7 episodes
The 7th Magnitude The 7th Magnitude
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- Science
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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Looking up on a clear, dark night inspires a sense of amazement. The darker your sky, the more you begin to wonder, "What IS that?" But even basic questions like "Is the moon really visible in the daytime", or "Why do we get so much daylight in the summer?" may seem like they should be obvious.
In astronomy, apparent magnitude is the rating scale for object brightness whether it be a planet, star, or galaxy. Did you know that the lower the number, the brighter the object? Your eyes can see through the 6th magnitude, but in the 7th, you need visual aid. The same can be true for knowledge.
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Amateur Astronomy Clubs: Our First Guest
So, in addtion to the what's going on in the sky, Terry and Tim take some time to discuss how you can find your local amateur astronomy club. For the first time, The 7th Magnitude "Bright Star Seat" is filled with the president of the Buffalo Astronomical Association, Mr. Mike Humphrey.
Mike gives his insight into what amateur clubs do, how anyone can be involved at any age, and even discusses how he got his start in astronomy. -
Eclipses of the Past to 1806 and 1925
From the days of antiquity, solar eclipses were omens, signs, that something was about to occur. If, as astrologer, you missed one... look out! Just ask ancient Chinese astronomers Ho and Hi, or let Terry explain!
Then, learn about the past in Western New York, from Buffalo's founding as a village (1804) and the 1806 eclipse and how the War of 1812 may have played a part in loss of records. The next opportunity for a solar eclipse here came on a mild January day in 1925. Who came to Buffalo then, what was it like here, and how did Niagara Falls fare that day? -
Meteors and Showers Part I: Sorry, No Meteor Baths
REVISED 9/29/2023 (Audio issue fixed!)
Basically, we wanted to discuss meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites. We are not going to deep in this segment, hence the "Part I", because we wanted to save time to discuss meteor shower viewing tips as well. Plus we wanted to discuss some of the planetary shifting going on this summer and how it shapes up for fall! -
Solar Safety (Burning Holes in the Eyes is NOT a Good Idea)
Tim and Terry discuss some very imprtant safety tips while viewing a solar eclipse. Their advice, while fron experience, is not a substitute for common sense! Please, to the viewer, when in doubt - DO NOT DO IT. Always remember NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN especially unprotected (and having your eyelids simply closed is also dangerous). Talk to others as well, and don't rely on only what is said here, but do your homework too.
That said, if you have the right equipment and feel comfortable using it, then have fun seeing your star. Otherwise, seek out your local astronomony club, planetarium, or observatory and let them show you how to view the sun properly as well. -
Constellations, Asterisms, and Hand Measurements - Oh My!
After going over the definitions of a constellation and an asterism, some sky events, and some news items, we will discuss a few of the differences between official constellations and helpful asterisms. Tim and Terry discuss just what the Big and Little Dippers are, as well as the Summer Triangle and how they fit into the night sky picture, as well as some other popular star patterns.
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Solar Eclipses of 2023-2024
2023 and 2024 is the year of solar eclipses for the United States. Remarkably, each one is of a different type; October 14, 2023 features an annular solar eclipse while April 8, 2024 will see a total solar eclipse. What's the difference? Well, that's why you need to watch (or listen!).
In this first episode, we will get through the basics of eclipses, both lunar and solar!