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
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 >
Astronomical Calendar
Astronomy / Space Sciences -- General
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 !
Nova
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 ?
Dog Days of Summer, As Earth Farthest from Sun (Earth Aphelion) !
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) ?
Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) / Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) / Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO)
Kecksburg PA "UFO" Incident
"'Wow!' Radio Signal Explained ?"
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
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
Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights
Study of Sunspots on Earth's Sun
Aphelion - Earth Farthest from Sun for Year (~July 5)
Dog Days of Summer, As Earth Farthest from Sun (Earth Aphelion) !
Leap-Year Day: February 29
*** Full Moon ---
(Special, Monthly Full Moon Names)
Harvest Moon (September or sometimes October):
2024 ***
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) ---
2024 Sept. ***
2014 Sept. ***
2014 Aug. ***
2014 July ***
2013 June ***
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:
2024 ***
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 (50th Anniversary) ***
Link 2 (Heinz History Center Traveling Exhibit)
Link 3 (45th Anniversary) ***
Link 4 (40th Anniversary Remembrance)
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 ?
Dog Days of Summer, As Earth Farthest from Sun (Earth Aphelion) !
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 ---
Photos of All Stages of Total Solar Eclipse / Total Eclipse of the Sun of 2024 April 8, as seen in Cleveland
Photos: Total Solar Eclipse Viewed in Cleveland
***
U.S. Solar Eclipse 2024 April 8: Prepare for Safe Viewing
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.) ---
Can You See a Penumbral Lunar Eclipse ?
2013 October 18 ***
2024 March 25
**** Partial Lunar Eclipse / Partial Eclipse of the Moon ---
Very Shallow Partial Lunar Eclipse of 2024 September 17 / 18
Nearly Total Lunar Eclipse of 2021 November 19
**** Total Lunar Eclipse / Total Eclipse of the Moon ---
2014 April 15
Comets
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
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)
Perseid Meteor Shower - Best Meteor Shower of Year (August)
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
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: Beginning of Season of Spring -
2024 ***
2023
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: Beginning of Season of Summer -
2024 ***
2023
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 - America's 5th major planetarium & 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
Dog Days of Summer, As Earth Farthest from Sun (Earth Aphelion) !
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: Beginning of Season of Fall or Autumn -
2024 ***
2023
Why Leaves Change Color ***
Autumn Foliage Reports
Harvest Moon (September or sometimes October):
2024 ***
2023
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: Beginning of Season of Winter -
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 ?
Dog Days of Summer, As Earth Farthest from Sun (Earth Aphelion) !
When is the Martian Vernal Equinox (Northern Hemisphere) ?
Time
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 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) ?
Centennial: Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (Wed., 2015 Nov. 25)
100 Years Ago: U.S. Scientist Questions Evidence Proving General Theory of Relativity Developed by Albert Einstein (Wed., 2019 Nov. 13)
Periodic Table of Chemical Elements
Optics
Earth Sciences and Geology
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
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
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
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
Centennial: Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (Wed., 2015 Nov. 25)
100 Years Ago: U.S. Scientist Questions Evidence Proving General Theory of Relativity Developed by Albert Einstein (Wed., 2019 Nov. 13)
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 (50th Anniversary) ***
Link 2 (Heinz History Center Traveling Exhibit)
Link 3 (45th Anniversary) ***
Link 4 (40th Anniversary Remembrance)
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
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 : Friday, 20-Sep-2024 00:40:13 EDT.
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