*** The Official Astronomy & Universe Thread ***

[deusexlumina]

They're ok, but there are concerns they are not properly attached since the harpoon didn't deploy. There's talk they may attempt to deploy it while on the surface, but since the gravity is so weak this may push it out of position. Depends on the surface composition. More info will trickle out over the next few hours.

 

[shadow_boxer]

A truly stunning achievement. Now the fun stuff will start. Hopefully they'll get some really interesting and helpful data.

 

[Cosimo]

 

[Cosimo]

This one is from the Bradford Telescope last night, M51/NGC 5194, The Whirlpool Galaxy.

The raw FITS format:

To the edited colour:

Spoiler

 

[Cosimo]

Coming in 2016 a journey by OSIRIS-REx to an asteroid:

 

[Cosimo]

What the eye can't see:

Sound in space:

 

[Cosimo]

The latest ALMA observations, which reveal extraordinarily fine detail that has never been seen before in the planet-forming disc around the young star HL Tauri:

More:

http://www.eso.org/public/news/eso1436/

 

[Cosimo]

 

[Cosimo]

The search for neutrinos:

 

[SickAsAParrot]

Quick heads-up for anyone living near Stoke, The Natural World in Trentham Gardens shopping village are selling Celestron Skymaster binoculars in various configurations slightly cheaper than the rainforest at the moment, with a free Hama tripod dobbed in.

I grabbed a pair of the 25*70 for £69, but the mrs appropriated them for a christmas present, so I can't try them yet

 

[NickK]

Well.. finally 98% there with the telescope pier. Took the concrete form off today, sorted out a few issue but there's a bit more todo to it..
IMG_2018 by https://www.flickr.com/people/87152595@N04/, on Flickr

 

[Cosimo]

Seems like only yesterday:

 

[topgun06]

The pier is looking very good!!

 

[NickK]

First light... before the clouds rolled in.. M57 near Vega..
IMG_2025 by https://www.flickr.com/people/87152595@N04/, on Flickr

 

[Cosimo]

First light... before the clouds rolled in.. M57 near Vega..
on Flickr

Excellent!

(I'm jealous )

 

[Cosimo]

Nice 4K animation:

 

[Cosimo]

 

[topgun06]

That certainly looks the part Nick. I did plan on getting out last night,. But ran out of time

 

[Cosimo]

All about NASA's Swift Gamma-ray Burst Explorer:

More:

http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard...marks-10-years-of-game-changing-astrophysics/

 

[Cosimo]

The largest sunspot region seen for 24 years is active now...