The midpoint of the year
This week marks the midpoint of the year. Specifically Thursday, July 2nd at 1 p.m. eastern time, which is a reflection of earth’s fixed relationship with the sun regardless of our civil calendar. This then begs the question, why is it so much colder in January or hotter in the July? Also, 400 years ago, right around this time, Galileo is figuring out how the optics work in a device called a spy glass. Find out how it works, who else used this device and what devices we use today that Galileo inspired.
Listen:[audio: st20090629.mp3]
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Skytalk is hosted by WHYY's Dave Heller. Each week he discusses the latest news in astronomy with Dr. Derrick H. Pitts of the Franklin Institute.
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