Source: Yahoo News and Space.com
http://news.yahoo.com/huge-asteroid-creep-near-earth-nov-8-163202106.html

“Asteroid 2005 YU55′s pass by Earth will be closest to date by an object this large that we know about in advance. A smaller asteroid, called 2011 CQ1, actually came closer to Earth without hitting – a record-setting approach to within 3,400 miles (5,471 kilometers) — but it was not seen in advance.

The asteroid’s near-Earth flyby is also the first since 1976 that astronomers have known about in advance for such a large object. The next known flyby with a big space rock will occur in 2028, NASA scientists said.”

Perhaps the last line of that quote should read:

The next known flyby with a big space rock will occur in 2028, that is of course, if we see it, unlike CQ1 and the many more that we just don’t know about.

If you believe that is fantasy and we have the technology to see these space rocks, consider the fact that Asteroids are named for the year they were discovered. That means: 2005 YU55 we’ve known about for about 6 years. 2011 CQ1 was only discovered this year and only after it passed near our orbit.

This may be the authoritative source on what is, and what is not dark sky in the USA.  That is, unless of course, the evil axis of light-interested government factions and the shadow main stream media propagandists developed this link to obfuscate and confuse astronomers and the public at large into a false sense of security surrounding the events which are due to happen in 2012. Believe it!

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2000/ast15nov_1/

NASA.GOV has a thing or two to say about dark sky values

-or not…

Granted this is an old article, but how long has it really been since those dark sky maps have been updated anyhow?  Comments welcome.

Lose a perfect alignment or astrophoto because your telescope tripod got bumped?  These night vision red spectrum marker lights might help.

They’re small, emit night vision red spectrum light, and one nine volt battery will keep one lit for over 50 hours. No button battery nightmares. No annoying flash. Affix them to your tripod with supplied velcro or just use rubber bands.

Each package contains three lights, instructions, and velcro in a small reusable plastic bag.

Standard 9 volt batteries not included

Night Vision Telescope Tripod Marker Lights $11.99

2009 Photo of the International Space Station

A great interactive video from usatoday.net: Parts of the ISS have been on display at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida before they were set in place / space. 

http://i.usatoday.net/tech/graphics/iss_timeline/flash.htm (opens in a new window)

Astro Events, Telescope Settings, and End of the World Predictions.

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