15 minutes about: Our Place in the Universe

How can we possibly comprehend our place in the universe? I discuss this topic frequently during star parties and enjoy sharing my thoughts about how we can relate to the universe in a more tangible way. I created a 15 minute talk about this as part of an innovative science talk series in Munich, 15x4 Knowledge. The talk covers the various 'levels of scale' that define our universe, from our home planet Earth through the Solar System, Milky Way galaxy, the Local Galactic Group, to the Laniakea Supercluster. As the name of the series suggests, four speakers give 15 minute talks in a single the evening and it was an honor to be a part of their program. More videos from 15x4 Munich can be found on YouTube.

Click here to view the video "15 minutes about: Our Place in the Universe."

Moon and Planets grace the morning sky

Moon and Planets - May 2020

This week, as the Moon passes through its waning phases, it will form some engaging patterns with three planets that are currently visible in the early (pre-dawn) skies. See image showing the change of location of the Moon from one night to the next, and the gentle interplay with Jupiter, Saturn and Mars as the Moon travels in its orbit around the Earth another 12 degrees eastward each day.

Jupiter has been gradually moving eastward as well, albeit considerably slower than the Moon. In fact, it takes Jupiter one full year (on Earth) to move the same 12 degrees eastward as the Moon does every day. And in addition, when we view Jupiter and the other outer planets from our view aboard spaceship Earth, we see a peculiar motion that takes Jupiter westward for a few months before continuing its eastward journey. We call this reverse motion 'retrograde' motion and in fact Jupiter is just now starting into retrograde and will return into the constellation Sagittarius for the summer before returning its eastward journey past Saturn into Capricornus at the end of the year.

This summer, Jupiter and Saturn will rise earlier and earlier and be visible the entire night from July onwards. But for now (in May) you will need to be up after midnight and before the break of dawn, around 4:30 am here in Munich, if you want to see this lovely morning alignment of the Moon and planets. I wish you clear skies and happy viewing!

Image courtesy Sky & Telescope.