So we just had a massive solar flare storm that caused GORGEOUS aurora borealis, not that we could see them cuz of cloud cover, but still… between the 22nd and 25th there were solar flares. Canada and Scandinavia (basically, the northern climes) seemed to reap the most benefit visually from it all but it got me thinking about space and stuff.  Well, it got me thinking about space and then I realized how very little I knew about it, so I started thinking about stuff I have some knowledge of (19th century whaling, for example).  If you’re like me (which, in all honesty, I wouldn’t wish on anyone) and want to learn more about space stuff, here are a few stars from our collection (did you see that? Did you see what I did?  Stars.  Get it?  Stars):

• Philips Astronomy Encyclopedia – I like this one cuz it has lots of pics.  But then it got really physicsy and I fogged up
• Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy – heady stuff
• Collins Dictionary of Astronomy – I wandered around in this one and landed on planets, where I learned the sidereal period, perihelion, aphelion and inclination of the planets.  I don’t know what any of those terms mean in this context, but the Collins Dictionary defined them all for me.  Yeah, still… I’m in waaaaaaaaaaaay over my head here folks!  Are there any astronomers out there?  A little help here.

If you’re interested in astronomy and/or physics and are looking for articles, please give Summon a try.  It’s really strong in the sciences and since I so obviously am in over my head when it comes to the aforementioned topics, I don’t feel like I’m the best person to put Summon through its science paces.  Once again, I’m calling on all astronomers and scientists out there in our community to give this stuff a look-see.  HEY YOU GUUUUUUUUUUUYS!!!! (that’s gonna zooma-zooma-zoom right over most people’s heads, but if you recognize it, give a shout out).  Please report back if you found these resources useful or interesting.  Or if you recognized the “hey you guys” or zoooma.

Huge props to Havard Bartnes for the Vimeo video.