Yellow circles and ovals outline more than 30 bubbles in this image from the Spitzer Space Telescope. This region - in the direction of our constellation Aquila the Eagle - is full of these bubbles, which are being blown by young stars. The bubbles are estimated to be 10 to 30 light-years across. Image via Spitzer.
Professional astronomers and citizen scientists have been combing through a region of our galaxy where cosmic bubbles are being inflated by wind and radiation from young, massive stars. Hundreds to thousands of stars may emerge from each bubble, in time. They also see bow shocks in this region, which in this case are arcs of warm dust formed as winds from fast-moving stars push aside dust grains. See photos and read more.
This once-yearly event is a worldwide celebration of lunar science and exploration, celestial observation, and our cultural and personal connections to the moon. Here's how to join in, or watch online.
Researchers have identified fossil remains as belonging to rauisuchians, predatory crocodile-like animals that fed on early dinosaurs and mammal relatives 210 million years ago. Read more.
By Wednesday evening, the young moon is easy to see from around the globe. It's getting very close to Jupiter in the sky and will be closest around October 3. The reddish star nearby is Antares, considered the Heart of the Scorpion in the constellation Scorpius. Keep watching, because the moon will sweep past Saturn, too, closest October 5.
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Elizabeth Bettenhausen captured this image in Cambria, California, last week. She wrote: “The large flock of red-winged blackbirds showed up here this month. In afternoons they sit in the large cypress trees, preen themselves, and talk loudly to each other. They drink and bathe in Santa Rosa Creek.” Thank you, Elizabeth!
