Gary has been an amateur astronomer for nearly 40 years. He has observed
over 200 comets, acquired thousands of images, authored six books and
numerous magazine articles, and regularly gives talks on various
astronomical topics.
We are once again heading into the Summer weeks when even casual observers of the night sky are likely to see some shooting stars. Some shooting stars can be quite spectacular, and even though the biggest meteor shower of the...
Pluto, the lowly little object which enjoyed the designation "planet" until it was demoted to a "dwarf planet" in 2006, has just shown astronomers that it is the little object that could.Earlier today it was...
This Saturday, May 7, is International Astronomy Day and two events will be held in the St. Louis area by members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society (SLAS).The first event will be held at the St. Louis Science...
A meteor shower is currently active that will peak on the morning of May 6. Known as the Eta Aquarids, the shower is interesting because it was created by the famous Halley's Comet, but it is one of...
The Lyrids, one of the most ancient of the known meteor showers, are about to start off the season for meteor observing.The Lyrids will peak on the night of April 21 to 22. They are produced by comet Thatcher...
Have you ever heard of a Super Moon? I have been an avid amateur astronomer for over 40 years and had never really heard the term before; however, this all changed yesterday when I checked my e-mail.
My interest...
This Tuesday, December 21, will be an unusually busy day for astronomical events, as we experience a lunar eclipse, a meteor shower, and the Winter solstice.The day begins with one of the best lunar eclipses in years. A lunar...
Astronomers were surprised by a well-known asteroid this week when a routine survey revealed it was surrounded by a partial shell of dust.The asteroid is designated "596" meaning it was the 596th minor planet to be...
The cold nights of December are a reminder of many things, such as festive holidays, food, and desserts. But if you look to the sky for several days before and after the night of December 13/14, you are...
The astronomical world has lost one of its brightest stars, as Dr. Brian G. Marsden passed away yesterday morning.Brian made a significant contribution to our understanding of the motion of comets during the last 40 years. He successfully...