Tag Archives: solar system

The most beautiful planet of all

Posted on by September 29, 2026

There is so much exploring to do in the solar system. When I saw Saturn through my new telescope I could not believe my eyes. Then came Jupiter with its Galilean Moons and after joining Slooh I was able to set up missions to the fainter planets as well, always looking out for interesting surface details, doing animations of the Jupiter’s Great Red Spot or watching the changes in the tilt of Saturn’s rings.
Up until Slooh introduced Earth Science, I never thought of using satellite data to observe the most important planet in our solar system.
I’ve been on a virtual fly-by of Jupiter’s moon, Io. The LUNAR course has definitely increased my connectedness with the universe emotionally, especially with the solar system.
While I wait to continue my journey to more moons of the Moon Symphony, my virtual spaceship is heading back home and as I observe Earth from space, I realise how incredibly fortunate we are to be living on the most beautiful planet of all.

Image: The Great Prismatic Spring

Moons Symphony website: https://www.moons-symphony.com/

Io is Alive

Posted on by June 26, 2026

Planetary evolution over billions of years eventually gave rise to my long line of ancestors who passed down a code from generation to generation and eventually to me. Most of my life I have lived with the notion that my world was special, that I was somewhat of a miracle.

As life went by, I realised that my understanding of the story of creation did not include other dynamic worlds or the idea of an expanded goldilocks zone.

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Moon and Mars conjunction Oct 2020

Posted on by July 21, 2021

Moon and MarsEither we stay on Earth and go extinct, or we become a multi-planetary species
– Quantum Biology Researcher, Adriana Marais-

I’m glad I am of an age where I don’t have to consider the question: Would I go to Mars?

I think I have become too attached to Earth but there’s nothing preventing me from sharing in the excitement when spacecraft are launched to Mars.

Until the time is right, I think I’d prefer if robots were sent instead of humans.

But we have to dream big….

 

This image of the Moon and Mars conjunction was taken from my window on Oct 3, 2020

One Jovian Day

Posted on by March 19, 2025

Slooh set up missions to capture a whole Jovian day through the Canary Teide 4 Telescope during the night of 10-11 May 2018. Apart from the moons Io, Europa and Ganymede doing their dance, the Great Red Spot can also be seen in transit in a few frames. I’m very new at doing animations but under the expert guidance of Paul Cox and other knowledgeable Slooh members I’m learning new tricks every day.