astronomy

If a little stargazing this weekend sound like fun, then a celestial light show is coming. The annual Leonid meteor shower is set to occur in a few days. The shooting stars appear in the night sky as the Earth passes through the debris coming off of comet Temple Tuttle.

The Earth is passing into the orbit of the comet Temple-Tuttle. As a result, stargazers can expect to see the annual Perseid meteor shower reach its peak, with the best times to look for the Perseids on the mornings. The last morning to see the peak is Aug. 13.

Before the rain came down in the Yellowhammer State, The University of Alabama’s department of physics and astronomy had heads turned upward at their solar eclipse viewing event on April 8. Those foiled by cloudy weather or who weren't along the path of Monday's total solar eclipse still have more chances to catch a glimpse.

Onlookers in Tuscaloosa and the Mobile area reported cloud cover in the way of today’s partial solar eclipse. Elsewhere, a chilly, midday darkness fell across North America as a total solar eclipse raced across the continent, thrilling those lucky enough to behold the spectacle through clear skies.

The University of Alabama is gearing up for next week’s solar eclipse. Faculty from the Department of Physics and Astronomy will host a viewing event on Monday, April 8, starting at 1:00 p.m. A booth will be set up in front of Gorgas Library with special viewing glasses.

The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will peak from May fifth through May sixth.There will be a free light show to anyone looking at the sky tomorrow.

There will be free light shows available to anyone looking at the sky in April and May. The Lyrid meteor shower is projected to occur from April 15 through April 29. It will peak from April 21 to April 23. The Eta Aquarids meteor shower will also occur from April 15 to May 27. That shower will peak from May 5 through May 6.

Skywatchers both in Alabama and across much of the world were treated to something special Sunday night.The Super Blood Wolf Moon was easily visible…