The 7th Magnitude
5 episodes Last Updated: Sep 30, 23
Looking up on a clear, dark night inspires a sense of amazement. The darker your sky, the more you begin to wonder, "What IS that?" But even basic questions like "Is the moon really visible in the daytime", or "Why do we get so much daylight in the summer?" may seem like they should be obvious.
In astronomy, apparent magnitude is the rating scale for object brightness whether it be a planet, star, or galaxy. Did you know that the lower the number, the brighter the object? Your eyes can see through the 6th magnitude, but in the 7th, you need visual aid. The same can be true for knowledge.
Episodes
REVISED 9/29/2023 (Audio issue fixed!)
Basically, we wanted to discuss meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites. We are not going to deep in this segment, hence the "Part I", because we wanted to save time to discuss meteor shower viewing tips as well. Plus we wanted to discuss some of the planetary shifting going on this summer and how it shapes up for fall!
Tim and Terry discuss some very imprtant safety tips while viewing a solar eclipse. Their advice, while fron experience, is not a substitute for common sense! Please, to the viewer, when in doubt - DO NOT DO IT. Always remember NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN especially unprotected (and having your eyelids simply closed is also dangerous). Talk to others as well, and don't rely on only what is said here, but do your homework too.
That said, if you have the right equipment and feel comfortable using it, then have fun seeing your star. Otherwise, seek out your local astronomony club, planetarium, or observatory and let them show you how to view the sun properly as well.
After going over the definitions of a constellation and an asterism, some sky events, and some news items, we will discuss a few of the differences between official constellations and helpful asterisms. Tim and Terry discuss just what the Big and Little Dippers are, as well as the Summer Triangle and how they fit into the night sky picture, as well as some other popular star patterns.
Jul 07, 2023
Solar Eclipses of 2023-2024
2023 and 2024 is the year of solar eclipses for the United States. Remarkably, each one is of a different type; October 14, 2023 features an annular solar eclipse while April 8, 2024 will see a total solar eclipse. What's the difference? Well, that's why you need to watch (or listen!).
In this first episode, we will get through the basics of eclipses, both lunar and solar!
May 27, 2023
Who the 7734 Are These Guys?
Greetings Skywatchers!
After a long hiatus, Tim and Terry are back doing what they love to do: talking about things related to the night sky and the universe around us. Having each spent 35 years+ in planetariums, observatories, and community education, they are both eager to get this new venture started and help you understand some of the cosmos' most difficult topics. While neither has a PhD, both have vast experience in taking on live, unscripted questions and present with a factual, yet somewhat humorous tone that should help you learn, or maybe re-learn, things you were unsure of.
In this pilot episode, you will hear about their experience (sorry for the "resume" talk, hope it doesn't come across that way!), and their hopes for you, the listener. They are based in Buffalo, NY, but are not limiting themselves to that region; for the most part the sky is above ALL of us, so with just a little time/location conversion, much of what you will hear DOES pertain to EVERYONE!
Oh, and if you are wondering what 7734 is all about, and if you may be too young to appreciate, go find a good old-fashioned calculator, type it in, and turn the display upside down. That's your homework... :)