Skies to Stars: Coming Attractions

By Ed Downs

Part of the fun at looking into deep space (beyond our own solar system) is knowing that the light you are seeing has been traveling through space for possibly millions of years.  While astronomers talk as if they are viewing in the present, the images they observe are actually being seen as if you were looking back in time.  In other words, the dramatic announcement of spotting a super nova (massive exploding star) makes it sound as if the event was currently in the process of happening whereas, in fact, it may have happened a million years ago. That does not, however, alter the fact that it is the first time the event is being seen from our planet.  True, others, on other exoplanets (planets not in our solar system, and there are a BUNCH of those) may have seen an event first, but they (the little green guys) are not talking… yet.

But let’s take another approach at talking about celestial objects and events, like those that are to come.  What about “coming attractions?” 

To be sure, the up and coming comet ISON is certainly going to get a lot of media PR.  Already being hyped as the “comet of the century” by some media, it may be readily visible by the unaided eye in late November at the time of its perihelion, or the closest point to the sun.  At that point, the Sun’s energy and heat are causing the mainly ice and dust comet to vaporize its outer skin, resulting in the well know tail we all look for. 

But comets are unpredictable, and brightness is dependent upon many factors.  Start looking in November and be especially vigilant on Nov. 28.  I like to keep track of comet ISON on www.earthsky.org, a website/blog founded by Deborah Byrd, a talented astronomer and producer of science programs in both English and Spanish.  ISON should be visible throughout much of December as well.  While it will probably be visible without a telescope, visit www.telescope.com to see some of the “ISON Specials” being offered to those who might like to enter astronomy at this opportune moment in time.

Finally, look to In Flight USA for a special feature on NASA’s Orion Spacecraft launch scheduled for the autumn of 2014.  No, this is not just another trip to the International Space station (ISS) in a Russian taxi.  While not publicized much in the contemporary media, NASA has been quietly developing the space vehicle that was to have been the cornerstone of the canceled Constellation project – a return flight to the moon.

Constellation was canceled, but Orion is alive and well.  The Orion Spacecraft will enter an orbit more than 3,600 miles from earth on its first test flight, nearly 10 times higher than the highest Space Shuttle flight.  In Flight USA is giving this project special coverage in the months ahead, including what amounts to a “pilot checkout.”  I will share my recent experience at the Johnson Space Center, where NASA pros were kind enough to let the world’s oldest “astronaut wanabe” climb aboard and take the controls of the Orion engineering develop vehicle.  It is a tough job, but somebody has to do it.  Stay tuned.