by Joseph A'Hearn | May 18, 2025 | Astronomy, Basics, Featured, Observational Astronomy, Outreach
Because circumpolar constellations by definition never go below the horizon, classifying constellations as circumpolar is subject to one’s latitude. From the Equator no constellations are circumpolar, whereas from the North Pole all constellations above the horizon...
by Joseph A'Hearn | Apr 9, 2024 | Astronomy, Basics, Eclipse, Featured, Observational Astronomy, Outreach
I traveled across 2/3 of the country with my family to see the total solar eclipse, staying with many friends along the way. Our initial destination was Dallas. Two days before the eclipse, however, cloud cover models still forecasted lots of clouds over Texas. From...
by Joseph A'Hearn | Mar 8, 2024 | Astronomy, Basics, Eclipse, Featured, News, Observational Astronomy, Outreach
On April 8, 2024, the Moon will cover the Sun for a few minutes, as seen from a small strip of Earth spanning parts of Mexico, USA, and Canada. The Moon’s shadow will sweep from southwest to northeast. Other regions of North America not in the direct shadow...
by Joseph A'Hearn | Jun 30, 2023 | Astronomy, Basics, Featured, Observational Astronomy, Science & Faith
Although Summer nights can be short, at least it’s warmer! If you’re outside under a starry Summer sky (in the Northern Hemisphere), here are the constellations you can learn to identify. Note: All the images below are screenshots I took from the...
by Joseph A'Hearn | Mar 3, 2023 | Astronomy, Basics, Cosmology, Eclipse, Featured, Observational Astronomy, Outreach, Science & Faith
Now that I’ve transitioned from teaching high schoolers during my PhD research years to working in industry, I’ve decided to make my lecture videos public. My course is from my perspective as a Catholic scientist and is divided in two halves:• The History of...
by Joseph A'Hearn | Feb 17, 2023 | Chess, Featured
I’ve been playing on Chess.com since late 2018. You can find me here or by searching for DoctorAragorn. I’m what you might call a serious hobbyist. After each game ends, a Chess.com engine classifies every move into one of the following categories:•...
