|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2006 21:28:00 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by MamIDdau on Nov 23, 2006 21:43:48 GMT
And did you know.... that Betelgeuse, the star which is in the constellation of Orion (his right shoulder) will be a red giant in about 10,000 years? Aaaaaaaaaaaaand in about 20,000 years (I think, can't remember) the Plough will look like an arrow as the stars continue to move. I think it's fascinating anyway  |
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Nov 23, 2006 22:22:03 GMT
Wonderful! Aren't we silly to get so obsessed with money, status etc etc? I think we're amazing and so is the planet. I'm also very tired so will shut up!
|
|
|
|
Post by sleepysunday on Nov 23, 2006 22:35:15 GMT
I've just gone and had a look. You are right, Betelgeuse is looking a little redder this evening compared to last time I looked.
I'll keep an eye on the Plough as well and see if I can see the slowly changing shape.
|
|
|
|
Post by Susie Snowdrop on Nov 23, 2006 23:00:31 GMT
Crikey, we're quite puny really, aren't we  |
|
|
|
Post by sweetleaf on Nov 23, 2006 23:05:03 GMT
I've just gone and had a look. You are right, Betelgeuse is looking a little redder this evening compared to last time I looked. I'll keep an eye on the Plough as well and see if I can see the slowly changing shape. Blimey.... a long look that will be, sleepy, 20,000 years might cause a slight crick in the neck. |
|
|
|
Post by JennyWrenn on Nov 24, 2006 7:28:15 GMT
I see Beetle Juice (as he is commonly known  most evenings - glows red - awesome j w x |
|
|
|
Post by Plocket on Nov 24, 2006 9:21:44 GMT
I think FA posted that a while back but you are right it is amazing, and boy does it make me feel insignificant. Last time I saw it I forwarded it to a friend's son who is bonkers about stars and planets and stuff, and he thought it was fabulous too.
I love the film Beetlejuice!!! ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by sleepysunday on Nov 24, 2006 9:26:17 GMT
I wasn't going to watch the 'whole' change Sweetleaf, just a bit if it. The first hour or so.
I'm not stupid you know.
|
|
|
|
Post by sleepysunday on Nov 24, 2006 9:29:39 GMT
That's OK Big P, I was once insignificant too. I don't think the fact that you are insignificant is something that anyone will hold against you. We probably have 3 or 4 insignificant people who contribute to this board.
If there are any other insignificant viewers out there, can you please drop Plocket a PM to reassure her that she isn't alone.
|
|
|
|
Post by Plocket on Nov 24, 2006 10:18:25 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Cheerypeabrain on Nov 25, 2006 14:56:14 GMT
FA posted that on the beeb MB a while ago, I forwarded it to the secretary of our local astronomical society and she thought it was good too.... Coincidentally, my OH came home with a telescope last night...bloke at work gave it to him because he bought it on a whim and never uses it...so now we've got 2 telescopes...fab (one each). The skies around here are cr*p at the moment though...really cloudy (plus appalling light pollution from the street lighting )...we need it to get colder!...I love crisp, clear winter nights when we can look at planets and nebulae in the back garden for hours on end.... |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2006 17:35:49 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Susie Snowdrop on Nov 25, 2006 17:37:47 GMT
Loads of light pollution where I live  S x |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2006 17:46:17 GMT
When I was in deepest Wales recently, the sky was the darkest I've ever seen and the stars were wonderful. It's a shame but if the building programme in the South East continues, in 20 - 30 years time, people will live in parmanent "daylight". People and animals need the night time to help regulate their body processes and their sleeping patterns (or waking patterns in the case of nocturnal creatures). This 24 hour light that some people currently experience is not good.
It's not the fact that we need lighting at night that's the problem really - it's the fact that the lights that are installed waste loads of light upwards (the orange "smog" that sits over cities and towns across the country). If that light was directed where it was needed, not just scattererd all over not only would we have darker skies and people's eyes would be opened to the beauty of a starry sky but it was also save millions of pounds and loads of energy.
Sorry, got on my high horse for a minute there.
FA x
|
|
|
|
Post by lottielady on Nov 25, 2006 17:47:39 GMT
Is it just the four of us playing the letters after your name game??
LLx
|
|
|
|
Post by MamIDdau on Nov 26, 2006 10:20:05 GMT
Well where I live, there isn't a lot of light pollution so I can see the Milky Way and everything.
I can't use a telescope or binoculars, they make my eyes go funny and I can't figure out where I'm looking at.
I often look at the stars and wonder. Wonder so much about what's up there and if the universe is expanding, what is it expanding into? Is there only our universe or were there several big bangs and there are more universes out there?
I think about it so much my head starts to hurt and I get quite upset because I know I'll never know the answer. So all I can do is wonder.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2006 10:28:48 GMT
Patrick Moore, Chris Lintott and Brian May have written a book together - BANG! The Complete History of the Universe It sounds an interesting read, I think I will add it to my Christmas wish list  www.banguniverse.com/ |
|
|
|
Post by MamIDdau on Nov 27, 2006 18:30:21 GMT
Well I've said on my xmas list that there are a number of books I want to buy so asked for amazon vouchers
|
|
