Solar System Topics
Ursid Meteor Surprise
2000 — Sept. 20, 2011
The normally meek Ursid meteor shower could surprise sky watchers with a powerful outburst on Dec 22nd when Earth passes through a dust stream from periodic comet Tuttle.
Some CometsLike it Hot
2000 — April 6, 2011
Amateur astronomers are discovering pieces of a giant comet that broke apart in antiquity as the fragments zoom perilously close to the Sun. You can join the hunt, too. All you need is a computer and an internet connection to view realtime data from the orbiting ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory.
5/5/2000: The Meteor Shower
2000 — April 6, 2011
The eta Aquarid meteor shower, caused by bits of debris from Halley's Comet, will peak on May 5-6, 2000. Lunar observers will be watching The Moonon the nights after the shower for possible signs of meteorite impacts.
From the Drawing Board to the Stars
2000 — April 6, 2011
In this scientific human interest story, Dr. Jim Burch describes what it's like to visualize a modern space mission and then, years later, to make it happen. Burch shares his experiences as a competitor for mission funding, as a coordinator of far-flung personnel, and as an onlooker during launch.
June's Invisible Meteors
2000 — April 6, 2011
During the next week thousands of Meteorswill streak through the sky, but don't expect to see many. They are the Arietid and zeta Perseid Meteors-- the most intense daytime meteor showers of the year. For many meteor enthusiasts, the best way to enjoy the show could be by listening to meteor echoes on a ham or common FM radio.
A Rare Meteor Shower
2003 — Sept. 20, 2011
Earth is approaching a cometary debris stream that might trigger an unusual Antarctic meteor shower this weekend.
Genesis Reentry
2004 — April 6, 2011
On September 8th, a daylight fireball will streak across the western United States. It's Genesis, returning samples of the Sun to Earth.