Next week we’ll take a look at some interesting new work on the formation of rocky worlds around red dwarfs (including what might show up in the habitable zone around such stars), and a French study on the characteristics of gas giant exoplanets. I also want to talk about a new SETI attempt looking for signal leakage from a nearby solar system rather than directed beacons.

For the weekend, though, ponder a project to get the public involved in deep sky astronomy by using the Internet to deliver live video of observing sessions. The company involved, Astrochannels.com, is still in beta testing, but the plan seems to be to stream views of galaxies, globular clusters, nebulae and other intriguing objects, along with a commentary, during scheduled live showings. Users will be able to vote on objects to be studied and participate in online forums.

The next showing is tonight starting at about 10:20 Eastern time (0220 UTC), with the viewing schedule available here (Comet SWAN is an interesting possibility). I have no idea how this concept will play out, but I’m hoping that by making more alternatives available for those without telescopes, the Internet can become an even more effective aid in spreading public interest in astronomy.

I’m remembering, too, the New Trends in Astrodynamics conference in Princeton a year ago, when even the most jaded in the audience gasped in delight at the astronomical vistas shown by a resident amateur with high-end equipment. Let’s hope Astrochannels.com can ignite that feeling in a new audience.