The brightest object ever seen in the universe was detected last week: a gamma ray burst 7.5 billion light years away. For a brief time, the afterglow of the huge explosion could be seen with the unaided eye in the constellation of Boötes. To put 7.5 billion years in perspective: the Earth is 4.6 billion years old, and the entire universe is 13.7 billion years old. This means that, when the light was emitted from this gamma ray burst, the Earth hadn’t even formed!

This image shows the afterglow in X-rays (left) and in ultraviolet light (right). The March 28 Astronomy Picture of the Day has more information.

Posted by Matthew R. Francis under Science News | No Comments »

Tonight (March 17), the Planetarium will be showing Hubble Vision 2 at 7:30 PM, and will also include a short star show following the main attraction.  In addition to talking about the stars and planets visible this week, I will discuss briefly the astronomical significance of the vernal equinox, and its connection with the holidays of Easter and Passover.

Admission is $5 per adult, $3 per child under 18, and $10 for a family of 3 or more. Lambuth students get in free with their ID.

Posted by Matthew R. Francis under Director's Notes | No Comments »

Tonight (March 3), the Planetarium will be showing Hubble Vision 2 at 7:30 PM, and will also include a short star show following the main attraction.

Admission is $5 per adult, $3 per child under 18, and $10 for a family of 3 or more. Lambuth students get in free with their ID.

(There is a small chance that severe weather may interfere with tonight’s program.  I will post an update if the show is canceled.)

Posted by Matthew R. Francis under Public Events | No Comments »