There’s something magical about spotting a comet in the night sky. It’s like witnessing a celestial visitor from the distant reaches of space, making a rare appearance before vanishing back into the darkness. In fall 2024, comet C/2023 A3, or Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, will give us that kind of opportunity with the…
A New Moon for Earth! Asteroid 2024 PT5
Did you know Earth is about to get a second moon? Well, it’s true—kind of! Starting at the end of September, a small asteroid named 2024 PT5 will be temporarily caught in Earth’s gravity, making it a “mini-moon.” Unlike our permanent moon, these mini-moons are small asteroids that only stay…
Echoes of the Past: Walking the Wichahpi Stone Wall
On a pleasant September morning, Mrs. G, my aunt, and I visited the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall just outside Florence, Alabama. Tom Hendrix spent over 30 years building the wall to honor his great-great-grandmother, Te-lah-nay, who survived the Trail of Tears and made an extraordinary journey back to her home….
No Fuel? No Problem! Exploring Space with Sunlight
Imagine a spacecraft gliding through the vast expanse of space, not using engines or fuel, but powered entirely by sunlight. It might sound like science fiction, but this is the reality behind NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, or ACS3. This innovative technology could change how we explore the cosmos,…
Betelgeuse: A Supernova in the Making?
Let’s explore a star that defies ordinary descriptions—a stellar giant so immense that its presence would dwarf our entire solar system. Betelgeuse is massive and teetering on the brink of a cosmic event that could illuminate the night sky like never before. This dying giant’s unstable behavior and recent unexpected…
Polaris Dawn: The Next Leap in Space
Space exploration has always been about venturing into the unknown and pushing the limits of what we can achieve. The upcoming Polaris Dawn mission is no exception. Organized by SpaceX, this mission isn’t just another space adventure — it represents a bold step forward in private space exploration. What makes…
Echoes of Ancient Greece … in Nashville, TN?
This week, Mrs. G. and I visited the Parthenon in Nashville. It might seem surprising to find a piece of ancient Greece in the heart of Tennessee, but this full-scale replica of the Parthenon is a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and art. Let’s dive into the story behind the…
Soaring Wonders: A Weekend Butterfly Release
Mrs. G. and I recently had the incredible experience of participating in a butterfly release at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. It was a day filled with learning and awe as we got an up-close look at the fascinating life cycle of butterflies. Our day began with a fascinating lesson on…
The Stars and Stripes: A July 4th Exploration
As Americans across the nation celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, barbecues, and parades, one symbol stands out, representing the freedom and values of the United States: the American flag. With its stars and stripes, this iconic emblem has witnessed the nation’s trials and triumphs, embodying the spirit of liberty and…
Exploring the Unknown: The Lowry House Ghost Hunt
On a hot summer evening, I found myself standing outside the historic Lowry House in Huntsville, Alabama, ready for a ghost investigation. I wasn’t alone; my friend Lee and his daughter were along for the journey. Leading our exploration were the Southern Ghost Girls, a group known for their expertise…