glow-in-the-dark

Grace gave me a glow-in-the-dark planisphere for a holiday gift.



It's a fun addition to the one I have.

On the back, there's a Zodiac Dial. As well as listings of the planets and there positions from 1999 through 2004.

She also gave me glow-in-the-dark stars to stick on my ceiling. I've half-a-mind to try to create realistic patterns...

Xmas solar eclipse (Union)

Observed the partial solar eclipse from Mom's house and back yard (Union, Ontario). Watched sporadically. Started observing approx. 10:30am, noted first effect approx. 10:45am; watched end, fully finished at 2:03pm.

Phoned Lisa and Grace. Lisa was pumped and ready; Grace was still in p.j.s. I told her to get outside! Lisa phoned back—she was freaking! "The moon's in front of the sun, man!"

Used welders glass, number 5 and 9 (totalling 14) in a cardboard shield. Worked well. Although everything's dark green...

Gave Mom special mylar eclipse sunglasses. Orangish.

Also used a pinhole camera. Made a cardboard box with a aluminum foil opening. Fun!

Noted 2 small spots. Sunspots? Mercury?

Dark Sky Reserve

Laurie sent me an email about the Torrance Barrens Conservation and Dark Sky Reserve sponsored by the RASC and the Muskoka Heritage Foundation. It is purported to be the best site in Ontario to observe the night sky. I shall have to visit...