May 15, 2003
Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight
I just learned there will be a total lunar eclipse tonight! Scroll down on that linked page to see the chart that shows what time it starts in your area. In Pacific Time, the partial eclipse begins at 7:03 pm, and total eclipse begins at 8:14 pm. Total eclipse is over by 9:07 and partial eclipse over by 10:18pm. Check it out! I have to teach during most of the eclipse, but I'm gonna try and take a break and see the total eclipse begin.
March 14, 2003
Flowing Water on Mars!?
The BBC has an article discussing some photographs of Mars that scientists say are evidence of flowing water on Mars. There's also a Slashdot discussion. Strangely, this news is nearly three years old, but I sure don't recall hearing about it. See higher-resolution pictures here.
March 13, 2003
Jupiter's Great Dark Spot
That's no typo. Apparently Jupiter has a Great Dark Spot near its north pole that is larger than its more famous Great Red Spot (where "larger" means twice the size of Earth-kinda-big!) It turns out that this spot is more ephemeral. Check it out at NASA where you will also find some amazing images. There's also a Slashdot discussion of this.