Astrodrews
Astrometry is a vital method for discovering non-transiting exoplanets; however, current techniques make it exceedingly hard to use due to the required submilliarcsecond precision. This research project focuses on enhancing astrometric techniques to discover non-transiting exoplanets using data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission. Astrometry measures the subtle 'wobble' in a star's position caused by an orbiting exoplanet, which can reveal Earth-like planets in high-inclination orbits that other methods like Radial Velocity may miss...
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March 17, 2023
An occultation occurs when the Moon or another solar system body eclipses a celestial object. This rare astronomical phenomenon happens only a few times per year. Luckily for us, many parts of the eastern hemisphere will be able to view the lunar occultation of Venus on March 23. This means millions worldwide will have the chance to view Venus move behind the Moon and reappear on the other side, you just have to know the place and time. Read along to learn more about how you can view this incredible phenomenon yourself...
February 15, 2023
In early March, astronomers discovered Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) using the wide-field survey camera at the Zwicky Transient Facility. This comet's vivid green color is due to sunlight's effect on cyanogen and diatomic carbon within the comet's nucleus. What's especially unique about this comet is that Comet ZTF has two tails directed almost in different directions...
December 18, 2022
The Quantico Middle/High School Astronomy Club has been a sanctuary for several students interested in the night sky. With our sponsor, Ms. Sabrina Maxwell, we provide opportunities for students to participate in various outdoor activities and become stewards of the environment and explorers of the heavens, identifying constellations, stars, planets, and deep-sky objects, all with our various telescopes and equipment...
November 9, 2022
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are exactly or very closely aligned with Earth between the other two, which can happen only on the night of a full moon when the Moon is near either lunar node. This results in the Moon moving into the Earth's shadow, creating this glorious phenomenon.
Experiencing a lunar eclipse is a breathtaking moment that anyone can enjoy, you just have to know the time and place. When I read that this was the final total lunar eclipse for three years, I was committed to taking a photo of this event. So, before the start of my school day, I brought all of my gear with me at 4 AM to my high school's parking lot and...
What to Look Out for during the Year
March 3, 2023
Spring is coming up in March, signaling the very awaited start of Galaxy Season! From March to May, the night sky will be filled with hundreds of galaxies for anyone to photograph and observe. Moreover, the weather will also be getting considerably better since we won't have to deal with the harsh winter conditions anymore. So to start Galaxy Season, these are the six best celestial bodies to photograph during March...
February 1, 2023
The end of winter is slowly approaching, resulting in more humid conditions and light pollution. It's time to take advantage of this winter's last taste of cold air and clear nights. Although it is more difficult to get out and take pictures in these conditions, the results are more rewarding than at any other time of the year. This article will inform you about the six best celestial bodies to photograph during February...
January 2, 2023
The winter months are the best for astrophotography as they provide cold air, which holds less hazy moisture than balmy summer air, so clear nights are abnormally clearer than usual. Although it's harder to get out and take pictures with these cold conditions, the results are more rewarding than any other month. So if you're looking to capture some photos, these are the six best celestial bodies, two for each difficulty, to photograph during January...
December 8, 2022
With the nights growing longer, astronomers can capture more objects than they could during the summer. So if you're new to astrophotography or looking to go star gazing with your telescope, this is the article for you. Here are the four best celestial bodies to photograph during this festive December...
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About Me
My name is Andrew McHaty and I'm a 19-year-old astrophotographer based in Northern Virginia. I'm currently a second-year student studying Astrophysics and Physics at the University of California, Berkeley. Using my telescope, I explore and photograph the cosmos, sharing my research and findings along the way. My primary research focus is on the habitability of exoplanets and life outside our solar system. I am actively pursuing research within this field and working towards doing research in Solid-State Physics, specifically superconductivity.