Blood Moon

Perfect event for the Astronomy Merit Badge along with the Astronomy Belt Loop.

In the early hours of April 15th we experience the first of 4 blood moons that are lined up starting today, April 15th, 2014 and ending September 29th, 2015 (lunar tetrad). 

What is a Blood Moon?... It is a total lunar eclipse where the rays from the sun are reflecting off of the earth's atmosphere.  Causing a red hue to be cast over the moon.  

Missed the April 14th-15th Blood Moon?  The next one will be this fall, October 8th, 2014.

One thing that is very interesting about these four Blood Moons is the dates of their occurrence.  The first one that just occurred today shares the same date as the start of passover.  The remaining 3 Blood Moons also share some important Jewish dates / holidays. 10/8/2014 (Sukkot), 4/4/2015 (Passover), 9/29/15 (Sukkot).  Coincidence... or unfolding of prophecy...?  I will let you come to your own conclusions.  Needless to say... I know what I will be doing on the night of October 8th, 2014. Get your telescopes and binoculars ready!

Next Blood Moon after 9/29/2015 will be around 2032-2033

Asteroid 2014 DX110 Buzzed The Earth

The newly discovered asteroid known as 2014 DX110 passed close to earth Wednesday afternoon, buzzing by at 33,000 mph. The video above is the flight path of the astroid and all planets within its path.

Scientists estimate the asteroid is between 45 and 130 feet across. The distance between the Earth and moon is about 239,000 miles where 2014 DX110 passed 217,000 miles from us.  That's right, It flew between us and the moon creating a 1/10,000,000 chance that 2014 DX110 would colide with Earth.

According to Weather.com, this passing was just an appetizer for a larger astroid named 2014 CU13 scheduled to buzz the planet this Sunday night, March 9th, 2014.

While gazing up at the sky for a glimps of 2014 CU13 this weekend; Here are a few other Astronomy requirments you could pass off.

Astronomy Belt Loop Worksheet

Get outside and do some stargazing with you Cub Scouts.

Print off the Astronomy Belt Loop Worksheet Here

Cub Scout Academic Pin - Astronomy

ASTRONOMY ACADEMIC PIN

Earn the Astronomy belt loop and complete five of the following requirements:

Cub Scout Astronomy Belt Loop

ASTRONOMY BELT LOOP

Complete these three requirements:

Astronomy Merit Badge

ASTRONOMY

1. Do the following:
1. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in astronomy activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
2. Explain first aid for injuries or illnesses such as heat and cold reactions, dehydration, bites and stings, and damage to your eyes that could occur during observation.