Sunset, the Moon, Mars and Saturn

The weather is clearing in Tucson so photography is happening on a more regular basis. First up, a sunset through low clouds.

Note the colors. Click for bigger versions and look for a cloudtop green flash.

Next up, the Moon and Mars were right next to each other and passing through some thing clouds for an interesting picture.

Finally, a zoomed out view where you can also glimpse Saturn to the right of the tree.

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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!