There are Five Galaxies visible in this Panorama

If you are anything like me, if someone states they have an image with five galaxies visible in it, I immediately think of either part of Markarian’s Chain or Stephan’s Quintet in Pegasus.  The latter fits in a field only 4 arcminutes in diameter.  This image is a little different,… Click to read more

Stargazing atop Red Dune on Benguerra Island

Observing report of an evening stargazing session atop Red Dune on Benguerra Island in Mozambique, which saw me have an observing buddy and took in a wide variety of DSOs including Eta Carinae, the Lagoon Nebula, Whirlpool Galaxy and Ring Nebula. Click to read more

Statistical analysis of Kepler data suggests 22% of stars have Earth-sized Planets in the Habitable Zone

Habitable Zone

A statistical analysis of all the data accumulated by the Kepler mission has been conducted to reach an estimate of the number of Sun-like stars that have potentially habitable Earth-size planets orbiting them. Their conclusion is “22% of Sun-like stars harbour Earth-sized planets orbiting in their habitable zones.” Click to read more