In which I compare the Near Star Map from the 2300AD RPG to the actual distribution of stars around Sol and find many interesting differences!
[Stellar Mapping] RECONS list updated!
In which I find a star that was left out of the RECONS dataset – if you’ve already downloaded the RECONS files, download the new version so you can include Gliese 667!
[Stellar Mapping] How to make your own stellar database!
In which I describe how to use the VizieR database to make your own stellar database with Galactic XYZ co-ordinates (and how to import it into Astrosynthesis too)!
Website Update: Stellar Mapping page updated!
In which I update my Stellar Mapping page, which now includes star data out to 300ly from Sol, Equatorial to Galactic co-ordinate converters, and support for Astrosynthesis!
Website update: Further Stars List uploaded!
I’ve finally added the “Further Star List” to my Realistic Near-Sol Astrography webpage – this is an excel file that contains accurate locations of a selection of major stars (including Vega, Deneb, 51 Pegasi, Spica, Bellatrix and Algol) that are more than 10pc from Sol!
The Journey Home
Whatever you’re doing today, find some time to watch this – it’s an amazing timelapse video of the view from ISS as it hurtles around the Earth every 90 minutes. There’s all sorts of wonders in here – lightning, cities, aurorae, stars, and even the moon makes an appearance! Plus it has an awesome soundtrack 🙂 http://vimeo.com/32430473
Dawn arrives at Vesta!
In which I show off more images from Vesta!
Approaching Vesta!
In which I enthuse about the latest image of Vesta from NASA’s Dawn spacecraft!
[Book Review] The Demon-Haunted World, by Carl Sagan
In which I review Carl Sagan’s book “The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a candle in the dark”.
Still alive
In which I (unsurprisingly) report that the Rapture didn’t happen.