Some Year End/New Year Photos

Just a few photos for you. First, from New Year’s Eve, the glow of sunset, Venus near the horizon, the Moon and Jupiter (above and left of the Moon) taken with my fisheye lens.

Next a green flash from the setting Sun with the telescopes of Kitt Peak visible on the mountain just to the left.

A post Sunset shot of Kitt Peak.

Finally, Venus setting over saguaros near the bottom of the Catalina Highway.

Here’s to a great 2012!

January 2, 2012 - Posted by halfastro | Atmospheric Physics, Green Flash, Pretty Pictures

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Who is the Half-Astrophysicist?

My name is Rob Sparks and I work at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Tucson in the Education and Public Outreach department. I am heavily involved in a variety of projects including the Galileoscope for the International Year of Astronomy.

I am a former high school physics, math and astronomy teacher at The Good Hope School, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, and the Priaire School. I went to Grinnell College for undergrad and got my MS at Michigan State.

In my spare time, I do improv with Not Burnt Out, Just Unscrewed in Tucson. I have performed with the Redondo Music Theater as well. Other venues I have performed include the Apple Holler, Over Our Head Players, the Riverfront Theater, the Manatee Players, the Players of Sarasota, and the Island Players. I am a distance runner and do races up to the marathon distance.

I keep in shape by doing a marathon each year and work out at Gold’s Gyms worldwide!

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