Astronomy

Valentina Tereshkova: Breaking the Cosmic Ceiling as the First Woman in Space #WomensHistoryMonth #Space

Astronomy / /

In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova etched her name into history books as the first woman to journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Tereshkova’s iconic mission aboard Vostok 6 marked a monumental leap forward for women in space exploration.

Born in 1937 in the Soviet Union, Tereshkova’s humble beginnings did not deter her from dreaming of the stars.

Selected from a pool of skilled parachutists, Tereshkova’s fearless spirit and determination propelled her into space.

During her three-day solo mission, Tereshkova orbited the Earth 48 times, conducting experiments and gathering crucial data.

Her historic flight shattered gender barriers and inspired generations of women to reach for the cosmos.

Tereshkova’s legacy as a space pioneer paved the way for future female astronauts to venture into the unknown.

Decades later, her indelible mark on space exploration continues to inspire humanity’s quest for discovery.

Valentina Tereshkova’s journey into space serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, proving that the sky is no limit for those with the courage to reach for the stars.

Look at this tiny little thing she traveled in! Wow! Vostok 6 capsule (flown 1963). Photographed at the Science Museum, London, March 2016

Andrew Gray, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

 

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Caroline Herschel: Pioneering the Stars as the First Woman Astronomer #WomensHistoryMonth #astronomy #science

Astronomy / /

 

Caroline Herschel, a trailblazer in the field of astronomy, made her mark as the first woman to earn recognition in this male-dominated realm.

Born in 1750, Herschel’s journey began as an assistant to her brother, renowned astronomer William Herschel. Despite societal norms that confined women to domestic roles, Herschel’s passion for the stars propelled her forward.

In 1786, she discovered her first comet, forever cementing her name in astronomical history. Herschel’s meticulous observations and groundbreaking discoveries challenged the notion that science was exclusively a man’s domain.

Her relentless pursuit of knowledge led to significant contributions in cataloging stars and nebulae.

In 1828, Herschel became the first woman to receive the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society, paving the way for future generations of female scientists.

Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of determination and curiosity, inspiring women everywhere to reach for the stars.

 

 

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Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn #Astronomy #conjunctionjupitersaturn #ChristmasStar

Astronomy, Oregon / /

I’m sharing a video I took of a rare event.

YouTube player

The great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn was at its pinnacle on Monday night (12/21/2020). I was able to get out my trusty telescope, Orson Bradbury, and do some stargazing.

The forecast had us cloudy, but it turned out to be a beautiful day. It was almost 60 and the sky was clear. 60 isn’t normal for these parts in December. However, the wind was roaring. You can probably hear it whistle through the telescope in the video.

This is a once in 400 years event, so I was glad to see it. The video was taken through my 11mm Nagler. That translates into high magnification for those of you not well versed in telescope-speak. To see both in that eyepiece was stunning and something that will never happen again. At least, not while I’m alive.

So, I hope you enjoy the video. It’s not the best, but you get to see something really special. Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

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