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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: sam on May 15, 2012, 14:47

Title: Space Pictures This Week: Supermoon, Solar Flare, More
Post by: sam on May 15, 2012, 14:47

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/05/pictures/120511-best-space-195-science-supermoon-solar-flares-stars/

Quote

Also known as the Seven Sisters, the star cluster M45—seen in a picture submitted May 7 to National Geographic's My Shot—contains more than 3,000 stars and is one of the brightest clusters known, according to NASA. At about 400 light-years away, M45 is also one of the closest star clusters to Earth.

Title: Re: Space Pictures This Week: Supermoon, Solar Flare, More
Post by: Clive on May 15, 2012, 15:12

Noctilucent cloud time already?  Wowie!! 

Title: Re: Space Pictures This Week: Supermoon, Solar Flare, More
Post by: sam on May 15, 2012, 15:17

Get outside. Hail here.

Title: Re: Space Pictures This Week: Supermoon, Solar Flare, More
Post by: Clive on May 15, 2012, 16:03

Sunny here so I may be in with a chance tonight.  We have had spectacular skies these past few nights but I haven't thought of looking for noctilucent clouds.  I'm sure I would have noticed if there had been any though.   :blush:

Title: Re: Space Pictures This Week: Supermoon, Solar Flare, More
Post by: Simon on May 15, 2012, 21:58

I like Night-Shining Clouds.   :crazy:

Title: Re: Space Pictures This Week: Supermoon, Solar Flare, More
Post by: Rik on May 16, 2012, 04:51

Sounds like a native American Indian. ;)

Title: Re: Space Pictures This Week: Supermoon, Solar Flare, More
Post by: Clive on May 16, 2012, 09:52

 :lol:  They are truly spectacular to watch and are only visible during June (give or take a week or two).  Also, they are only visible at our particular latitude which makes them even more special.  They are the highest clouds of all and are formed from ice crystals which reflect the light of the Sun when it is below the horizon.  They are a very eerie sight shining in the dark and many a flying saucer story has emanated from their sightings.  :laugh: