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Latest Posts by o-francisco-silva

What an great experience at the astronomy camp with over 200 young explorers!

We kicked off the day by setting up tents, firing up the BBQ, and indulging in delicious s’mores. As the sun began to set, the kids got their first glimpse through the telescope, watching the sun in all its glory.

Later that night, we dived into an Astronomy 101 session and embarked on a breathtaking constellation tour. Through my 8-inch telescope, they marveled at the Moon (they LOVED it!), Jupiter and its satellites, and the mysterious Mars.

With the Seestar, we explored deep-space wonders like M13, M42, M81, and M82 bringing distant galaxies and nebulae to life.

To wrap up this magical night, we lit floating lights, sending glowing lanterns into the sky—just like stars finding their way home.

This night was more than just stargazing, it was an adventure beyond Earth, sparking curiosity and awe in every child.

Spain Launches Its First Military Satellite: A Leap Forward in Space Technology*

On January 30th, Spain marked a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first military satellite, SPAINSAT NG 1. The satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is now positioned in geostationary orbit, approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth—nearly three times the planet's diameter.

Operated by the Spanish company Hisdesat, SPAINSAT NG 1 is hailed as the most advanced satellite in Spain and the first in Europe equipped with cutting-edge technology antennas. This innovation includes X-band antennas and beam-hopping technology, enabling the satellite to redirect electronic signals without physical movement. Additionally, it boasts the ability to detect and neutralize interference on Earth, ensuring secure communications for Spanish military forces and NATO.

The satellite is expected to remain operational until 2037, providing reliable and secure communication capabilities. Looking ahead, its twin satellite, SPAINSAT NG II, is scheduled for launch around September or October 2025. Together, these satellites will cover two-thirds of the planet, securing communications from Denmark to Singapore.

This achievement underscores Spain's growing presence in the space sector and its commitment to advancing technological innovation.

Today, I had going to Kizuna Japanese Spring Festival: Haru Matsuri, and it was absolutely amazing! 🌸

It was a true journey into Japanese culture, filled with incredible arts, activities, and performances. I shared a special moment with my mom during the Japanese Tea Ceremony, marveling at the meticulous beauty of this tradition. I also discovered something new—the refreshing ice yuzu tea, which I absolutely loved trying.

I love the calligraphic and origami, ikebana, taiko drumming, koto music, yosakoi dancing, martial arts, delicious food.

It was a day brimming with culture and joy!

Celebrating Pi Day with a slice of lemon pie! A delicious way to honor 3.14.

Why did the pie break up with its crust?

It couldn’t handle the infinite drama of pi!

#PiDay #LemonPie #MathPun

Last night's Lunar eclipse was a reminder of nature's wonders.

Despite the stormy weather and rain, the skies eventually cleared in time, allowing us to witness the Moon's incredible transformation. It's a beautiful lesson in patience and acceptance sometimes the most breathtaking moments come after the storms.

It gets dark enough to see Star around the Moon.

Just got back from an amazing time at the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival! I had the privilege of supporting the event with my telescope, and the experience was unforgettable.

The skies were incredibly clear and dark on Friday and Saturday nights, perfect for stargazing despite the chilly weather. We had the chance to see Jupiter and its satellite, Mars, Venus, as well as deep-sky objects like M42, M36, M31, M44, and M45.

During the day on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 to 4, I was at the Visitor Center with my solar telescope, observing the Sun.

We welcomed over 1000 stargazers each night and more than 500 visitors during the day. I absolutely love this event and can't wait for the next one!

Today's adventure on Mt. Charleston was both breathtaking and brisk! We tackled the Upper Bristlecone Trail without success, so we try the Lower Bristlecone Trailhead. Despite our determination, we only made it a few miles before hitting some serious ice.

With temperatures at a chilly 28°F, it was a true standoff with Mother Nature, but she won this round. Even so, the views and the experience were worth every frozen step!

Have you ever walked on a volcano?

Yesterday I did! The otherworldly landscape was incredible.

I had an amazing hike with Mom exploring the breathtaking volcanic landscapes of Little Hebe Crater and Ubehebe Crater! The highlight of the day was descending into the Ubehebe caldera to capture an impressive selfie and panoramic view.

We were blessed with perfect weather, allowing us to fully appreciate the vastness of the Ubehebe Crater, which is a staggering 600 feet deep and half a mile across.Walking on the sandy volcanic rocks was a unique experience, and in several spots, I sank up to my ankles!

Nature never ceases to amaze me with its wonders. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting these incredible craters.

Today, I was deeply honored by the Clark County Board of Commissioners for my work in educating our community about the wonders of the universe. I owe this recognition to the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the incredible organizations that have partnered with me over the years.

It's been an incredible journey fueled by curiosity and a passion for space. I am humbled by this recognition and committed to continuing my mission of promoting scientific literacy.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey, with special thanks to Commissioner Gibson and Commission District Liaison Blanca Vazquez for their incredible support and encouragement. Your enthusiasm makes all the difference.

Let's keep looking up and exploring the cosmos together!

Last night I caught some stunning shots of the Waxing Gibbous Moon with an impressive 88% illumination. However, I couldn't spot much on Mars' surface—just a little too elusive for my telescope.

First Hike of the Year: Pinto Valley Loop at Lake Mead

Today, we embarked on our first hike of the year through the stunning Pinto Valley Loop at Lake Mead.

The weather was perfect, staying no hotter than 63°F, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

The landscape was breathtaking, with beautiful mountains and incredible colors surrounding us. The trail was adorned with pretty cactus and intriguing plants with white leaves and tiny red fruits. Although the path wasn't always easy to distinguish, often following a riverbed, the adventure was well worth it.

While the elevation wasn't excessive, it was definitely more noticeable than it seemed at first glance. It took me 7 hours and 35 minutes to complete the hike, but every moment was rewarding.

Feeling grateful for the beauty of nature and excited for more adventures this year!

Today at 1:21 in the morning, we welcomed the winter solstice, marking the longest night of the year. As the Earth tilts its furthest from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere, we are reminded of the beauty and mystery of our cosmos.

This celestial event has been celebrated across cultures for centuries, symbolizing renewal and the gradual return of light. As we gaze up at the starry sky tonight, let's embrace the magic of the universe and allow the festive spirit to illuminate our hearts, just like the twinkling lights above.

Wishing you all a joyful winter season filled with wonder and warmth!

Mars Opposition is Coming! Prepare for a celestial show this winter!

Get ready, stargazers! It has been 2.2 years. It is not the best opposition, but we can try. From late December 2024 to January 16th, 2025, Mars will reach its closest point to Earth (opposition).

This means the Red Planet will be brighter and bigger, and we'll even have a chance to see its icy south pole!

Don't miss this rare opportunity to gaze at the Red Planet's southernmost point. It's a once-in-a-while treat that will leave you starstruck! Share with friends and family who love space, and astronomy, or want to experience the thrill of witnessing something truly cosmic.

Check out this amazing AI-generated image of Mars' south pole!

Tonight, we had an incredible discussion about living in space, focusing on the Moon and Mars! The highlight was getting to peek through my telescope, we look at Caldwell 14, Saturn and the Moon. Although clouds played a bit of a trick on us, making Jupiter a little hard to see, the kids and groups still had a blast exploring the cosmos!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for this cosmic adventure. Here’s to more nights filled with stargazing and learning!

#

Just wrapped up an incredible hike in Fletcher Canyon! This 4-mile round trip took me 4 hours, with sections of medium difficulty that were totally worth it. Gaining an elevation of 991 ft and was rewarded with breathtaking views of a river bed and an impressive gorge at the end.

Nature never ceases to amaze!

Epic Journey Across America!

We passed through the majestic mountains of Colorado, the vast plains of Kansas, the lush Hoosier forests, and the breathtaking Appalachian scenery. Every moment was an adventure, filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

Here's to new beginnings and the road ahead!

From the high deserts of Nevada to the rolling hills of Virginia, we made an incredible trek! In just 3 days, we covered 2,311 miles in 37 hours and 26 minutes of just driving, witnessing the diverse beauty of this country.

Exciting Discovery Alert!

Hey space enthusiasts, did you know that NASA's TESS has just uncovered a cosmic wonder?

NASA's exoplanet hunter just discovered a "weird" world named Phoenix that's defying expectations! This hot Neptune-sized planet is surprisingly small, old, and hot - and it's still got an atmosphere despite being super close to its red giant star.

According to the scientists, Phoenix should be a bare rock due to its proximity to the star, but instead, it is emerged from the flames with a nice and puffy atmosphere. It's a real mystery how it's managed to hang on!

Phoenix is part of a rare class of planets that orbit close to their stars, and its discovery shows just how diverse exoplanets can be. The team predicts that Phoenix will eventually spiral into its star in about 100 million years.

What can we learn from this peculiar planet? For one, it's giving us new insights on the late-stage evolution of planetary systems - including our own Earth! Who knows what secrets Phoenix holds about our planet's future?

So, let's get excited about this cosmic discovery and see what other mysteries NASA's TESS spacecraft will uncover!

I left an illustration shows the exoplanet Phoenix in the glare of its red giant parent star. (Image credit: Roberto Molar Candanosa/Johns Hopkins University)

Did you know that the Milky Way has over 150 globular clusters?

One of the most striking globular clusters in our Milky Way is Messier 3 (M3) I came across an amazing image of the globular cluster M3 taken with the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope. For comparison, I share a photo that I have taken through the DWARF II.

Did you know that M3 is a collection of several thousand to millions of stars, all gravitationally bound?

It's approximately 34,000 light-years distant and contains around 500,000 stars!

You can spot it high above the disk of the Milky Way after sunset and before sunrise. Take a look with binoculars or a telescope and see if you can spot T Cor Bor (which is about to go nova, one of these days!)

I had an amazing time presenting and sharing the wonders of our solar system through a solar telescope at the Bunkerville Library today!

As part of the Summer Challenge Program, we explored the sun's surface, learned about solar flares, and discovered how our incredible star impacts our everyday lives.

It was fantastic to see both kids and adults so engaged and enthusiastic about astronomy. Your curiosity and questions made the event truly special!

Thank you to everyone who came out and participated. Don’t forget to keep looking up and stay curious. The universe has so much to offer!

Excited to support the Summer Challenge at Indian Springs Library! Today, I got to explore the wonders of our closest star, the Sun, using my trusty telescope.

I love observing the Sun's surface and its incredible features. From sunspots to solar flares, it's a reminder of the vast and dynamic universe we’re a part of.

Excited to support the Summer Challenge at Indian Springs Library! Today, I got to explore the wonders of our closest star, the Sun, using my trusty telescope.

I love observing the Sun's surface and its incredible features. From sunspots to solar flares, it's a reminder of the vast and dynamic universe we’re a part of.

I captured the magic of the full moon through the telescope tonight!

Isn't it amazing how the universe reveals its wonders when we take a closer look? This lunar beauty never ceases to mesmerize me.

Had an amazing morning at career Day.

Today, I had a full rotation of classes where I talked to the children about exciting careers in space, the importance of healthy eating, and gymnastics for keeping the bones healthy.

The children were so engaged and curious, I have a few who had fantastic questions. It was inspiring to see their interest in topics like black holes.

One of them tell me that after her PhD, she dreams of becoming a marine biologist on a moon base!

A second amazing day presenting at Career Day to a 5 to 8 K group of enthusiastic kids who are eager to explore the mysteries of living on the Moon or Mars!

Their curiosity and insightful questions about space exploration and interplanetary living.

It's incredible to see the next generation so excited about the possibilities beyond our world.

Keep reaching for the stars, young explorers!

#SpaceExploration #MarsColonization #MoonMission #FutureAstronauts #careerdayfun

Speech at the Avi Kwa Ame one year Anniversary! To commemorate this special milestone and to reflect on the beauty and significance of our natural surroundings.

Interview with Univision Nevada about the parcial solar eclipse event 2024

Interview with Review Journal en Espanol

Our morning was truly magical as we gathered with over 500 enthusiastic people, including many kids, to witness the partial solar eclipse event! 🔭🌞✨ Through the telescope, we marveled at the beauty of the sun's dance in the sky and were delighted to spot some sun spots! 🌟☀️ What an incredible experience of nature's wonders! 🌌🔭 #SolarEclipse #AstroAdventures #SunSpotSpectacular 🌒✨

Excited to celebrate Spring the Japanese way at the annual Japanese Spring Festival hosted by Kizuna! A day filled with cultural delights - from Japanese Tea Ceremonies to Kimono fashion, Origami, Calligraphy, Ikebana, traditional music and dance, and the delicious food.