The Lyrids are Coming

            This is already proving to be a fascinating year in space exploration. 2014 has already seen its first of four eclipses, however, that was only the beginning. The Lyrid meteor shower is set to reach its peak on April 22, 2014. Coincidentally, the shower falls on Earth Day this year. This is believed to be one of the oldest meteor showers in existence. The shower takes place in the constellation of Lyra near the constellation’s brightest star, Vega. The Lyra constellation, when viewed from earth, assumes the shape of a harp. The shower occurs when the earth crosses the orbital path of the Thatcher comet.

While the Lyrid meteor shower is the grandest that we will see this year, it will still be a real treat for star gazers and astronomers alike. The higher that Vega climbs, the more meteors we will see. This could result in as many as 20 meteors per hour. The best time to watch is between midnight and dawn tonight. However, for those of us without a telescope, NASA will be livestreaming the Lyrid meteor shower at http://www.nasa.gov/topics/solarsystem/features/watchtheskies/lyrids-ustream-2014.html#.U1VWDFVdVnE .

US Military's Latest Invention in Technology

The Membrane Optical Imager for Real-Time Exploitation (MOIRE) is the newest advancement in space technology. Our US Military is in the process of developing a foldable space telescope allowing us to see Earth in high resolution. MOIRE is constructed to be lighter than past telescopes and at a relatively low cost, making it one of the most efficient inventions yet.

Jerome & Catherine Supple Science Building

 

 Jerome & Catherine Supple Science Building

(SUPP)

Photo Credit: Lindsay Chiero

Texas State University's science building was established in 1991.

     The Observatory at Texas State University is a really unique landmark on campus. Those who have an interest in viewing the beautiful night sky can do so now, on Wednesdays from 8 to 10 pm. On Wednesday, April 15th, the Observatory at Texas State University will have a special event showing a Lunar Eclipse in our night sky. We always thought it would be a neat idea to view space from our perspective, and now we have the opportunity to with the Observatory at Texas State University.