I've got a few extras for you this week! In addition to the regular Night Sky this Month column, I've also curated some extra items of interest related to astronomy and stargazing. It's all perfect reading (and watching and listening) for those who have a little extra time on their hands during these strange days.

 

If you like this new format with extra content, do let me know. And pass this email along to your stargazing friends who may also be interested. Let's get to it!

 

1. Brightening planets, a very good meteor shower, and a lovely conjunction of the solar system's two hottest words. Here's what's going on in the Night Sky This Month.

 

2. In the northern hemisphere, the spring sky means 'galaxies' and lots of them. Here's a short tour (and some astro-snapshots) of a few of the prettiest galaxies visible with a small telescope: edge-on spirals.

 

3. Remember the promising Comet Atlas that was supposed to put on a big show? Well, never mind. It's disintegrated and is now fading from view. But here's the good news: the promising Comet SWAN was discovered recently and so far it's holding together on its way for an apparition in May and June. This article by 'Astro Bob' King has a recent update on what to expect.

 

4. Here's what Comet SWAN looked like in late April.

 

5. A great anniversary, but one that may make you feel your age. The Hubble Space Telescope was launched 30 years ago last week.

 

6. After an absence from blogging about hands-on amateur astronomy, 'Uncle' Rod Mollise returns with his astro-video camera in hand to show what's possible with this little technical wonders.

 

7. The inspiring and always interesting Vatican astronomer George Coyne passed away early this year. Listen to this installment of the 'On Being' podcast with Father George and Brother Guy Consolmagno about their views on spirituality and scientific discovery.

 

8. The U.S. Geological survey just released the most detailed map of the Moon ever made.

 

9. Time for some armchair sky watching? Check out this excellent video of aurorae borealis captured by Alan Dyer over Yellowknife, Canada.

 

10. And finally a little astronomy music: the beautiful and endlessly inspiring theme from the original Cosmos with Carl Sagan, written and performed by Vangelis Papathanassíou.

 

Thanks for reading! Please share this email with anyone who may be interested. If you're not already a subscriber to Cosmic Pursuits, you can sign up here.

 

Clear Skies!

 

Brian Ventrudo

Publisher