Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) -
Astronomy and Other Sciences

See an Unexplained Object in the Sky ?

Have a Question About Astronomy or Other Sciences ?

Ask an Expert from Friends of the Zeiss !

It is simple to ask a question; just send your question to this e-mail address:

< FAQ@planetarium.cc >

You will receive a response within 48 hours. If your question cannot be answered within that time, you will be advised when an answer can be expected. You will then receive your answer by electronic mail. And, that answer (excluding your name and e-mail address) may be added to the

Friends of the Zeiss FAQ answer page.

Several members of Friends of the Zeiss, some of them former employees or volunteers of The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science in Pittsburgh, are available to answer questions on Astronomy, Earth and Space Sciences, Meteorology, Optics, and other sciences. These experts include:

* Francis Glenn Graham, Professor Emeritus of Physics , Kent State University. Professor Graham was a long-time Planetarium Lecturer at Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center), where he operated the historic Zeiss II Planetarium Projector, which prior to its 2002 dismantling was the oldest operable major planetarium projector in the world ! He was Founder of the American Lunar Society in the 1980s. He is also a member of the Steering Committee of Friends of the Zeiss. Further information about Professor Graham:
** Short biography of Professor Graham.
** On 2011 December 13 (St. Lucy's Day), the Board of Trustees of Kent State University bestowed the title of Professor Emeritus of Physics upon Professor Graham, shortly after his retirement from the University. The University Faculty had unanimously recommended this action, without receiving a request from Professor Graham. Professor Graham was honored by this designation and said, "I was just doing my thing. I love explaining stuff and dreaming up new stuff. It's a love that was nurtured by the environment at Buhl Planetarium."
This Board of Trustees action is documented in the Kent State University Summary of Board Actions from Dec. 13, Posted Dec. 13, 2011.
More regarding this new designation.
** Short Resume
** Weblog by, and Photograph of, Professor Graham
** Selected Astronomical Observations Recorded by Professor Graham:
Dyke, Barb V., et.al. "Saturn Through the Buhl Planetarium Heliostat."
Report of the Alternative Curriculum Astronomy Workshop,
The Tripoli Federation, Pittsburgh 1975 April 2.
1983 (Conjunction: Jupiter, Uranus), 2004 (Transit of Venus), 2005 (Very Slight Eclipse of Sun), 2005 (Partial Eclipse of Moon)
** Photographs of Professor Graham:
*** Looking up at the historic Zeiss II Planetarium Projector, of Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, on display-only at The Carnegie Science Center.
*** Pointing to a Carnegie Science Center wall display regarding one of his former Buhl Planetarium students, Astronaut Mike Fincke.

* Glenn A. Walsh, former Coordinator of the Astronomical Observatory and Planetarium Lecturer at Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center). Mr. Walsh also created and managed Buhl Planetarium's Embryology Exhibit, including the weekly hatching of chicks and occasionally ducklings; so, he can also field some Life Sciences questions.

* IN MEMORIAM: Eric G. Canali (1953 to 2017), Former Floor Operations Manager (1983 to 1991) of the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center - Pittsburgh's science and technology museum from 1939 to 1991) and Founder (1973} of the South Hills Backyard Astronomers amateur astronomy club. Mr. Canali, who discovered Canali's Cluster / Asterism, provided assistance in answering Astronomy questions, on this Friends of the Zeiss / SpaceWatchtower FAQ web-page from 2004 to 2017.


See an Unexplained Object in the Sky? Have a Question About Astronomy or Other Sciences?
Ask an Expert from Friends of the Zeiss!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) -
Astronomy and Other Sciences

The following are the questions and answers to some frequently asked questions, in the fields of Astronomy and other Sciences. After reading the answer, if you need more information or a clarification, or if you have a question not covered in this FAQ, send your question to the following electronic mail address:

< FAQ@planetarium.cc >

Internet Web Site Master Index for the History of
The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, Pittsburgh

FAQ Index

Astronomy / Space Sciences --
General

Astronomers &
Space Scientists

Astronauts:
Pittsburgh Area

Astronomical Observatories

Historic Observatories &
Planetaria

Sun & Moon

Eclipses:
Solar * Lunar

Full Moon Names

Special, Monthly
Full Moon Names

Comets

Meteor
Showers

Seasons of the Year /
Cross-Quarter Days

Time

Atmospheric /
Meteorology

Physics &
Chemistry

Optics

Earth Sciences
and Geology

Life Sciences /
Biology

Computers /
Internet

Science In-
General
&
Citizen
Science

Science In
History

Historic Science Museums

Historic Observatories &
Planetaria

Science Conferences

Science-Fiction

Eclipse of the Sun / Solar Eclipse:
Tips For Safe Viewing

Quick-Reference Page - Science Including
Current Weather Info & Maps
Precise Time & Calendars

NEWS: Planetarium,
Astronomy, Space

Citizen Science
Projects

Astronomical Calendar

Current Month

Calendar Archives

Astronomical Glossary

Astronomy / Space Sciences -- General

Science Experiments Children & Teens Can Do At Home !

How do you safely view a Solar Eclipse / Eclipse of the Sun?

Are “hand-made” or “home-made” solar filters or eclipse-viewing glasses safe to use?

How do you find safe eclipse-viewing glasses?

Star or Planet ? What is that very bright, star-like object in the sky?
See an Unexplained Object in the Sky ?
Have a Question About Astronomy or Other Sciences ?
Ask an Expert from Friends of the Zeiss !

Stargazing Simplified *** Mullaney's Roster of 300 Night Sky Wonders Now On-Line
(Both are authored by James J. Mullaney, astronomy writer, lecturer, and consultant who has served as Curator of Exhibits and Astronomy at Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science.)

Why Were Stars Used on the American Flag?

How can you view the International Space Station (ISS) with the naked-eye?

Moon Illusion: Why does the Moon look so large when it is low in the sky?

What is Perihelion, Aphelion, Perigee, and Apogee ?
What terms are used for the closest and farthest points in Earth orbit of the Sun and lunar orbit of the Earth ?

How do you form an Amateur Astronomers' club?

What is an Astronomer?

Great Moon Hoax of 1835 (Life Discovered on the Moon!)

The Astronomy President: John Quincy Adams

Science & U.S. Presidents

The Origins Of The Man-In-The-Moon
(2006 Feb. 9 - Space.com)

Walsh, Glenn A. " Centennial: Death of Telescope-Maker & Astronomer John Brashear." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 April 8. First retrieved 2020 April 8.
Pittsburgh telescope-maker, astronomer, and educator John Brashear was an adviser to Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick.
John Brashear accompanied Andrew Carnegie to the official 1902 dedication of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie, Pennsylvania.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Female Astrophysicist Helped Build 1st Atomic Bomb." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 Aug. 6. First retrieved 2020 Aug. 27.

Walsh, Glenn A. "1st U.S. Female Professional Astronomer: Leading Women's Suffragist." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 Aug. 26. First retrieved 2020 Aug. 27.


The Universe

"How We Learn About the Universe"

Before the Big Bang

The Big Bang

Galaxies in The Early Universe

Future of the Universe


How was Astronomy used in establishment of the Mason-Dixon Line ?
America's most famous boundary line, separating Pennsylvania from Maryland and Virginia (now West Virginia).

International Space Station (ISS): Science Studies *** Sighting Opportunities

What were old mechanical planetarium machines called?

How do I acquire FREE BOOKS FROM NASA ?

Dark Matter

*** For Halos around the Sun or Moon, Rainbows, and other Atmospheric phenomena, see Atmospheric / Meteorology.

When is the Martian New Year?

What is the furthest object that can be seen with the naked-eye (1-power magnification) ?
What is the furthest object on Earth's surface-level that can be seen with the naked-eye (1-power magnification) ?


Astronomers & Space Scientists

Astronomer, Educator, and Maker of Telescopes and Precise Scientific Instruments: Dr. John A. Brashear (1840 to 1920)

Astronauts: Pittsburgh Area

Mullaney, James. "The “Great Lensnapping” By Guest Host: James Mullaney." Blog-Post.
rogerivester.com 2020 June 17. First retrieved 2020 June 22.
Story of the “Great Lensnapping” of the Fitz objective lens of the original telescope of Pittsburgh's Allegheny Observatory.
Author James Mullaney was Astronomy Curator of the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center), Pittsburgh's science and technology museum from 1939 to 1991.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Centennial: 'Great Debate' on Scale of Universe." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 April 26. First retrieved 2020 April 26.
The 1920 "Great Debate" was between Harlow Shapley, who gave the keynote address at the 1941 dedication of the rather unique 10-inch Siderostat-type Refractor Telescope at the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center - Pittsburgh's science and technology museum from 1939 to 1991), and Heber D. Curtis who became Director of Pittsburgh's Allegheny Observatory later in 1920.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Centennial: Death of Telescope-Maker & Astronomer John Brashear." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 April 8. First retrieved 2020 April 8.
Pittsburgh telescope-maker, astronomer, and educator John Brashear was an adviser to Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick.
John Brashear accompanied Andrew Carnegie to the official 1902 dedication of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie, Pennsylvania.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Historic Brashear Telescope Factory Wall Collapses." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2015 March 18.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Historic Brashear Telescope Factory Time Capsule Found & Opened" Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2015 March 25.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Female Astrophysicist Helped Build 1st Atomic Bomb." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 Aug. 6. First retrieved 2020 Aug. 27.

Walsh, Glenn A. "1st U.S. Female Professional Astronomer: Leading Women's Suffragist." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 Aug. 26. First retrieved 2020 Aug. 27.


Science-Fiction ---

History of Television and Motion Picture Series "Star Trek"

History of Classic Science-Fiction Film "2001: A Space Odyssey"


Astronomical Observatories

Hubble Space Telescope

Walsh, Glenn A. "Finally! Live-Stream: Christmas Launch of Next Great Space Telescope" Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2021 Dec. 24.
James Webb Space Telescope finally launches!

Walsh, Glenn A. "Webb Space Telescope: Data Doubles Age of Universe?" Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2023 July 24.

Historic Observatories & Planetaria ---

America's 1st Public Observatory - Cincinnati Observatory (1845) *** The Astronomy President: John Quincy Adams

America's 2nd Public Observatory - Allegheny Observatory, Pittsburgh (1861)

America's 6th Public Observatory - Buhl Planetarium Observatory, Pittsburgh (1941): Link 1 *** Link 2 *** Link 3

The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science / Buhl Science Center, Pittsburgh (1939)

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, Chicago (1930)

Historic Science Museums

Mullaney, James. "The “Great Lensnapping” By Guest Host: James Mullaney." Blog-Post.
rogerivester.com 2020 June 17. First retrieved 2020 June 22.
Story of the “Great Lensnapping” of the Fitz objective lens of the original telescope of Pittsburgh's Allegheny Observatory.
Author James Mullaney was Astronomy Curator of the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center), Pittsburgh's science and technology museum from 1939 to 1991.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Centennial: 'Great Debate' on Scale of Universe." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 April 26. First retrieved 2020 April 26.
The 1920 "Great Debate" was between Harlow Shapley, who gave the keynote address at the 1941 dedication of the rather unique 10-inch Siderostat-type Refractor Telescope at the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center - Pittsburgh's science and technology museum from 1939 to 1991), and Heber D. Curtis who became Director of Pittsburgh's Allegheny Observatory later in 1920.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Centennial: Death of Telescope-Maker & Astronomer John Brashear." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 April 8. First retrieved 2020 April 8.
Pittsburgh telescope-maker, astronomer, and educator John Brashear was an adviser to Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick.
John Brashear accompanied Andrew Carnegie to the official 1902 dedication of the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie, Pennsylvania.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Historic Brashear Telescope Factory Wall Collapses." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2015 March 18.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Historic Brashear Telescope Factory Time Capsule Found & Opened." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2015 March 25.

Walsh, Glenn A. "Centennial: Projection Planetarium." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2023 Oct. 21. First retrieved 2023 Oct. 21.

Walsh, Glenn A. "100 Years Ago: Planetarium Concept Born." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2014 Feb. 24.

Walsh, Glenn A. "75th Anniversary of America's 5th Major Planetarium" Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2014 Oct. 24.

McMonagle, Haley. "Buhl Planetarium’s pioneering past."
The Northside Chronicle, Pittsburgh 2020 Jan. 1. First retrieved 2020 Feb. 13.
Editor's Note: The author of this Northside Chronicle article, Haley McMonagle, is the granddaughter of a former
Buhl Planetarium Floor Aide, Dewitt Peart, who is interviewed in this article (also includes a 1950s photograph of Dewitt Peart
explaining the Foucault Pendulum to a Cub Scout group).

Walsh, Glenn A. 2 "Mystery Solved! Oldest U.S. Planetarium Projector Found & Recovered." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 Sept. 18. First retrieved 2020 Sept. 18.
A 50-year mystery has been solved! America's oldest planetarium projector, the Zeiss II / III Planetarium Projector operated at Chicago's Adler Planetarium from 1930 to 1969, has been found and recovered.

Walsh, Glenn A. "1st U.S. Female Professional Astronomer: Leading Women's Suffragist." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2020 Aug. 26. First retrieved 2020 Aug. 27.

The Sun and the Moon of Earth

Study of Sunspots on Earth's Sun

Aphelion - Earth Farthest from Sun for Year (~July 5)

Leap-Year Day: February 29

*** Full Moon --- (Special, Monthly Full Moon Names)

Harvest Moon (September or sometimes October): 2023 *** 2021 *** 2022

Hunter's Moon (October or sometimes November): 2021 *** 2022

"Blue Moon"

"Black Moon"

"Blood Moon" --- Link 1
Image of one type of "Blood Moon"

"Super-Moon" (Lunar Perigee Full Moon) --- Link 1 *** Link 2 *** Link 3 *** Link 4 *** Images Comparing "Super Moon" with "Mini-Moon"

"Mini-Moon" (Lunar Apogee Full Moon) *** Images Comparing "Super Moon" with "Mini-Moon"

Smallest Full Moon of Year ("Mini-Moon") -- Link 1 *** Link 2 *** Link 3 *** Images Comparing "Super Moon" with "Mini-Moon"

St. Valentine's Day Full Moon

Solar Calendar Leap-Year Day Eclipse in 1504 Saves Columbus' Crew

* Special names of the Full Moon phase each month, originated by Native Americans, Colonial Americans, or early Europeans ---

(In some of these articles, these special names may be listed in second half of article.)

January *** February *** March

April: 2015 * 2014 *** May (Also see: May Full Moon affect on U.S. Civil War) *** June: 2016 * 2014

July *** August: 2015 * 2014 * 2013 *** September: 2023 *** 2021 * 2015 * 2014 * 2013 (During years Sept. includes --- Harvest Moon)

October: 2021 * 2015 * 2013 (During years Oct. includes --- Harvest Moon; Hunter's Moon)

November: 2013 (During years Nov. includes --- Hunter's Moon)

December: 2021 * 2015 * 2013

Other Names of the Full Moon Phase

*** More on the Moon of Earth ---

Moon Day - A National Holiday ?

Historic Human Missions to the Moon ---

Apollo 8 Orbits the Moon Christmas Eve - 1968 December 24 (First humans to orbit the Moon): Link 1 *** Link 2

The Historic Mission of Apollo 11 - 1969 July 20 (First humans to walk on Moon): Link 1 *** Link 2 *** Link 3

Apollo 15: 50th Anniversary: Pittsburgh Native Walks on Moon

The Origins Of The Man-In-The-Moon
(2006 Feb. 9 - Space.com)

Moon Illusion: Why does the Moon look so large when it is low in the sky?

*** What is Perihelion, Aphelion, Perigee, and Apogee ?
What terms are used for the closest and farthest points in Earth orbit of the Sun and lunar orbit of the Earth ?

Requirement for World War II D-Day: Full Moon !

Eclipses ---

*** Solar Eclipse / Eclipse of the Sun
SPECIAL NOTE: NEVER, NEVER, NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN OR A SOLAR ECLIPSE WITH A TELESCOPE, BINOCULARS, OR ANY OPTICAL DEVICE, AS IT COULD CAUSE PERMANENT BLINDNESS INSTANTLY !!!
LOOKING AT THE SUN OR A SOLAR ECLIPSE WITH THE NAKED-EYE COULD ALSO CAUSE PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE !
THERE ARE NO NERVE ENDINGS IN THE EYES, HENCE EYE DAMAGE COULD OCCUR WHILE NO PAIN IS FELT !
SAFE WAY TO VIEW A SOLAR ECLIPSE OR ECLIPSE OF THE SUN
---

Solar Eclipse / Eclipse of the Sun: Tips for Safe Viewing

**** Partial Solar Eclipse / Partial Eclipse of the Sun ---

2022 October 25

**** Annular Solar Eclipse / Annular Eclipse of the Sun ---

2023 October 14 *** 2021 June 10 *** 1994 May 10 (Erie PA)

**** Hybrid or Total--Annular Solar Eclipse / Hybrid or Total--Annular Eclipse of the Sun ---

2023 April 20 *** 2013 November 3 *** 2005 April 8

**** Total Solar Eclipse / Total Eclipse of the Sun ---

Great American Solar Eclipse of 2017 August 21

*** Lunar Eclipse / Eclipse of the Moon
SPECIAL NOTE: Unlike a Solar Eclipse or Eclipse of the Sun which is dangerous to look at and for which special arrangements must be made to view safely, a Lunar Eclipse or Eclipse of the Moon is safe to view with the naked-eyes (one-power), binoculars, or a telescope. ---

**** Penumbral Lunar Eclipse / Penumbral Eclipse of the Moon (When the Moon enters Earth's partial shadow, known as the Penumbra.) ---

2013 October 18

**** Partial Lunar Eclipse / Partial Eclipse of the Moon ---

Nearly Total Eclipse of 2021 November 19

**** Total Lunar Eclipse / Total Eclipse of the Moon ---

2014 April 15

Comets

What is a Comet?

What is the best way to view a Comet?

Should We Worry About Comet ISON ? (2013 Oct. 10)

Walsh, Glenn A. "Halley's Comet Aphelion - Farthest from Sun." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2023 Dec. 9. First retrieved 2023 Dec. 9.
1910 – Astronomer John Brashear shows Halley's Comet to the general public, using telescopes in Pittsburgh's Riverview Park, on the front lawn of the Allegheny Observatory.
1985 & 1986 – Pittsburgh's Buhl Science Center shows Halley's Comet to the general public, using telescopes in the original Buhl Planetarium Observatory, including the historic 10-inch Siderostat-type Refractor Telescope.

Meteor Showers

What is a Meteor Shower?

What is the best way to view a Meteor Shower?

1833 Meteor Storm - 'The Night the Stars Fell' (1833 November 13)
First Scientific Study of Meteors and Meteor Showers and Creation of the First Citizen Science Project

Lyrid Meteor Shower (April)

Northern Taurid Meteor Shower (November)

Leonid Meteor Shower (November): 2023 *** 2013

Geminid Meteor Shower with Mysterious Origin (December)

Ursid Meteor Shower (December): 2023 *** 2014

The Seasons of the Year / Cross-Quarter Days

Diagram illustrating the relationship between the Earth and the Sun during the annual Equinoxes and Solstices on the Earth.
(Graphic Source: © Copyright 1999, Eric G. Canali, former Floor Operations Manager of the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center - America's fifth major planetarium and Pittsburgh's science and technology museum from 1939 to 1991) and Founder of the South Hills Backyard Astronomers amateur astronomy club; permission granted for only non-profit use with credit to author.)

Leap-Year Day: February 29

Seasons of the Year *** Cross-Quarter Days

**** Cross-Quarter Days ---

What is a "Cross-Quarter Day" ?

Are there "CORRECT" dates for the CROSSQUARTER DAYS ?

Cross-Quarter Days: Mid-Summer *** Mid-Autumn *** Mid-Winter

May Day Originated in Astronomy
(In ancient times, May Day was considered the beginning of Summer.)

**** Seasons of the Year ---

Spring *** Summer *** Autumn / Fall *** Winter

Diagram illustrating the relationship between the Earth and the Sun during the annual Equinoxes and Solstices on the Earth.
(Graphic Source: © Copyright 1999, Eric G. Canali, former Floor Operations Manager of the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center - America's fifth major planetarium and Pittsburgh's science and technology museum from 1939 to 1991) and Founder of the South Hills Backyard Astronomers amateur astronomy club; permission granted for only non-profit use with credit to author.)

*** Spring ---

Vernal Equinox

Daylight Saving Time Returns

Astronomy Needed to Calculate Dates of Passover & Easter

May Day Originated in Astronomy
(In ancient times, May Day was considered the beginning of Summer.)

*** Summer ---

Summer Solstice

What is the significance of the "Summer Solstice"? Why do our days get longer until June 21, then they get shorter?
Explanation:
Link 1 with Diagram (Graphic Source: © Copyright 2005, Eric G. Canali, former Floor Operations Manager of the original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center - Pittsburgh's science and technology museum from 1939 to 1991) and Founder of the South Hills Backyard Astronomers amateur astronomy club; permission granted for only non-profit use with credit to author.)
Link 2

Moon Illusion: Why does the Moon look so large when it is low in the sky?

Stonehenge-Type Summer Solstice Event in America?

Snowballs on the Summer Solstice Event in America?

Cross-Quarter Day in Mid-Summer

Science Experiments Children & Teens Can Do At Home !

May Day Originated in Astronomy
(In ancient times, May Day was considered the beginning of Summer.)

*** Autumn ---

Autumnal Equinox

Why Leaves Change Color *** Autumn Foliage Reports

Harvest Moon (September or sometimes October)

Hunter's Moon (October or sometimes November)

Cross-Quarter Day in Mid-Autumn:

What is the Astronomical significance of Halloween, All-Saints Day, and All-Souls Day?

Link 1 *** Link 2 *** Link 3 *** Link 4

**** Winter ---

Winter Solstice: 2023 *** 2022

Mid-Winter


Malerbo, Dan. "Let's Talk About: Changing Seasons." Column.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2010 July 1.
Column author Dan Malerbo is Educational Coordinator for the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium and Observatory at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center. He also served as a Planetarium Lecturer at Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center).

*** What is Perihelion, Aphelion, Perigee, and Apogee ?
What terms are used for the closest and farthest points in Earth orbit of the Sun and lunar orbit of the Earth ?

When is the Martian Vernal Equinox (Northern Hemisphere) ?

Time

History of Standard Time --- Link 1 *** Link 2 (U.S. Time Zone Map) *** Link 3 *** Link 4 (U.S. Time Zones) *** Link 5 (World Time Zones)

History of Daylight Saving Time --- Link 1 *** Link 2 (Legal Enactment) *** Link 3 *** Link 4

How long has Daylight Saving Time been in use?

What is the Leap Year Pattern?

What is the origin of the Seven-Day Week?

Atmospheric / Meteorology

Lunar Halos: What is a Ring or Circle Around the Moon? - First Question *** Second Question
Photographs (by Julie Hall) of Lunar Halo in Crossville, Tennessee on the evening of 2007 January 29: Photo 1 *** Photo 2

What is a Rainbow?

Lightning Behind Clouds ? "Heat Lightning" ?

Why Leaves Change Color *** Autumn Foliage Reports

*** For general information on Astronomy and Space Sciences, see Astronomy / Space Sciences -- General.

Physics and Chemistry

What is Sound ? Answer for Children *** Answer for Adults

What is the furthest object that can be seen with the naked-eye (1-power magnification) ?
What is the furthest object on Earth's surface-level that can be seen with the naked-eye (1-power magnification) ?

Periodic Table of Chemical Elements

Optics

How long does it take to cool a large mirror being produced
for one of the world??s largest astronomical telescopes?

Earth Sciences and Geology

How do you determine the correction for a magnetic compass?

Malerbo, Dan. "Let's Talk About: Tides." Column.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2010 July 8.
Column author Dan Malerbo is Educational Coordinator for the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium and Observatory at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center. He also served as a Planetarium Lecturer at Pittsburgh's original Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science (a.k.a. Buhl Science Center).

What is the furthest object that can be seen with the naked-eye (1-power magnification) ?
What is the furthest object on Earth's surface-level that can be seen with the naked-eye (1-power magnification) ?

Life Sciences / Biology

Why Leaves Change Color *** Autumn Foliage Reports

Computers / Internet

How do I find old Internet web pages, free-of-charge, no longer available on the Internet ? The Wayback Machine Internet Archive.

How do I acquire FREE ELECTRONIC BOOKS FROM NASA ?

Science In-General & Citizen Science

What is the Scientific Method? *** History of the Scientific Method

How can a non-scientist participate in science research? Citizen Science Projects

Science Experiments Children & Teens Can Do At Home !

Science & U.S. Presidents

Walsh, Glenn A. "'The Night the Stars Fell' 190 Years Ago: Beginning of Citizen Science." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2023 Nov. 13. First retrieved 2023 Nov. 13.
First Citizen Science Project - Meteor Storm of 1833 Nov. 13.

More Citizen Science Projects


Science-Fiction ---

Historic 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds - 1938 October 30

History of Television and Motion Picture Series "Star Trek"

History of Classic Science-Fiction Film "2001: A Space Odyssey"


Science In History

History of the Scientific Method

Italian Astronomer Galileo Galilei - 1564 February 15 to 1642 January 8.

John Quincy Adams - 1767 July 11 to 1848 February 23.
Sixth President of the United States of America, who worked to establish astronomical observatories in America, as well as the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution.

Science & U.S. Presidents

Planetarium Concept Born - 1914 February 24

Historic 1938 radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds - 1938 October 30

Solar Calendar Leap-Year Day Eclipse in 1504 Saves Columbus' Crew

John Fitzgerald Kennedy: The Loss of the Man Who Sent Us to the Moon - 1963 November 22

Historic Human Missions to the Moon ---

Apollo 8 Orbits the Moon Christmas Eve - 1968 December 24 (First humans to orbit the Moon): Link 1 *** Link 2

The Historic Mission of Apollo 11 - 1969 July 20 (First humans to walk on Moon): Link 1 *** Link 2 *** Link 3

Apollo 15: 50th Anniversary: Pittsburgh Native Walks on Moon - 1971 July

The Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster - 1986 January 28

Dobsonian Telescope Inventor Dies - 2014 January 15

History: Periodic Table of Chemical Elements

Requirement for World War II D-Day: Full Moon !

Walsh, Glenn A. "'The Night the Stars Fell' 190 Years Ago: Beginning of Citizen Science." Blog-Post.
SpaceWatchtower 2023 Nov. 13. First retrieved 2023 Nov. 13.
First Citizen Science Project - Meteor Storm of 1833 Nov. 13.

Historic Science Museums ---

Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, Chicago (1930)

The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science / Buhl Science Center, Pittsburgh (1939)

Moonshot Space Museum, Pittsburgh (2022)

Historic Observatories & Planetaria

Science Conferences ---

North American Sundial Society 2018 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh

Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) 2022 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh

Science-Fiction ---

History of Television and Motion Picture Series "Star Trek"

History of Classic Science-Fiction Film "2001: A Space Odyssey"



Other Internet Web Sites of Interest

History of Andrew Carnegie and Carnegie Libraries

History of Astronomer, Educator, and Optician John A. Brashear, Friend of Andrew Carnegie

History of The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, Pittsburgh -
Which Housed the Oldest Operable Major Planetarium Projector in the World !

History of The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, Chicago - America's First Major Planetarium !

The Duquesne Incline, Pittsburgh -
Historic Cable Car Railway Serving Commuters and Tourists since 1877 !

Other History Links


Edited By Glenn A. Walsh
Sponsored By Friends of the Zeiss

This Internet Web Page: < https://buhlplanetarium2.tripod.com/FAQ >
Internet Web Cover Page: < http://www.planetarium.cc >
Electronic Mail: < FAQ@planetarium.cc >

Internet Web Site Master Index for the History of
The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science, Pittsburgh


Disclaimer Statement: This Internet Web Site is not affiliated with the Andrew Carnegie Free Library,
Ninth Pennsylvania Reserves Civil War Reenactment Group, Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium and Observatory,
The Carnegie Science Center, The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Institute, or The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

This Internet, World Wide Web Site administered by Glenn A. Walsh.
Unless otherwise indicated, all pages in this web site are --
© Copyright 2004 to 2019, Glenn A. Walsh, All Rights Reserved.
The author thanks The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Library Community Network/Three Rivers Free-Net
for use of their digital scanner and other computer equipment, and other assistance provided in the production of this web site.
Contact Web Site Administrator: < FAQ@planetarium.cc >.

Last modified : Thursday, 29-Feb-2024 00:46:50 EST.
You are visitor number , to this web page, since 2004 May 7.