Sleds, Stars, Spice!
Sled-in to Far Reach Observatory for a bit of star lore, hot cider, Moon, and celestial cool stuff!!
Tentative Feb 22, 23, 24 from 6pm to 8pm — depending on weather.
Look Up NOW — It’s Comet Time!
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS C/2023 A3 is now falling below naked eye visibility visiblility. Look Southwest after SUNSET with binoculars and use your phone camera set to 10 seconds and you might still grab a peak. Wait until twilight ends, scan above where the Sun set.
Photo credit: David Young Oct 26 2024
This picture below comes from an iPhone app known as Star Walk 2. If you have a passion for stargazing or simply enjoy learning about the wonders of the night sky, be sure to check out this fantastic app for an enhanced celestial experience. The picture was taken with an iPhone on October 15, 2024
Photo credit: David Young
We’ve Always Been Fascinated By Comets — A Few Reflections — DFY+
The study of comet sightings across ancient civilizations, from Babylon to the Americas, highlights a universal human curiosity about events in the night sky. Though interpretations and records of these events differ, they all reveal a shared quest to understand and interpret the unexpected. For the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, comets were not just astronomical phenomena; they were integral to the stories, rituals, and beliefs that shaped their understanding of the universe and their place within it.
Comets have captivated humanity for millennia, leaving their mark on the cultural records of civilizations worldwide. While written records from ancient China, Babylon, and other Old-World societies are well-documented, evidence from the Americas is often subtler. Here, knowledge of the skies was transmitted through oral traditions, petroglyphs, pictographs, and archaeological evidence rather than formal texts. These sources offer valuable insights into how Indigenous peoples of the Americas observed and interpreted celestial events long before European contact.
Petroglyphs of the Ancestral Puebloans
One of the most striking examples of early comet observations in North America comes from the Ancestral Puebloans (often referred to as the Anasazi) of the American Southwest. They left behind petroglyphs—stone carvings—that have been interpreted as depictions of celestial events. A notable example is a petroglyph near Chaco Canyon in present-day New Mexico, a significant cultural and astronomical center for the Ancestral Puebloans. This carving features a star-like symbol with a long, curved tail, reminiscent of a bright comet. Some scholars suggest it may depict Halley’s Comet during its 1066 CE appearance, which was also famously portrayed in the Bayeux Tapestry in Europe. If accurate, this interpretation indicates a fascination in celestial events among the Ancestral Puebloans, who likely incorporated such observations into their spiritual and cultural practices.
The Maya and the Dresden Codex
Further south, the Maya civilization of Central America provides another rich source of astronomical knowledge. Renowned for their advanced understanding of the cosmos, the Maya meticulously recorded celestial movements, including those of planets, stars, and other phenomena. Their knowledge is preserved in codices—folded bark-paper books with astronomical calculations and observations. The Dresden Codex, one of the few surviving pre-Columbian texts, contains detailed astronomical data, such as eclipse predictions and planetary cycles, alongside references to "smoking stars," interpreted by some scholars as comets. Although the precise dates of these observations remain uncertain, the Maya’s ability to track and record celestial events suggests that they monitored and possibly predicted comet appearances. Comets may have been potent symbols or omens within their cosmological framework, shaping rituals and cultural beliefs.
Inca Traditions and Celestial Observations
In South America, the Inca and other Andean cultures closely observed the skies, integrating celestial events into their cosmological worldview. Unlike the Maya, the Inca left few written records, but Spanish chroniclers in the 16th century documented oral traditions that included references to unusual sky events. Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala, a Quechua nobleman, recorded descriptions of bright objects in the sky that some modern scholars interpret as comets. Although these accounts were written decades after the events, they provide valuable insights into Inca interpretations of celestial phenomena. For the Inca, comets were often seen as divine messages, with implications for agriculture, leadership, and societal well-being.
Cultural Significance of Comets in Indigenous Astronomy
Unlike some European and Asian traditions, where comets were meticulously documented as part of systematic astronomical studies, Indigenous observations in the Americas often held spiritual or practical significance. Comets could be seen as omens, heralding changes in leadership, challenging times, or messages from the spiritual realm.
For instance, the Ancestral Puebloans may have integrated comet observations into their ceremonial cycles or used them as time markers. The Maya likely perceived comets as part of the cyclical nature of time, fitting them into their complex cosmology that linked the heavens, the underworld, and the human realm. For the Inca, the sky was a living tapestry, where events like comet appearances were interpreted within a broader mythological context, guiding rituals and agricultural practices.
Interpreting evidence of comet sightings from ancient Indigenous cultures is not without challenges. Unlike written records that specify dates and details, interpretations of petroglyphs and oral traditions often depend on context and symbolism. Nonetheless, these records reveal a deep engagement with the cosmos. The Indigenous peoples of the Americas were astute observers of the sky, and their records demonstrate a profound connection to celestial phenomena. Whether through stone carvings or oral histories, their observations of comets, such as the "smoking stars" of the Maya, provide a window into how these ancient cultures understood and revered the heavens.
Comets in Recent History: Cosmic Wonders and Human Events — DFY+
For millennia, comets have fascinated and perplexed humanity. Often appearing without warning, these bright, tail-bearing celestial objects have been seen as omens of change, doom, or divine intervention. Whether viewed through the lens of superstition or scientific curiosity, comets have left their mark on the human imagination. Throughout history, significant comet appearances have coincided with major global events, shaping how we interpret and remember both the cosmic visitors and the moments of history that surrounded them. Let’s journey through time, exploring some of the most famous comet sightings and the important historical events that occurred around the same time.
Halley’s Comet in 1066: A Harbinger of Change
Perhaps the most famous of all comets, Halley’s Comet makes an appearance every 75-76 years. One of its most historically significant showings occurred in 1066, during a period of monumental upheaval in England. The bright comet was seen as an ominous sign by King Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. Soon after, he was defeated at the Battle of Hastings by William the Conqueror, marking the beginning of the Norman Conquest. The comet’s dramatic appearance was later immortalized in the Bayeux Tapestry, a vivid depiction of the conquest, where it is shown blazing in the sky, capturing the imaginations of those who witnessed it and reinforcing its association with significant change.
The Great Comet of 1577: A Turning Point in Science
Fast forward to 1577, when the Great Comet of 1577 appeared in the night sky, visible for several months. This comet wasn’t just a spectacle for the average person—it became a subject of scientific study for Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. Brahe’s careful observations helped challenge the belief that comets were atmospheric phenomena, paving the way for new understandings of astronomy. This period also saw the rise of European exploration, with figures like Francis Drake circumnavigating the globe. The study of the Great Comet of 1577 marked a turning point in the Scientific Revolution, setting the stage for Johannes Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, which would soon revolutionize humanity's understanding of the solar system.
The Great Comet of 1811: A Long-Lasting Sight During Tumultuous Times
The Great Comet of 1811 was one of the longest-lasting comet sightings on record, visible for an astounding 260 days. Its bright tail and vivid coma made it a striking presence in the sky. During this time, the world was in turmoil. In Europe, Napoleon was in the midst of his Russian campaign, which would end in disaster for his army. Meanwhile, in the United States, the New Madrid Earthquakes rocked the central part of the country, and the War of 1812 loomed on the horizon. Despite the chaos on Earth, the Great Comet remained a stable, awe-inspiring sight in the sky, serving as a reminder of the vastness and mystery of the universe in contrast to the fleeting nature of human conflicts.
The Great Comet of 1843: The Longest Tail in History
In 1843, another spectacular comet appeared—the Great Comet of 1843, part of the Kreutz Sungrazers family. This comet passed incredibly close to the Sun, developing one of the longest tails ever recorded, stretching over 2 astronomical units (more than 300 million kilometers). The comet’s appearance coincided with significant events on Earth. In China, the First Opium War was coming to an end, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Nanking, which had lasting effects on Sino-British relations. In the United States, the era of Westward Expansion was in full swing, and the telegraph was beginning to revolutionize communication, reflecting the era's rapid technological advancements.
Halley’s Comet in 1910: Panic and Progress
When Halley’s Comet made its return in 1910, it sparked widespread fear as Earth passed through the comet's tail. Some believed that the gases in the tail could poison the planet, leading to a brief period of panic. But for most, it was a time of awe and wonder at the celestial phenomenon. This comet's appearance occurred during a period of significant political and social change. The Mexican Revolution had begun, and in Europe, King Edward VII of England had just passed away, marking the end of the Edwardian era. Just a few years later, the world would be plunged into World War I, forever altering the global order.
Comet Ikeya-Seki in 1965: A Bright Light During a Dark Time
The 1960s were marked by political and social upheaval, from the Vietnam War to the Civil Rights movement. In the midst of this, the Space Race was heating up, with NASA pushing forward with missions that would ultimately land humans on the Moon. Against this backdrop, Comet Ikeya-Seki made its dramatic appearance in 1965, becoming one of the brightest comets of the 20th century. Visible even in daylight, this comet, a "sungrazer," passed very close to the Sun and left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it. At the same time, NASA was launching the Gemini missions, preparing for humanity’s first steps on another world.
Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 in 1994: A Celestial Collision
Unlike other comets, Shoemaker-Levy 9 is remembered for its dramatic collision with Jupiter in 1994. The comet broke apart and impacted the gas giant, leaving scars on its surface visible from Earth. This event was the first time astronomers had observed an extraterrestrial collision in real time, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of the solar system. This period also marked the end of the Cold War, with nations collaborating more in space exploration. The planning for the International Space Station (ISS) was well underway, and space exploration was entering a new era of international cooperation.
Comet Hyakutake in 1996: Close Encounters and Technological Growth
Just two years later, in 1996, Comet Hyakutake passed unusually close to Earth, providing a stunning display with its long tail stretching across the sky. This close approach made it one of the most memorable comets of the decade. During this time, the world was witnessing rapid technological advancements. The World Wide Web was beginning to revolutionize communication, and Bill Clinton was re-elected as President of the United States. In space, international cooperation was increasing, laying the groundwork for future collaborative missions.
Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997: A Celestial Giant and a Tragic Cult
One of the brightest and most widely observed comets of the 20th century, Comet Hale-Bopp dominated the night sky for an unprecedented 18 months starting in 1997. Its visibility made it a favorite among astronomers and amateur stargazers alike. However, the comet also became tragically associated with the Heaven’s Gate cult, whose members believed they would ascend to an alien spacecraft following the comet.
Conclusion: Comets as Witnesses to History
From medieval omens of conquest to modern scientific breakthroughs, comets have long been intertwined with human history. These cosmic wanderers have appeared at times of great change, whether in the form of technological progress, social upheaval, or geopolitical conflict. Whether seen as messengers or simply as beautiful spectacles, comets remind us of our deep connection to the cosmos and the events that shape our lives. As humanity continues to explore the universe, comets will undoubtedly continue to captivate our imagination, linking the vastness of space with the ever-changing story of life on Earth.