Posts Tagged ‘weather’
December 9, 2011
by tte-77
Make astronomy weather reports a regular feature on weather broadcasts
If you follow the popular @sky_watching Twitter feed then you would have noticed the recent re-tweet from @UKAstroPetition about the campaign to make Astronomy Weather Reports a regular feature on UK News. There is an e-petition requesting The Met Office to produce regular stargazing and astronomy related weather information and that it be shown as part of broadcasted weather reports via the BBC.
What is the most frustrating part of being an amateur astronomer? The bloody weather.
Not to be selfish though, not only would success with the e-petition be of great benefit to amateur astronomers, it would also help boost public awareness of the study of the sky and stars, which in turn encourages the study of science for future generations.
Join us and support the e-petition! Visit the official Directgov ‘Regular Stargazing/Astronomy reports’ e-petition here.
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Posted in Astronomy, tte-77 | Tagged amateur astronomers, Astronomy, BBC, bloody weather, broadcast, Directgov, e-petition, join, news, petition, postaweek2011, sign, Sky, skywatching, stargazing, support, twitter, UK, UKAstroPetition, weather | 4 Comments »
July 9, 2011
by yaska77
The last ever launch of NASA’s space shuttle blasted STS-135 Atlantis into orbit yesterday. Weather concerns had worried mission controllers throughout the long countdown, but as the lift-off time approached the weather broke and all teams polled go for launch.
STS-135 Atlantis spears skyward and makes history (Click to supersize) - Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
The 135th and final space shuttle mission lifted off from Kennedy Space Center at 11:29 EDT (15:29 GMT/16:29 BST) on Friday 8th July.
On its 12 day mission Atlantis will deliver 3.5 tonnes of supplies to the ISS.
The thousands of spectators lining the roads and beaches around KSC began cheering as the countdown clock got closer to lift-off, but at T-minus 31 seconds the timer stopped.
During the 3 minute delay NASA technicians visually checked the complete retraction of the gaseous vent arm (which failed to automatically signify control of complete retraction), before the countdown resumed.
STS-134 Endeavour photographed during the "back-flip" manoeuvre (Click to supersize) - Credit: NASA
Today the crew have carried out the first stage of visual inspections on the wing heat shields using the orbiter’s robotic arm, with the second stage “back-flip manoeuvre” on approach to the ISS due before docking on Sunday (at 11:07 EDT (15:07 GMT/16:07 BST).
NASA Technicians will then review the images taken and launch footage video to determine if any damage to the heat tiles has occurred.
When Atlantis returns to Earth it will signal the end of the 30 year space shuttle program, with all 3 remaining shuttles of the orbiter fleet being retired to museums.
Docking may not be covered live on NASA TV, but the hatch opening is scheduled at 13:19 EDT (17:19 GMT/18:19 BST)
You can view the full STS-135 NASA TV shedule here
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Posted in Image gallery, ISS, NASA, yaska77 | Tagged 135th, 2011, 8th, atlantis, Center, countdown, docking, final, Florida, Friday, hatch, historic, History, inspection, International Space Station, ISS, july, Kennedy, KSC, launch, lift-off, mission, museums, NASA, NASA TV, opening, orbiter, postaweek2011, rocket, shuttle, skyward, space, SRB's, STS-135, t-minus, technicians, timer, visual, weather | Leave a Comment »
July 8, 2011
by yaska77
Kennedy Space Center is abuzz with activity as the countdown to the last ever shuttle launch continues.
Inspections had to be carried out after an amazing 50 lightning strikes in 20 minutes battered the KSC, with at least one bolt striking pad 39A where STS-135 Atlantis is being prepared. Thankfully the all clear was given after no damage was found.
A contact at the launch today confirmed NASA have changed their forecast from 40% (two days ago), to only a 30% chance of launch on time.
Lightning strike at pad 39A - Credit: NASA TV
This historic event currently has a lift-off scheduled for Friday 8th July at 11:26 EDT (15:26 GMT/16:26 BST).
We’ve got the NASA TV feed for you below (which will feature launch information in real-time), and we will update our Twitter feed and the blog as and when new developments occur.
Streaming Live video by Ustream
Keep watching this space, Atlantis will fly (eventually!) and we can all watch in awe and wonder at the power and beauty of a space shuttle launch, for the last ever time.
The shuttle program has been one hell of an emotional ride, but this launch will be just that bit more special…
History in the making people.
If you have Google Earth installed you can follow the shuttle from launch to landing via NASA (click here)
To watch NASA TV on the NASA site click here
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Posted in NASA, yaska77 | Tagged 30%, 39A, atlantis, bolt, Center, countdown, earth, ever, Florida, forecast, google, google earth, historic, History, Kennedy, kennedy space center, KSC, last, launch, launchpad, lift-off, lightning, live, NASA, NASA TV, orbiter, postaweek2011, see, shuttle, space, streaming, strikes, STS-135, tracker, watch, weather | 4 Comments »
July 5, 2011
by yaska77
The famous Kennedy Space Center clock has started its countdown towards lift-off, but NASA weather forecasters are currently predicting only a 40% chance of launch this Friday 8th July at 11:26 EDT (15:26 GMT/16:26 BST).
Rain showers and isolated thunderstorms are currently expected, but NASA will continue to monitor the situation while its preparations continue.
STS-129 Atlantis (9 seconds after lift-off!) - Credit: NASA
Longer range forecasts show improving conditions as the weekend progresses, but with thousands of people expected to line the roads and beaches around KSC it could be too much of a gamble for many planning a long journey.
When it does launch, STS-135 Atlantis will be loaded with more than 3.5 tonnes of supplies for International Space Station (ISS), and will see the last ever Shuttle launch as the orbiter fleet is being retired.
Keep checking back for regular updates, and additional info may appear in our Twitter feed!
Source: BBC Science
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Posted in ISS, NASA, yaska77 | Tagged atlantis, Center, clock, countdown, delay, fleet, Florida, for, forecast, International, ISS, Kennedy, KSC, launch, liftoff, NASA, orbiter, postaweek2011, predicted, rain, shuttle, space, Station, STS135, thunderstorms, timer, weather | Leave a Comment »
