INSIDER
University of Michigan scientists study giant black hole that destroyed a massive star
Read full article: University of Michigan scientists study giant black hole that destroyed a massive starWhat happens when a star gets too close to a giant black hole? In a scenario studied by a University of Michigan astronomer, a star that got too close to a black hole got torn apart and its insides were tossed out into space.
Giant asteroid to pass earth 1.2 million miles away
Read full article: Giant asteroid to pass earth 1.2 million miles awayAstronomers are saying that this is one case where you should absolutely look up. Face south in the night sky with some pretty strong binoculars or the telescope you got for Christmas.
‘Christmas Star’ set to light up night sky on winter solstice
Read full article: ‘Christmas Star’ set to light up night sky on winter solsticeDETROIT – If the weather cooperates, something very special will be visible on the winter solstice this Monday night -- the “Star of Bethlehem,” also known as the “Christmas Star.”Despite the names, it’s actually not a star at all. Since Jupiter orbits the sun every 12 years and Saturn orbits the sun every 30 years, the two largest planets in the solar system don’t line up very often. The two gas giants will cross paths in the night sky on the winter solstice on Monday, Dec. 21. Though the planets are 450 million miles apart, to the naked eye, they will appear as one bright light in the sky. To view the Christmas Star, turn your gaze toward the southwest sky a little after sunset on Monday, Dec. 21.
Your best bet for catching a breathtaking glimpse of the Leonid meteor shower this month
Read full article: Your best bet for catching a breathtaking glimpse of the Leonid meteor shower this monthHave you heard of the Leonid meteor shower? It comes around every November, but the chances of seeing it this year are much higher than last year. The shower happens at the same time every year, when Earth’s orbit crosses the orbit of Comet Tempel-Tuttle, according to Space.com. A trail of dust is left behind the comet, and when Earth’s orbit crosses that trail, pieces of the comet fall toward our planet’s surface. Luckily for us, meteors are visible to the naked eye, and the shower will peak overnight Monday into Tuesday (Nov. 16-17) around 3 a.m.
Michigan now has 2 International Dark Sky Park designations
Read full article: Michigan now has 2 International Dark Sky Park designationsDETROIT – Michigan now has two International Dark Sky Park designations. Lawless County Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association, making it one of only two located in the state of Michigan. The park is located nine miles east of Cassopolis on Monkey Run Street. Michigan’s other International Dark Sky Park is the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, near Mackinac City. There will be an official grand celebration of the International Dark-Sky designation during the annual Star Party held April 24-26 at Dr. Lawless Dark-Sky Park.