r/space

When I look at the sky from the east cost of the U.S. tonight, I see a gibbous moon that is tilted away from the horizon, even though it's after sunset. This seems to be a geometric impossibility, as it implies that the sun is still above the horizon. Is this an optical illusion of some sort, or am I simply misunderstanding the relationship between the three bodies? Can someone explain?

Hand-made illustration here: http://imgur.com/KYLgn6h

Pics from them were on here a little bit ago, and post said they stopped working after a short time because of the horrible conditions on the surface. So after 30ish years of those conditions, would anything be left behind?

If you're like me, you love reading about anything space related. We humans have a natural drive to explore our surroundings, especially the beautifully mysterious frontier known as space.

However, reading about space just isn't enough for me. I need to be a part of space exploration, and so I propose the following idea: let's come together, all members of r/Space who are interested, and work on a project.

I have a few ideas for the project, and I would like more:

• Weather balloon camera project

• Small rocket? (Not sure of price range vs. budget for this one)

• Design a satellite

If this is going to be more of a design project, then we would be able to work together from all over the world. I am experienced with SolidWorks and would love to design some sort of housing or other component. I'm a mechanical engineering undergrad (like 90% of reddit), so I'm looking for as many learning experiences as possible.

If we're actually going to build something, such as a camera mounted to a weather balloon, then we would have to meet up somewhere. We should think of a design idea first though.

So yesterday, there was a a great AMA with Mason Peck. But I didn't see a lot of ideas bandied about, at least concerning ideas for lowering the costs of lifting equipment, personnel and materials into space that involved permanent structures (i.e. Lofstrom loops, space fountains, other active structures, etc). So, does anyone else have any interest in the subject? Papers/expert opinion discussing engineering, cost and political feasibility would be welcome, as well as any insights/comments/what-have-you.

Space Oddity meets Rocket Man, meets an actual Astronaut. I think this would be awesome. Who else thinks this should happen?