A new website was launched today to create a forum for astronomers to submit reports of unknown objects. The aim is to two-fold: to educate the public about natural phenomena in the sky that could be misidentified, and collect data that could reveal previously unknown scientific phenomena.

Mysterious lights in the sky have revealed unknown phenomena before. Airline pilots used to report sightings of strange flashes above thunderstorms, which remained taboo until the space shuttle also imaged them in the early 1990s. These ‘sprites’ and ‘jets’ are electrical phenomena – still poorly understood – that flash upwards above a thundercloud.

The new website, which can be found at www.uapreporting.org/, has been put together by Philippe Ailleris, an amateur astronomer.

“These phenomena are mainly seen in the night sky, a domain that astronomers have long considered their own, and it is important to collect testimonies from members of the population that are trained observers,” says Ailleris. “We aim to approach this controversial field from a professional, rational point of view and without preconceived ideas. Certainly whenever there are unexplained observations, there is the possibility that scientists could learn something new by further study.”

The website also aims to educate the public about objects in the sky that they might mistake for flying saucers. Meteors and fireballs, bright planets, mirages, even manmade objects such as the International Space Station have all been misidentified in the past simply because the public are unaware of what is above their heads. Local astronomical societies can forward curious members of the public who think they have seen something to Ailleris’ website, and in return scientists and larger societies such as the British Astronomical Association can use the website to gather data on reports of fireballs or aurorae, for instance.

The project is being launched under the auspices of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA), and is timed to go alongside the IYA cornerstone project Galilean Nights, which will see astronomers hit the street for ‘sidewalk astronomy’ sessions, where members of the public will be invited to look through telescopes on their way home from work, or on their way out for the night.

“Many IYA 2009 observers will be scanning the skies with all kinds of technical equipment – telescopes, binoculars, video cameras, cameras with spectrographs – which generates an excellent opportunity to obtain supplementary data,” says Ailleris. “This is also a great opportunity to engage with the general public and discuss some of the challenges astronomers face in determining various parameters such as coordinates, altitude, distance, speed and size.”

The Galilean Nights will occur over 22–24 October, which will then be followed up in the UK by the Autumn Moonwatch (24 October–1 November). For more information on these IYA events visit www.astronomy2009.co.uk/.

The Planets
From tiny Mercury to distant Neptune and Pluto, The Planets profiles each of the Solar System's members in depth, featuring the latest imagery from space missions. The tallest mountains, the deepest canyons, the strongest winds, raging atmospheric storms, terrain studded with craters and vast worlds of ice are just some of the sights you'll see on this 100-page tour of the planets.
 U.K. STORE
 E.U. STORE
 U.S. & WORLDWIDE STORE

Hubble Reborn
Hubble Reborn takes the reader on a journey through the Universe with spectacular full-colour pictures of galaxies, nebulae, planets and stars as seen through Hubble's eyes, along the way telling the dramatic story of the space telescope, including interviews with key scientists and astronauts.
 U.K. STORE
 E.U. STORE
 U.S. & WORLDWIDE STORE

3D Universe
Witness the most awesome sights of the Universe as they were meant to be seen in this 100-page extravaganza of planets, galaxies and star-scapes, all in 3D!
 U.K. STORE
 E.U. STORE
 U.S. & WORLDWIDE STORE

This special publication features the photography of British astro-imager Nik Szymanek and covers a range of photographic methods from basic to advanced. Beautiful pictures of the night sky can be obtained with a simple camera and tripod before tackling more difficult projects, such as guided astrophotography through the telescope and CCD imaging.
 U.K. STORE
 E.U. STORE
 U.S. & WORLDWIDE STORE

Explore the Universe with these new versions of the award-winning Starry Night Software. Available now from the Astronomy Now Store.
 U.K. STORE
 E.U. STORE
 U.S. & WORLDWIDE STORE

Astronomy Now is pleased to announce the publication of Exploring Mars. The very best images of Mars taken by orbiting spacecraft and NASA's Spirit and Opportunity rovers fill up the 98 glossy pages of this special edition!
 U.K. STORE
 E.U. STORE
 U.S. & WORLDWIDE STORE

This new poster features some of the best pictures from NASA's amazing Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
 U.K. STORE
 E.U. STORE
 U.S. & WORLDWIDE STORE