This week, Bob’s focus in the cosmos is our closest celestial neighbor: the moon. For the first time in more than 50 years, astronauts will be in the moon’s orbit. The mission is named “Artemis 2,” and launch is tentatively scheduled for February 8th. Although the astronauts won’t be landing on the moon’s surface, they will be orbiting a mere 5,000 miles away. The purpose of this mission is primarily to test equipment. The long-term goal is to establish a base on the moon.
The follow-on mission will be called “Artemis 3,” and is tentatively scheduled for 2028. In that mission, astronauts will land on the moon again, somewhere in the south polar region.
If you want to watch the launch on February 8th, there will be live coverage on NASA TV and YouTube.
Bob also talks about the recent bloom of sunspots that has produced several large solar flares. This will result in prominent northern lights on February 3rd, 4th and 5th.
For those who might be interested, Bob also mentions Mercury, which will be visible in the lower western horizon later this week. The best viewing time is about 35 or 40 minutes after sunset.
You can hear Astro Bob's Backyard Astronomy every other Tuesday at 8:20am on Northland Morning.
