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Full-Text Articles in The Sun and the Solar System
The Limited Reign Of Saturn's Rings, Laurence A. Marschall
The Limited Reign Of Saturn's Rings, Laurence A. Marschall
Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications
Saturn’s rings—stretching tens of thousands of miles above its equator but no more than a few hundred yards thick—mark an ancient debris field of orbiting ice shards, the remains of a moon-sized object that strayed too close and was torn to pieces by Saturn’s intense gravitation. Astronomers have debated when the rings formed and how long they will stay in orbit. Recent observations from large, land-based telescopes and orbiting spacecraft reveal that Saturn’s rings are remarkably young and are dissipating at a rapid rate. [excerpt]
Catching Shadow Bands, Laurence A. Marschall
Catching Shadow Bands, Laurence A. Marschall
Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications
Even though shadow bands are only visible for a few fleeting minutes, it is possible to catch them if you prepare in advance. Get a large piece of white cardboard or white-painted plywood to act as a screen--the bands are subtle and can be more easily seen against a clean, white surface. (excerpt)
Back Half Of The Year, Ian R. Clarke
Back Half Of The Year, Ian R. Clarke
Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications
Here we are in the back half of 2016, and the days are getting shorter. We have, as of today, lost 18 minutes since the solstice on June 20, and the speed of that change is quickening. You may wonder why it is that we have our hottest weather after our longest day is behind us. The simple answer is that it takes time for land and water masses to warm up. That’s the reason that Sept. 21 is likely to be a lot warmer than March 21, even though they have the same amount of daylight. [excerpt]
Living In The Milky Way, Ian R. Clarke
Living In The Milky Way, Ian R. Clarke
Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications
It’s finally here. Today, June 20 at 6:34 p.m., is the the summer solstice, also known as the first day of summer and, confusingly enough, midsummer’s eve. From a scientific perspective, it marks the moment the sun reaches its northernmost point in our sky. As a result of that position, it’s the shortest night and longest day if you live north of the equator. [excerpt]
Observations Of Shadow Bands At The Total Solar Eclipse Of 16 February 1980, Laurence A. Marschall, Rita Mahon, Richard C. Henry
Observations Of Shadow Bands At The Total Solar Eclipse Of 16 February 1980, Laurence A. Marschall, Rita Mahon, Richard C. Henry
Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications
Photoelectric observations of short term light variations (shadow bands) at the 16 Feb. 1980 total solar eclipse have been made using a set of spatially separated PIN diodes. Light variations in a bandpass of 1-500 Hz were detected during the half-minutes preceding and following the total phase. Fourier analysis of the noise spectrum of the variations reveals a sharp drop-off for frequencies about 50 Hz and an overall spectrum quite similar to previously reported power spectra of stellar scintillation. This is consistent with an atmospheric origin for the shadow bands. Cross-correlations between the detector outputs are low, suggesting a short …