EarthSky News - March 10 - Sliding Stones

March 10 Sliding Stones by:

What moves Death Valley's sliding stones? People used to think it was strong winds that moved the rocks across Death Valley's Racetrack Playa. Turns out, it's not. Comet Encke nearest sun today Faithful Comet Encke - one of the shortest-period comets known - is closest to the sun today. Read how its frequent returns helped reveal the true nature of comets. Tonight … Moon and Regulus Regulus - Heart of the Lion in constellation Leo - is considered the most important of the 4 Royal Stars of ancient Persia.   Star of the week: Alphard is the Snake's Heart Look for this star on March, April and May evenings.

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Tonight … Moon and Regulus Regulus is the bright star in the moon's glare Friday evening.

Sliding stone, Death Valley Here's a beautiful image of a sliding (or sailing or slithering) stone at Death Valley's famous Racetrack Playa. Photo by Cat Connor. Submit your photo to EarthSky here!

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