Sunday, January 31, 2010

Physics 25 students observe Moon, Mars and Jupiter

The Physics 25 students - headed by Sir Anatoly Karpov Buss had a stargazing session last Jan 29, a day before the Blue moon. The Blue moon is the second full moon of the month, the 1st being January 1 (Partial Lunar Eclipse). Also the full moon of Jan 30 is what we call the perigee moon or the moon's closest approach to the Earth. This is the biggest full moon of the year.

The students were graced to see the bright and large full moon through the departments Firstcope 114 C, and the old Celestron reflector. Those who arrived Early were able to catch a glimpse of Jupiter and its 4 brightest moons. The rest caught a glimpse of the Red planet - Mars. We later tried to view the Orion Nebula, but clouds affected our visibility. The JPPS members had a viewing schedule for the Blue moon but it was canceled due to rain.