Hi everybody!

Here's the latest article from the Astronomy site at BellaOnline.com.

Good-bye Spirit
Millions of people have followed the treks of the Martian rovers Spirit and Opportunity as they explored the red planet. In 2009 Spirit became trapped and was last heard from in March 2010. After a year being unable to contact her, on May 24, 2011, with sadness, NASA formally ended her mission.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48902.asp

*Solstice Greetings*

Monday, June 21st, was the longest or shortest day, depending on your hemisphere. Solstice greetings to you, wherever you are. You can read about why we – and other planets – have changing day length, see “Why Planets Have Seasons” at http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art54046.asp.

Here's a fantastic picture of last year's solstice sunrise at Stonehenge, taken by a friend of mine, amateur astronomer and professional photographer, Max Alexander. http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1006/stonehengesun_alexander.jpg

I thought you might also like this picture of the midnight solar eclipse that occurred earlier this month. It was taken in Tromso, Norway, one of my favorite places, though I've never seen the midnight sun, eclipsed or otherwise. http://spaceweather.com/eclipses/01jun11/BjAcrnar-G-Hansen1.jpg

That's all for now.  Wishing you clear skies.

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Mona Evans,
Astronomy Editor