Now is a great time to see Jupiter!

Even if you're not currently teaching astronomy topics, this is something you need to tell your students about. . . On October 29, Jupiter will be at opposition to the Sun, providing earthlings (including your students) a great opportunity to see the gas giant over the next few weeks. With good eyes, a decent pair of binoculars, and a wall to steady yourself against, you should be able to see some of its large moons. CLICK HERE to learn more. The site provides links to other sites that help students understand why Jupiter is in a favorable position for us to see it. CLICK HERE to see the recent "Astronomy Picture of the Day", which also highlights this event.

Colorful Real-Time Weather Maps

Here is on of my favorite sources for real-time weather maps. The site is provided by the University of Illinois (WW2010). When a storm is moving through, I like to start class by showing some of the colorful maps. CLICK HERE to see what the site has to offer. The site allows you to animate the images to watch how different aspects of the weather have changed. Play with it to see how it works.

Impressive Collection of Aerial Images of the West

Dr. William Bowen has provided this collection of "photorealistic images". They can be used in presentations to show what the land looks like from above, providing a new perspective for looking at the geology of a region. The image to the right is of the Rocky Mountain Front west of Great Falls, MT. These mountains provide a dramatic look at the impact of thrust faulting on the landscape. To see what's available, CLICK HERE, select the state you want to view, and then the select the county. Enjoy!

What's the Recipe for a Cloud?

Here is my version of the "cloud in a bottle activity". To obtain a student handout and answer key for this activity, CLICK HERE.

Juice bottles are also suitable for this activity.

Montana Ice Caves are Natural Deep Freezes

"Ice caves" are caves that have ice in them year-round. They are a fun way to help students understand that colder air is more dense than warmer air. Watch my video of a trip into one of Montana's ice caves, and then CLICK HERE to read an explanation.

What's up in the night sky!

CLICK HERE to find out what's in the sky right now, or at any time. To change the settings (times, dates), select "manual", make the changes, and then hit return on your keyboard. The site is provided by lightandmatter.com.

El Nino Explained on a "Pencast"

El Nino
brought to you by Livescribe

This is a way that students can listen to the teacher explain concepts online. Pencasts are especially helpful for students who have missed class, or just want another chance to have a concept explained. Pencasta are easily produced using a Livescribe "smart pen". To view a pencast, such as the El Nino Pencast (above), turn your volume on, select "full screen", then "hide preview" in the lower right, and then "play".