Latest news with #InternationalDark-SkyAssociation
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Missed the Lyrids meteor shower? The Eta Aquarids, with up to 50 meteors per hour, is soon
The Lyrid meteor shower lit up Texas skies early Tuesday, giving stargazers the perfect chance to enjoy a celestial display. Though not as dramatic as some of the more famous meteor showers, the Lyrids are a reliable annual event, producing up to 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower is caused by debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in 1861, according to Named after the constellation Lyra, the Lyrids are one of the oldest known meteor showers — with records from China indicating it was observed more than 2,500 years ago. Comet Thatcher, the source of the Lyrids, takes about 415 years to orbit the Sun and won't be visible from Earth again until 2276. But if you missed it, don't fret. The Eta Aquarids is just days away. You won't have to wait long for another chance to catch falling stars. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower is already active, and annually comes from April 19 to May 28. Peak viewing is expected on May 5 and 6. This shower tends to be more of a spectacle, producing up to 50 meteors per hour at its peak. It's named after Eta Aquarii, one of the stars in the constellation Aquarius. The Eta Aquarids is one of two meteor showers created by debris from Comet Halley. Earth crosses Halley's orbital path twice a year — once in spring and again in fall. The second crossing creates the Orionid meteor shower, which typically peaks around October 20. Comet Halley takes about 76 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. The next time it will be visible from Earth is in 2061. Unless clouds obstruct the view, Texans will have the opportunity to see the meteor shower in early May. The best viewing will be during the pre-dawn hours, from around 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., when the sky is darkest. Texas is home to several International Dark Sky Communities, designated by the International Dark-Sky Association for their commitment to reducing light pollution and preserving night skies. Dripping Springs, located about 23 miles west of Austin, was the first in Texas to earn this title in 2014 and the sixth in the world. In addition to these communities, Texas also boasts several Dark Sky Places, which include larger natural areas like parks or preserves dedicated to protecting the night sky. These areas typically have minimal artificial light and offer educational opportunities about astronomy. Notable examples of Dark Sky Places in Texas include Big Bend National Park, Enchanted Rock, and Devils River State Natural Area. Here are the areas officially recognized for Dark Sky initiatives in Texas, which will be the best viewing places for the upcoming meteor showers. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Eta Aquarids meteor shower 2025: When and where to watch in Texas
Gulf Insider
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
AlUla Skies Festival 2025 Returns Next Week
AlUla Moments has announced the return of the 'AlUla Skies Festival 2025' from April 18 to 27, featuring a variety of new experiences. The festival highlights the area's clear, light-pollution-free skies and AlUla's deep, ancient connection to astronomy, as it is home to Gharameel and AlUla's Beacon, the first designated Dark Sky locations in the Middle East, recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association, solidifying AlUla's status as a global hub for astro-tourism. The festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to stargaze in a pristine natural environment, showcasing IDA-certified locations such as Gharameel and AlUla's Beacon. These spots are among the first official Dark Sky Sites in the region, reinforcing AlUla's role as a leading destination for stargazing tourism. Visitors can head to the Gharameel Reserve to view the Milky Way in one of the clearest skies in the region. The experience also includes night walks, camping sessions and grilled dinners around campfires. The festival features a variety of additional activities, including illuminated hot air balloon shows, tethered-flight and free-flight balloon rides over AlUla's iconic landmarks, and musical concerts blending culture, exploration and entertainment. For more information about the AlUla Skies Festival, visitors can check the official website:
Arab News
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
AlUla Skies Festival 2025 returns next week
RIYADH: AlUla Moments has announced the return of the 'AlUla Skies Festival 2025' from April 18 to 27, featuring a variety of new experiences. The festival highlights the area's clear, light-pollution-free skies and AlUla's deep, ancient connection to astronomy, as it is home to Gharameel and AlUla's Beacon, the first designated Dark Sky locations in the Middle East, recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association, solidifying AlUla's status as a global hub for astro-tourism. The festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to stargaze in a pristine natural environment, showcasing IDA-certified locations such as Gharameel and AlUla's Beacon. These spots are among the first official Dark Sky Sites in the region, reinforcing AlUla's role as a leading destination for stargazing tourism. Visitors can head to the Gharameel Reserve to view the Milky Way in one of the clearest skies in the region. The experience also includes night walks, camping sessions and grilled dinners around campfires. The festival features a variety of additional activities, including illuminated hot air balloon shows, tethered-flight and free-flight balloon rides over AlUla's iconic landmarks, and musical concerts blending culture, exploration and entertainment. For more information about the AlUla Skies Festival, visitors can check the official website:
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Super new moon won't be visible in Texas, but stars will. See map of dark sky communities
A rare astronomical event will take place Saturday as a super new moon moves across the sky. Although this phenomenon brings the moon closer to Earth, don't expect to see it in Texas — this phase keeps the moon hidden in the dark sky, making it invisible to the naked eye. Still, the dull moonlight will bring darker night skies, allowing the stars to shine brighter than ever and providing ideal conditions for stargazing. A super new moon happens when the moon is at its closest point to Earth (perigee) during its new moon phase. This means the moon is slightly nearer and appears a bit larger in its orbit, though this effect is not visible to us. Unfortunately, don't let the name fool you. There's nothing spectacular about a "super new moon" and you actually cannot see it. During the new moon phase, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, meaning the side facing us isn't lit. So, even though it's closer than usual, it remains hidden in the dark sky. However, the absence of moonlight means darker skies, making it a perfect opportunity to see stars shining even brighter. The next super full moon will be on Nov. 5, 2025. The next full moon, known as the Pink Moon, will reach its peak on Sunday, April 13. Texas is home to several International Dark Sky Communities, designated by the International Dark-Sky Association for their commitment to reducing light pollution and preserving night skies. Dripping Springs, located about 23 miles west of Austin, was the first in Texas to earn this title in 2014 and the sixth in the world. In addition to these communities, Texas also boasts several Dark Sky Places, which include larger natural areas like parks or preserves dedicated to protecting the night sky. These areas typically have minimal artificial light and offer educational opportunities about astronomy. Notable examples of Dark Sky Places in Texas include Big Bend National Park, Enchanted Rock, and Devils River State Natural Area. Here are the areas officially recognized for Dark Sky initiatives in Texas. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Best places for stargazing in Texas: See map of dark sky communities
