Tracking the Sky with your Own Astrolabe!

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This DIY guide includes everything you need to get started. This is a project worth every effort!

Credit to Dominic Ford. Originally produced by Dominic Ford.

Make your own Astrolabe

A brass medieval astrolabe

An astrolabe is an elaborate instrument which combines a mechanical model of the sky’s rotation through the night – similar to a modern planisphere – with an observing instrument which allows the altitudes of objects in the night sky to be measured. Put together, these two components can be used the time of day, by determining the altitude of a star, and also at what time of day the sky’s rotation brings it to that height above the horizon.

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‘Nothingness’ and Zero’s Impact on Everything

/ DAVION MARS / Leave a comment
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Zero, though a number without tangible value, has fostered within its hollowed essence, quite an enormous reputation over the ages. The “significant nothing” has played a revolutionary role in extending the boundaries of numerical computation, from its earliest applications by the human mind to its most recent. One would be surprised to know that after all this time, there is still so much we can learn from, well… nothing.

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Upcoming event – Mars Opposition 2018!

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Mars Opposition point in the Sky in the constellation Capricornus, and its future movement in the sky in the coming months.

On July 27th, 2018, the Red planet will be almost direct opposite with the Sun in the sky. At midnight, the Sun would reach its maximum distance just below the horizon. At just opposite of the Sky, the maximum point would also be met. Coincidentally, a Total Lunar Blood Moon Eclipse will occur on this night (with totality visible specifically across the Eastern hemisphere).

Mars will pass by the opposition point–the point highest in the sky opposite the Sun’s greatest distance at horizon point–shining brighter while being closest to Earth by distance (35.8 million miles (57.6 million km) ) on July 31st. When Mars passes opposition and approaches perigee (closest distance to Earth) it becomes brighter, and thus, the best time to visually observe and even photograph the Red planet. Continue reading →

1st Essay Competition Winner – Omari Joseph on ‘How astronomy can positively impact Guyanese culture’

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Author: Omari Joseph

The greatest achievement and the greatest pursuit of humanity is “discovery.” Sit and imagine. Before there was Guyana there was just empty land and the people who discovered a place they could call home. Centuries later, many of Guyana’s wonders remain undiscovered. Not just by tourists, but also by us, Guyanese.

“Guyana’s wonders…” Maybe you thought of diamonds, gold, flora, fauna or even Kaeiteur. What if I told you that there was another treasure? A treasure that opens the door to endless discovery. I’m talking about the little diamonds which simultaneously inspired nursery rhymes and incredible architecture. These diamonds rest in a treasure chest just beyond our reach, the sky. Regardless, humanity has curiously scoured and studied the sky for all of history. That curiosity gave birth to astronomy, the oldest natural science. Continue reading →