Skywatch Under Cover: Slideshow Presentation

During a human lifetime, Earth’s angular momentum is nearly fixed relative to the distant stars. As a consequence, for observers in Nova Scotia (latitude 45 degrees north) Earth itself blocks our view of 15% of the Universe. Assuming that atmospheric absorption prevents adequate views within 8 degrees of our horizon, 20% of the Universe is effectively blocked from our view. You would think that with 80% of the Universe viewable from Nova Scotia, why would anyone undertake a trip south of the equator merely to see that missing 20%? And why Chile?

Join Melody Hamilton as she shares her personal southern sky experience in Chile’s Atacam Desert.