Join us as we explore the solar system, viewing techniques, galaxies, space travel, and much, much more.
The Lick Observatory is one of the most important astronomical sites in the United States. Located on Mount Hamilton east of San Jose, this multi-building facility is one of the core parts of the University of California’s astronomy program, as it gives hundreds of aspiring and currently practicing astronomers access to crystal-clear visions of the […]
Lick Observatory in California: Leader in Astronomy and Tech Read More »
Every planet in our solar system has a unique color scheme, but why is that? In this article, we want to break down what it is that determines whether or not a planet is a particular color. It might seem arbitrary, but there is a scientific explanation for why our planets look the way they
The Colors of Our Planets – We Challenge You To Name Them All Read More »
If you are looking for the perfect place for the best stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park, you have come to the right place. We have the scoop on all of the secret and not-so-secret locations all celestial enthusiasts swarm to when they want to get a good look at the galaxy. Before you start
Insider Secret: Best Stargazing Spots in Joshua Tree National Park Read More »
Even with the latest technology, scientific breakthroughs, and recent discoveries, there is still so much about outer space we don’t know. However, the things we do already understand are incredible and exciting. The world is a mysterious place on its own, but the Universe is a magnitude of secrets, hidden treasures, and possibly other living
Fun Facts Astronomy: Out of This World Exciting Findings Read More »
The Horsehead Nebula is a cloud of thick dust and gasses near the star Alnitak in the constellation Orion’s Belt. The Horsehead Nebula is particularly well-loved by professional astronomers and amateur space fans because of its uncanny resemblance to a horse’s head. The unmistakable silhouette, while easy to spot when images of the nebula have
All About the Stunning Horsehead Nebula Read More »
There are a lot of astronomical events that we are lucky enough to witness from Earth. From shooting stars to meteor showers, something always seems to be occurring in space that captures our attention below. One of the most common occurrences is moon shadows. Moon shadows appear several times a year, with the most eventful
What Is Moon Shadow… Do You Know? Read More »
We’re all familiar with the phenomenon of a rainbow. A rainbow is caused by refraction, reflection, and dispersion of light in water droplets, which causes a reflection of light and results in a multicolored arc in the sky. However, contrary to popular belief, not all rainbows appear during the day. This reflection of light can
What Is a Moonbow? Learn All About This Rare Phenomenon Read More »
On January 3, 2023, American astronaut Walter Cunningham passed away at the age of 90 after a full and complete life. While he may not be a common household name today, he is an integral part of American history, specifically for his contributions to space exploration. NASA claims that Cunningham was “instrumental to our moon
Walter Cunningham: An Astronaut You Need to Know About Read More »
If stargazing is your favorite pastime, you may look up and wonder how exactly a star forms and how old they are. You might be surprised to hear that, unlike other celestial bodies in our universe, stars do not last forever. However, they do live a long and full life and are ever-changing, moving through
The Fascinating Life Cycle of a Star: From Gas Cloud to Black Hole Read More »
Learning about new scientific topics can be intimidating; nobody wants to appear out of their depth. Here at Optical Mechanics, we understand that many people feel uncomfortable asking questions about things they might not be fully knowledgeable about. This is why we decided to break down some fun and easily digestible facts about NASA. For
What Does NASA Stand For? You May Be Surprised… Read More »
It’s been depicted a million times in television, cinema, and video games – what would happen if an asteroid were to strike Earth? While scientists can break it down for you in a lecture, blog post, or scientific research study, none of those options are as exciting as watching it play out for yourself. And
How To Have Crazy Fun With the Neal.Fun Asteroid Launcher Read More »
Having the opportunity to witness a comet zoom through the sky can be an exciting and impactful experience. Unfortunately, seeing this type of event is rare, and we only get a few chances each year. Is Comet 2023 going to be your Comet Year? Because it is so infrequent, you must keep track of when
Comet 2023: When and Where to Catch The Year’s Best Read More »