Astronomy
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Astronomy
May 17, 2013 — Generations of physicists have claimed that time is an illusion. But not all agree. In his book Time Reborn: From the Crisis in Physics to the Future of the Universe, theoretical physicist Lee Smolin argues that time exists—and he says time is key to understanding the evolution of the universe.
May 10, 2013 — Saul Perlmutter shared the 2011 Nobel Prize in physics for his discovery that the universe was expanding at an accelerating rate. Perlmutter explains how supernovae and other astronomical artifacts are used to measure the expansion rate, and explains what physicists are learning about "dark energy" — the mysterious entity thought to be driving the acceleration.
May 10, 2013 — The SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute's Jill Tarter has spent decades searching for the signals that would tell us we aren't alone in the cosmos. Tarter discusses the hunt, and what the presence of intelligent life elsewhere might tell us about our own future on Earth.
May 7, 2013 — Turns out our solar system — with its medium sized sun, its four small rocky planets, its four big gassy ones farther out — isn't like the others. We are unusual. Very unusual. Says one prominent astronomer, we are "a bit of a freak."
Apr 26, 2013 — The James Webb Space Telescope will succeed Hubble in 2018, boasting modern computers and a mirror with seven times the viewing area. Bob Hellekson, ATK Program Manager for the telescope, discusses the telescope's newly constructed wings, designed to support the telescope's folding mirror, and astrophysicist Stacy Palen talks about what the telescope may reveal about the cosmos.
Mars Call-in:
Archive of call-in about the Mars near encounter.
Mars' path over Canton
St. Lawrence University Physics Professor Dr. Aileen O'Donoghue
keeps an eye on the stars for North Country Public Radio.
Astronomy questions
for Dr. O'Donoghue.
Dr. O'Donoghue's Sky Events page
Astronomy Resources - astronomy related news, books and web resources.
More Astronomy Resources - submitted by Bruce McClure.
Jupiter near the crescent moon last April. Photo: H. Raab, CC some rights reserved
Tracking the planets this spring
Apr 09, 2013 — We're gaining about three minutes of daylight every day now, and the winter constellations such as Orion are starting to slip below the horizon. Jupiter will be the brightest object in the sky other than the moon. Look in the southwest sky in the early evening near the Pleiades. This weekend, the crescent moon will be paired up with Jupiter in the early evening.
Look for Saturn in the morning sky in the southwest. In May we will start to see Venus in the western sky close to Jupiter. Martha Foley talks with St. Lawrence University astronomer Aileen O'Donoghue. Go to full article
Look for Saturn in the morning sky in the southwest. In May we will start to see Venus in the western sky close to Jupiter. Martha Foley talks with St. Lawrence University astronomer Aileen O'Donoghue. Go to full article
Natural Selections: Solar Weather
Paul Smiths, NY, Feb 28, 2013 — Solar weather does more than create light shows at polar latitudes. When the sun acts up, the effects can range from communications interference on earth to lethal doses of radiation for unprotected astronauts. Martha Foley and Dr. Curt Stager talk about heavenly weather. Go to full article
Dust off the binoculars: Comet Panstarrs cometh
Canton, NY, Feb 26, 2013 — The days are lengthening, but there's still plenty to see in the night sky. St. Lawrence University astronomer Aileen O'Donoghue joins Todd Moe to talk about the Snow Moon, the meteor that landed in Russia and Comet Panstarrs on the horizon. Go to full article
Saturn, Jupiter...and comets on the way
Canton, NY, Jan 08, 2013 — Clear nights in the forecast, and the waning crescent Moon make for a great opportunity to bundle up and get outside for some sky-watching.
St. Lawrence University... Go to full article
St. Lawrence University... Go to full article
Natural Selections: Cosmic Rays
Paul Smiths, NY, Dec 06, 2012 — Martha Foley and Dr. Curt Stager discuss cosmic rays. While many people may think cosmic rays only affect astronauts or satellites--objects in space--computers and other... Go to full article
An appreciation for the darkest days of the year
Canton, NY, Dec 04, 2012 — Aileen O'Donoghue, who teaches astronomy and physics at St. Lawrence University, loves this time of year, when the sun sets early and rises late. She shares her enthusiasm... Go to full article
November skies offer early risers lots to see
Canton, NY, Nov 06, 2012 — Planets are on the move in in the mornings, in both the eastern and western skies. Astronomer Aileen O'Donoghue sketched the scenes in conversation with Martha Foley Tuesday... Go to full article
Saturday Equinox means autumn to many
Sep 18, 2012 — Unfortunately, Aileen O'Donoghue is home sick, so she can't share her thoughts on the upcoming Equinox, this Saturday at 10:45am. However, O'Donoghue did ask listeners to... Go to full article
Watching the late summer sky
Canton, NY, Aug 28, 2012 — A blue moon, Venus, Jupiter and watching the summer stars -- Todd Moe talks with St. Lawrence University astronomer Dr. Aileen O'Donoghue. Go to full article
In the night sky: stars, planets and a meteor shower
Canton, NY, Jul 31, 2012 — Astronomer Aileen O'Donoghue stopped by the studios this morning with an update on stars and planets to watch for this summer. Venus has risen in the morning sky. Mars,... Go to full article
