Moon Analemma

Very educational view of the analemma of the Moon.



An analemma is that figure-8 curve you get when you mark the position of the Sun at the same time each day for one year. But the trick to imaging an analemma of the Moon is to understand that on average the Moon returns to the same position in the sky about 51 minutes later each day. So, if you photograph the Moon 51 minutes later on successive days, over one lunation or lunar month it will trace out an analemma-like curve as the actual position of the Moon wanders compared to the average -- due to the Moon's tilted and elliptical orbit. For this excellent demonstration of the lunar analemma, astronomer Rich Richins chose the lunar month containing this year's northern hemisphere summer solstice. The southernmost Full Moon rises at the lower right above the Organ Mountains in southern New Mexico, USA, with the New Moon phase at the upper left. The multiple exposure image required some digital manipulation, particularly to include thin crescent phases in daytime skies.

APOD: 2005 July 13 - Analemma of the Moon

"Independence Day"

In the United States, the birth of the country is marked on July 4th, when the Declaration of Independence was made public (1776) and war officially begun against Great Britain.

I must admit, it is not a favorite holiday of mine. Some would say that shows I'm not a very patriotic American. I just say, well, it was independence for your family and much of mine -- but not all. Far from it.

Here's a piece by Robin Carneen that reflects my feelings and many of The People's:

Independence Day for Native Americans

Uros Indians

NPR audio newscast about the changes to the Uros Indians at Lake Titicaca:

NPR : Tourism a Blessing and Curse for Uros Indians

Navajo 'Trail of Tears'

A memorial has been dedicated to the many whose lives were lost and those whose lives were brought down at Bosque Redondo, New Mexico.

NPR : The Navajo Nation's Own 'Trail of Tears'

Pretty Shield

Recently finished Frank Linderman's PRETTY SHIELD. I highly recommend it.

The book is a collection of recollections from the Crow woman Pretty Shield, who lived around the time of the famous Crow Chief Plenty Coups.

What makes this book special is the woman's perspective and the details of daily life that only a woman can give.

Nature Deficit Disorder

I would argue that Nature Deficit Disorder is not just a problem for children, but is ever-present with adults, too:

NPR : Saving Kids from 'Nature Deficit Disorder'

John Trudell Documentary

A documentary film on the life of John Trudell has been accepted to premiere
at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. documentary competition.
Heather Rae spent more than a decade making the documentary, entitled
TRUDELL...

johntrudell.com :: news and reviews

Ecosystems: Key to Survival

A new report by more than 2,000 scientists from 100 countries finds that unless governments act now, environmental damage will doom efforts to reduce hunger, poverty and disease. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment draws on the work of environmental scientists who have shown that ecosystems such forests, coral reefs and salt marshes are key for human survival.

Here's an NPR audio feed on the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment:

NPR : Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem Damage

Mercury's Path

What are some native names for Mercury? I thought this shot particularly compelling...

APOD: 2005 March 7 - Mercury Over Leeds

Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

An alternative to Las Vegas, Nevada, gambling... Or, at very least, a refreshing side trip. Just a short distance from the casinos... Set aside at least a day; more, for the dedicated.