What Is Classical Astronomy?
Classical Astronomy represents the traditional study of the sky as it has been done for centuries, even before the telescope.
Before You Buy a Telescope
A telescope can be useful piece of astronomy equipment, as long as the person is adequately prepared. Too many people make the mistake of rushing out to buy a scope before they are prepared, and after a few unfruitful nights under the stars, the unprepared observer can become very disappointed and disillusioned.
The Paschal Moon
Mel Gibson’s stunning motion picture, “The Passion of The Christ,” opens with a dramatic closeup view of the Full Moon. From there, we see Jesus and His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the subsequent events from the Gospels are shown set against the pale brightness of the Moon’s light.
Standard Time
In the modern world, we use “Standard Time” in which the whole world is divided into 24 time zones. As a result, on any day of the year at any latitude, the times of actual sunrise and sunset vary depending on your location within a time zone.
The Astronomy of Easter
Since the early centuries of the church, Christians have honored the death and resurrection of Jesus in the celebration of Easter. And while the observance of Easter has changed over the centuries, it is based on the Hebrew Passover.
The “Smile Moon” of Spring
One fun thing to notice in the springtime is how the waxing crescent Moon appears as a “smile” in the evening sky.
Hercules Retold by Geraldine McCaughrean
Geraldine McCaughrean’s talent is what makes the ancient legend of Hercules and his 12 impossible tasks come to life.
