Category: Sky scapes


Photo KDG, Strawberry Moon Merritt BC.

The interest in all things lunar continues as mankind’s March to knowledge grows exponentially everyday.

There is little air blast in Space.

According to NASA

The Dart mission only used a spacecraft to hit an asteroid and the results according to NASA are that the bump moved the course of the test target was changed.

There is little atmosphere in space and is generally referred to as a vacuum. We are used to seeing the results of explosives as they work on air blasts with destructive force. This may mean that atomic weapons would be muted as an asteroid breaker but it’s very hopeful to have the ability to intercept them.

Moon full

July 10th full moon

TGIF

The full moon on July 10th, 2025 is known as the Buck Moon. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it special:
Why “Buck Moon”?
This traditional name comes from Native American folklore, as July is typically the time of year when male deer (bucks) begin to regrow their antlers, which shed annually. These new antlers symbolize strength, growth, and regeneration.
Key Characteristics of the July 10th, 2025 Full Moon:
* Peak Illumination: The Moon reaches its peak illumination around 4:37 PM EDT / 1:37 PM PST on July 10th. While it’s full during daylight hours for much of North America, the best viewing will be after sunset when it rises in the eastern sky.
* Low-Riding Moon: This year, the Buck Moon will appear exceptionally low in the sky, particularly for observers in the Northern Hemisphere. This is due to a combination of factors:
   * Close to Aphelion: The Earth is near its aphelion (the point in its orbit farthest from the Sun) in July.
   * Major Lunar Standstill Effect: This full moon coincides with a “Major Lunar Standstill,” a phenomenon that occurs every 18.6 years and exaggerates how high or low the Moon appears in the sky.
* Appearance: Because it’s so low on the horizon, the moon may appear larger and have a captivating orange or golden hue at moonrise due to atmospheric effects.
* Astrological Significance: In astrology, this full moon falls in the sign of Capricorn. This alignment is said to bring a focus on grounding, purpose, and releasing old patterns to make way for new growth and transformation. It’s considered a time for reflection and connecting with one’s inner wisdom.
* Other Names: Besides Buck Moon, it’s also known by other names in different cultures, including:
   * Thunder Moon: Due to the frequent thunderstorms during midsummer.
   * Salmon Moon: Reflecting the seasonal migration of salmon.
   * Hay Moon: As farmers gather animal feed.
Viewing Tips:
* Time: Begin observing 30-60 minutes after local sunset for the best visibility.
* Location: Choose a spot with a clear view of the southeastern horizon, ideally away from city lights to minimize light pollution. Elevated areas, beaches, or rural locales are ideal.
* Equipment: The Buck Moon is visible to the naked eye, but binoculars or a small telescope can enhance views of lunar details like craters.
This July 10th full moon offers a unique opportunity for skywatchers to enjoy a truly spectacular celestial event, with its unusual low-riding appearance and traditional significance.

Viewing time

The moon will appear full for a couple of more days.

Night sky

To view and plan visit the buttons to the links available.

Magnetic storms

Polar lights possible

With the gro magnetic activity polar lights may be prevalent. Regular weather permitting.

Dung beetles roll home.

Nails

Milky way traversing

Night Sky

You’re in luck! June 2025 offers a couple of opportunities to observe the Moon and Mars in close proximity, creating what’s known as a conjunction. There’s even a special event called a lunar occultation for some observers.
Here’s a breakdown of the possible conjunctions in June 2025:
1. Early June Conjunction (around June 1st):
* When: Around June 1st, 2025.
* What to expect: The waxing crescent Moon will appear close to Mars.
* Visibility: Look to the west just after sunset. This will be a good naked-eye or binocular event.
* Constellation: Both will be in the constellation Leo.
2. Late June Conjunction and Lunar Occultation (around June 29th-30th):
* When: On the night of June 29th, extending into the early hours of June 30th, 2025.
* What to expect: The waxing crescent Moon will again pass close to and just below Mars. This will be an even closer approach than the earlier conjunction.
* Special Event: For some regions, a lunar occultation of Mars will occur. This is when the Moon passes directly in front of Mars, temporarily hiding the Red Planet from view.
   * Visibility of Occultation: This rare phenomenon will be visible from specific locations, including western Peru, Ecuador, western Colombia, and Clipperton Island.
   * Visibility of Conjunction (worldwide): Even if you’re not in the occultation zone, the close conjunction of the Moon and Mars will be visible worldwide. Look to the western horizon just after sunset. They will set a few hours later in the Northern Hemisphere.
* Constellation: Both will be in the zodiac constellation Leo.
* Observation: The pair will be close enough to fit within the field of view of a telescope, but also easily visible to the naked eye or through binoculars. Mars will appear as a small, reddish-orange disk.
General Tips for Observing Conjunctions:
* Find a clear view: Choose a spot with an unobstructed view of the western horizon, especially after sunset.
* Check local times: The exact times for moonrise, moonset, and conjunctions will vary depending on your specific location. Use online sky maps or astronomy apps to get precise timings for Merritt, British Columbia.
* Binoculars or a small telescope: While visible to the naked eye, binoculars will enhance the view, making Mars appear brighter and its small disk more apparent. A small telescope will offer an even better view.
* Look for the “ecliptic”: These conjunctions occur because both the Moon and Mars travel along the “ecliptic,” which is the approximate path the Sun, Moon, and planets follow across the sky.
Enjoy the celestial show in June!

Wax and Wane no pain

June  night sky

June 11th Full moon…

Lunar ovulation of Mars June 30th 2025

Fly me to the Moon/Mars…

Atmospheric dome is busy.

UFO 18:58:03 Pacific time May 27th 2025 over Merritt BC.

Space X

Test failed at tasks

So, not the Moon or Mars this week.

Kosmos 482

May fall to earth tonight… went to earth May 10th 2025

May 10th 2025

The spacecraft fell to Earth after 50 years of being in orbit and not landing on Venus which was designed to withstand. That hot planet was photographed by it. And it wasn’t expected to come back this way. However, they saw it coming in but they don’t know where it landed. So if you see this thing give NASA or call any other whatever space agencies. Or the police, somebody because they’re missing it.

May flower 🌹 moon tonight…

Spring moon, flower moon.

Weather

New moon brings King tides to BC

King Tides are the highest high tides of the year at a coastal location, significantly above the average high tide. They are a natural and predictable phenomenon that occurs once or twice annually in coastal areas. The scientific term for a King Tide is a perigean spring tide.
What causes King Tides?
King Tides happen due to a combination of astronomical factors:
* Alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun: The gravitational forces of the sun and moon have the greatest effect on Earth’s tides when these three bodies are aligned (during new and full moons). These are called spring tides, which occur about every two weeks.
* Moon’s Orbit: The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is elliptical, meaning there are times when the Moon is closer to the Earth (perigee) and farther away (apogee). When a new or full moon coincides with the Moon being at its closest point to Earth (perigean spring tide), the gravitational pull is stronger, resulting in higher tides.
* Earth’s Orbit: Similarly, the Earth’s orbit around the Sun is also elliptical. The Earth is closest to the sun (perihelion) in early January and farthest away (aphelion) in early July. When a perigean spring tide occurs around the time Earth is closest to the sun, it can further enhance the tidal range, leading to King Tides.
King Tides result in both the highest high tides and the lowest low tides of the year.
King Tide Situation in British Columbia
While I don’t have specific real-time information about a “current King Tide situation” as of today, April 30, 2025, King Tides are a recurring event in British Columbia, typically occurring during the winter months (November to February) and sometimes in the summer.
Here’s what is generally known about King Tides in BC:
* Timing: The highest risk of King Tides in BC usually falls between late December and early January. There can also be significant King Tide events in other winter months.
* Potential Impacts: King Tides can cause minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas. When combined with storm surges (sea level rise due to low atmospheric pressure and strong winds), they can lead to more significant coastal flooding and erosion.
* Sea Level Rise Connection: King Tides are not caused by climate change. However, they offer a glimpse into what future average high tides could look like as sea levels rise due to global warming. Observing King Tides helps communities understand and prepare for the long-term impacts of sea level rise on coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.
* Monitoring and Preparedness: Municipalities in coastal BC, such as Vancouver and Delta, often monitor King Tide forecasts and may take precautionary measures like closing sections of seawalls or providing sandbags to residents in flood-prone areas. They also use King Tide events to gather data and photos to help with flood hazard mapping and long-term adaptation strategies for sea level rise.
* Citizen Science: In the past, initiatives like the “King Tide Photo Initiative” in BC encouraged residents to photograph coastal areas during King Tides to document the extent of the flooding and visualize future sea levels.
For the most up-to-date information on any current or upcoming King Tide events in British Columbia, I recommend checking the following:
* Local News Outlets: They often report on anticipated King Tides and any associated risks or impacts.
* Tide Charts and Predictions: Websites that provide tide predictions for specific locations in British Columbia will show the dates and times of the highest tides of the year.
* Municipal Government Websites: Coastal municipalities often issue advisories or updates related to King Tides and potential flooding.
* Environment and Climate Change Canada: They provide weather warnings and information that could be relevant during King Tide events.
Keep in mind that even if a King Tide is predicted, the actual impact can vary depending on weather conditions such as wind and atmospheric pressure, which can either exacerbate or lessen the effects.

New moon tonight,

Black sky on West coast of North America

The new moon will occur on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 12:31 PM PDT on the west coast of North America.Visibility on the West Coast of North America:A new moon is the first lunar phase, which occurs when the Moon lies between the Earth and the Sun. At this phase, the sunlit side of the Moon faces away from Earth, making the Moon generally invisible to the naked eye. It rises and sets at roughly the same time as the Sun.Therefore, on the night of April 27th, 2025, and the days immediately surrounding it, the new moon will not be visible from the west coast of North America. The sky will appear dark (assuming clear weather and minimal light pollution), which makes it an excellent time for observing stars and other fainter celestial objects.General Information about the New Moon: * The Start of the Lunar Cycle: The new moon marks the beginning of the approximately 29.5-day lunar cycle. * Alignment: During a new moon, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. * Earthshine: Although the sunlit side faces away, sometimes a very faint glow called “earthshine” can make the unlit portion of the new moon subtly visible. This is due to sunlight reflecting off the Earth and onto the Moon. * Solar Eclipses: New moons are the only phase during which a solar eclipse can occur. This happens when the new moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, and the Moon’s shadow falls on Earth. However, a solar eclipse will not occur on April 27th, 2025. * Stargazing: The dark skies during the new moon phase provide the best conditions for observing faint stars, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects since there is no bright moonlight to interfere. * Tides: New moons (along with full moons) contribute to higher high tides and lower low tides, known as spring tides, due to the combined gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon.So, while you won’t be able to see the new moon itself on April 27th from the west coast of North America, you will have a dark sky perfect for stargazing!

Good sky gazing, good luck 🤞