Sunday, 24 January 2021

Gigantic galaxies discovered with the MeerKAT telescope

 

Above: The two giant radio galaxies found with the MeerKAT telescope. In the background is the sky as seen in optical light. Overlaid in red is the radio light from the enormous radio galaxies, as seen by MeerKAT. Left: MGTC J095959.63+024608.6. Right: MGTC J100016.84+015133.0. Credit: I. Heywood (Oxford/Rhodes/SARAO).

 

Two giant radio galaxies have been discovered with South Africa’s powerful MeerKAT telescope. These galaxies are amongst the largest single objects in the Universe and are thought to be quite rare.

The fact that MeerKAT detected two of these monsters in a relatively small patch of sky suggests that giant radio galaxies may actually be much more common than previously thought. This gives astronomers further vital clues about how galaxies have changed and evolved throughout cosmic history.

The discovery has been published today, Monday, 18 January 2021 in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

 Source: The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), a facility of the National Research Foundation

Read more...

Saturday, 19 December 2020

Jupiter, Saturn shine close together in December conjunction

 

A Visual created in Stellarium. Moons from the two planets are visible through a telescope.
(Click on image to enlarge.)

Visible from Bloemfontein, South Africa in the Western sky after sunset with naked eyes.

Dr Daniel Cunnama, a science engagement astronomer at the South African Astronomical Observatory, confirmed that a spectacular conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on 21st December will be visible in South Africa. “You can look to the West just after sunset and you will see them over the next two weeks.

 According to the BBC’s Sky at Night magazine, the closest giant planetary “kiss” since 1623 will see gas giant planets Jupiter and Saturn just 0,06° apart.

“Our Solar System’s two gas giant planets have been edging closer in recent months, and on Monday, December 21 Jupiter and Saturn will be less than a degree apart in the night sky,” says the magazine.

The spectacular sight will be visible in clear skies across the world. Sky at Night said Jupiter and  Saturn won’t really be close to each other at all. “In fact, on that date — which also just happens to be the date of the December solstice — Saturn will be about twice as far from Earth as Jupiter will be.

“However, our line of sight from Earth will suggest otherwise, as we all get to witness (clear skies allowing) the closest planetary conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn that most of us are ever going to see. “Saturn and Jupiter appear to pass close to each other, as seen from Earth, every 20 years, and when they do we call it a ‘great conjunction’.”

If you see it, count yourself lucky.

Information: Astronomical Society of Southern Africa

 


 

Friday, 13 November 2020

Sky Guide Africa South 2021: Astronomical Handbook for Southern Africa | Penguin Random House South Africa

Sky Guide Africa South – 2021 is a practical resource for all astronomers, whether novice, amateur or professional. It covers the upcoming year’s planetary movements, predicted eclipses, meteor showers – any events and facets of the night sky that change annually. Star charts plot the evening sky for each season, facilitating the identification of stars and constellations. The guide contains a wealth of information about the Sun, Moon, planets, comets, meteors and bright stars, with photos, diagrams, charts and images. There’s also an excellent list of useful websites and a comprehensive glossary.
 
This annual publication is an invaluable guide for anyone with an interest in the night skies of southern Africa, from beginner through to professional.
 
 
  •  Availbale online and local book stores
    or your local ASSA Centre.   

Thursday, 24 September 2020

International Observe the Moon Night 26 September 2020

 

 Moon Map for Southern Hemisphere  Download

Join us on  Saturday, 26 September 2020 in the worldwide celebration of International Observe the Moon Night 2020. We have everything you will need to host an event or observe the Moon as an individual on September 26th. Explore our printable Moon Maps, viewing guide, highlighted activities, and scientific visualizations from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to learn more about the Moon. Visit our website for many additional resources — happy observing!