Discover the Wonders of Our Oceans with Dr. Sylvia Earle
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Chapter 1: A Journey Through Our Oceans
In a recent episode of Astronomy News with The Cosmic Companion, we had the privilege of hosting the esteemed oceanographer and marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle. She shared insights about her latest publication, National Geographic Ocean: A Global Odyssey, which offers a profound exploration of Earth's oceans.
The discussion not only delved into the intricacies of our oceans but also touched upon celestial events, including a rare alignment of three planets with the Moon and the captivating Geminid meteor shower.
Section 1.1: Celestial Events to Watch
On the evening of December 10, the Moon will align with Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus. For those interested in witnessing this spectacle, it’s recommended to venture outdoors shortly after sunset, looking towards the southwest. The brightest point in this alignment will be Venus, with Saturn positioned above and slightly to the left, while Jupiter will be found further up and to the left. The Moon will be the large, luminous body in the upper left.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Geminid Meteor Shower
Three days after the planetary alignment, the Geminid meteor shower will grace the night sky. Although these meteors typically peak just before dawn, they are best viewed earlier in the evening, around 10 or 11 PM. For optimal viewing, find a dark spot away from city lights and gaze towards the east or northeast. While ideal conditions might allow for the sighting of up to 100 shooting stars per hour, the brightness of the Moon may reduce visibility to around 30 or 40 meteors.
Section 1.2: New Discoveries in Astronomy
Recent observations from NASA’s TESS space telescope have led to the discovery of a previously unknown exoplanet, GJ 367b, primarily composed of iron. This intriguing world is smaller than Earth, with a diameter less than three-quarters that of our planet and a mass just over half. GJ 367b orbits its star every eight hours, subjecting its day side to scorching temperatures exceeding 1400 degrees Celsius (more than 2500 degrees Fahrenheit), rendering it uninhabitable.
Chapter 2: Insights from Dr. Sylvia Earle
Dr. Earle's insights provide a unique perspective on the importance of ocean exploration and conservation. Her passion for marine biology and commitment to raising awareness about our oceans is evident throughout her work.
In her conversation with Liz Taylor, Dr. Earle elaborates on her experiences and the critical need to protect our oceans. You won't want to miss this engaging discussion!
If you found this interview enlightening, you can catch all episodes of The Cosmic Companion at TheCosmicCompanion.TV.
James Maynard, the founder and publisher of The Cosmic Companion, has a background in physics, chemistry, and history. He resides in Tucson with his wife, Nicole, and their cat, Max.