Tag

Dark Skies

All articles tagged with #dark skies

Texas Telescope Ranches Put Remote Skywatching on the Map
technology1 day ago

Texas Telescope Ranches Put Remote Skywatching on the Map

Remote observatories in rural Texas host hundreds of permanently mounted telescopes that are controlled online from around the world, with Starfront Observatories in Rockwood housing 550+ automated systems under some of America’s darkest skies; the setup relies on permanent mounts, fibre connectivity and automated roofs to let hobbyists and researchers image deep-space objects without traveling to the site, reflecting a broader shift toward cloud-like, automated astronomy driven by light pollution and internet-based control.

Threat to Atacama's Dark Skies as Light Pollution Spreads
science29 days ago

Threat to Atacama's Dark Skies as Light Pollution Spreads

The Atacama Desert, a premier astronomy hub hosting the ELT and major observatories, faces rising light pollution from mining, energy projects, and urban development. Scientists warn that even small increases in artificial light can degrade decades of data and hinder the search for Earth-like planets, spurring calls for stricter protections and regulatory updates after a near-miss green-energy project near Paranal highlighted governance gaps.

Northern Lights Light Up 25 States Tonight—Where to See Them
science1 month ago

Northern Lights Light Up 25 States Tonight—Where to See Them

The aurora borealis could be visible across 25 U.S. states tonight, from Alaska to parts of the Northeast, with the best views in dark, rural locations after nightfall (roughly 10 p.m.–2 a.m.). NOAA’s space weather forecast indicates varying auroral activity, so observers should seek clear northern horizons and consider long-exposure photography to capture the display.

Lyrid Meteor Shower: Peak Time and Best Viewing Tips This Week
space1 month ago

Lyrid Meteor Shower: Peak Time and Best Viewing Tips This Week

The Lyrid meteor shower is set to peak around 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, with prime viewing for the Northern Hemisphere from Tuesday night through dawn Wednesday under a dark sky. To watch, seek out a dark, light-pollution-free area, lie on your back, and give your eyes about 45 minutes to adjust; avoid using your phone to protect night vision. Under favorable conditions you can expect roughly 10–20 meteors per hour, with occasional surges up to 100 per hour (though the next big outburst isn’t until 2040). The shower hails from Comet Thatcher and radiates from Lyra near Vega, and it runs through April 30. A next meteor shower, Eta Aquariids, peaks May 5–6.

Chasing a Fading Glow: Plan a Northern Lights Trip Before They Disappear
travel2 months ago

Chasing a Fading Glow: Plan a Northern Lights Trip Before They Disappear

After peaking in Oct 2024, the aurora borealis is fading as the solar cycle moves toward minimum; recent displays have even been seen in Florida, Mexico, and other southern urban skies. To maximize your chances before they fade, plan a high-latitude, dark-sky trip during clear, moonless nights, seek locations away from light pollution, and monitor space-weather forecasts for geomagnetic activity, staying flexible with dates and destinations.

Northern Lights Hit Ten States Tonight Amid Solar Storm Watch
science2 months ago

Northern Lights Hit Ten States Tonight Amid Solar Storm Watch

A NOAA geomagnetic storm watch due to a high-speed solar wind stream could bring the aurora borealis to ten U.S. states tonight through the weekend, visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time if skies are clear. Best viewing is away from city lights; monitor live forecasts, and use Night Mode/Pro Mode on iPhones (preferably main lens, RAW if possible) for photos.

Dark skies saved: Chile plant near Paranal cancelled
space3 months ago

Dark skies saved: Chile plant near Paranal cancelled

A $10 billion plan to build a light-polluting green hydrogen plant near ESO’s Cerro Paranal observatory in Chile has been cancelled by AES Andes, relieving astronomers who warned the project would degrade the world-renowned dark skies and threaten facilities like the VLT and ELT. ESO calculations suggested up to a 35% increase in light pollution, which could undermine cutting-edge observations, prompting widespread concern in the astronomy community. The cancellation allows Paranal and Atacama-region telescopes to continue operating under optimal sky conditions while AES Andes shifts focus to renewable energy projects.

Pokémon GO Updates: Dark Skies Quest, Gigantamax Battles, and 100 Player Raids
gaming9 months ago

Pokémon GO Updates: Dark Skies Quest, Gigantamax Battles, and 100 Player Raids

The Dark Skies event in Pokémon Go features Eternatus's debut, special Max Battles, raid schedules, and wild Pokémon spawns, with a limited-time Timed Research quest offering rewards like Zacian and Zamazenta Candy. The event includes increased raid and Power Spot activity, new backgrounds, and a Go Pass Max Finale battle pass, culminating in the Go Fest Max Finale on August 24th.