Category Archives: Astronomy

The Backyard Astronomer by Adam England On October 6 the planet Mars made its closest approach to Earth, putting it only 38.6 million miles away. We call this close approach ‘opposition,’ meaning when the Earth and Mars are in a direct line on the same side of the Sun. Because orbits are not perfectly circular,Continue reading “Mars“

What’s Up? by Adam England On July 4 we celebrate the Declaration of Independence of the United States from the monarchy of Britain. Traditional ceremonies include community parades, neighborhood barbecues, fireworks, and here in Prescott, we rodeo. After all those festivities, beginning at 8:07 MST, a penumbral lunar eclipse will grace our skies. A lunarContinue reading “Eclipsing Independence“