Confused? So am I.

     So, today we learn the difference between a Plutoid and a Dwarf Planet. Shown here is a Dwarf Planet, named Ceres. NASA now has a spacecraft orbiting this unexplored new world, also known as a Kepler Object. Dwarf Planets are; as you would imagine small planets. Now, to my knowledge there is only one Plutoid in our solar system. Just a few years back, and all through my school days it was known as Pluto. Planet #9 of 9 planets orbiting Sol, the star that the planets in the "Solar" System orbit about. 

Now to see a "Plutoid" click here  . So "the ones who or whom know all about this" decided that since everyone in my generation, and a few generations before learned Pluto was a planet, with a few odd differences. These differences (orbital path, size and other) set Pluto apart and can't be called a planet nor can it be called a Dwarf Planet. So Pluto goes beyond "planet" and becomes the sole resident of a new "planetary" body. 

What are the chances?

     Why Earth? An astounding statement. So if not by God, you are telling me that the Earth is just a coincidence? Just happened that it formed in the perfect place in the Solar System; with the perfect balance of oxygen and nitrogen to support 2 separate life forms? It's too perfect to just be a coincidence. There is obviously Intelligent Design here. I tend to think of myself as one who relies on logic... We have been to Mars; well at least we have sent rovers and satellites to study the planet. I'm thinking a planet sized Sahara desert. Beyond microscopic, there is no life here; and as I can tell the chance of microscopic life on Mars is slim to nil. Our other neighbor Venus is about as hospitable as the inside of a volcano. So why Earth? In our solar system one planet of 8 is hospitable enough to sustain life (as we know it) and not accounting for the asteroid belt or the Kuiper Belt. Would it be safe to say, in astrological terms there is not much "wiggle room" for a planet with life bearing properties? (class M in the old Star Trek series) Add to this Earth is the only planet in the solar system to have 1 moon. As the moon is responsible for the tide could you imagine what more than one moon would do; or no moon at all?

working on it

Well as you know I tend to dart around the blogosphere seeing 'space' stuff. In this a do come across space related ads and yup I answered one, thought 1/2 a franklin ain't such a bad price for a telescope.
So the scope arrives via Fed Ex and I put it together, pretty nice little purchase I think.

I still haven't really had a chance to use it. Was messing around with all the different lens adapters and stuff and was looking at trees and clouds and working with the focus but what in the world did Galileo do with his days? Obviously he had to be a night owl. Bet it really killed him on the cloudy nights.

Best chance I've had since I bought this was last night and early this morning... it's too cloudy to see a thing.
Well I will attempt again tonight but I think the clouds are gonna win this one too.
Astronomers in general must be a "night breed"



























Now as I am in Ohio, looks like it could be a while to see through the clouds