Mars, Venus, as well as deep-sky objects like M42, M36, M31, M44, and M45.
During the day on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 to 4, I was at the Visitor Center with my solar telescope, observing the Sun.
We welcomed over 1000 stargazers each night and more than 500 visitors during the day. I absolutely love this event and can't wait for the next one!
Today, I was deeply honored by the Clark County Board of Commissioners for my work in educating our community about the wonders of the universe. I owe this recognition to the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the incredible organizations that have partnered with me over the years.
It's been an incredible journey fueled by curiosity and a passion for space. I am humbled by this recognition and committed to continuing my mission of promoting scientific literacy.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, with special thanks to Commissioner Gibson and Commission District Liaison Blanca Vazquez for their incredible support and encouragement. Your enthusiasm makes all the difference.
Let's keep looking up and exploring the cosmos together!
Spain Launches Its First Military Satellite: A Leap Forward in Space Technology*
On January 30th, Spain marked a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first military satellite, SPAINSAT NG 1. The satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is now positioned in geostationary orbit, approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth—nearly three times the planet's diameter.
Operated by the Spanish company Hisdesat, SPAINSAT NG 1 is hailed as the most advanced satellite in Spain and the first in Europe equipped with cutting-edge technology antennas. This innovation includes X-band antennas and beam-hopping technology, enabling the satellite to redirect electronic signals without physical movement. Additionally, it boasts the ability to detect and neutralize interference on Earth, ensuring secure communications for Spanish military forces and NATO.
The satellite is expected to remain operational until 2037, providing reliable and secure communication capabilities. Looking ahead, its twin satellite, SPAINSAT NG II, is scheduled for launch around September or October 2025. Together, these satellites will cover two-thirds of the planet, securing communications from Denmark to Singapore.
This achievement underscores Spain's growing presence in the space sector and its commitment to advancing technological innovation.
Here's a revised version of your social media post:
I spent a truly inspiring morning at Career Day sharing the wonders of space exploration and the groundbreaking opportunities of the Artemis program at the Luna base with children of all ages Their enthusiasm was contagious as I showed them videos of eating, drinking, and doing gymnastics in Leo orbit! From kindergarteners to high school students, their dreams and curiosity about living and working on the Lunar Base were palpable. A huge thank you to the teachers and students for this unforgettable experience!
#CareerDay #ArtemisProgram #SpaceExploration #LunaBase #InspiringTheNextGeneration"
I captured the magic of the full moon through the telescope tonight!
Isn't it amazing how the universe reveals its wonders when we take a closer look? This lunar beauty never ceases to mesmerize me.
Celebrating Pi Day with a slice of lemon pie! A delicious way to honor 3.14.
Why did the pie break up with its crust?
It couldn’t handle the infinite drama of pi!
#PiDay #LemonPie #MathPun