Sky Roundup for December
Astronomical highlights for the month of December 2016
The Night Before Christmas
This month's astronomy highlights start after you scroll down; but, just below, you'll find yuletide cheer about an amateur astronomer and his holiday musings. Since 2009, Roy Kaelin’s installment of Sky Roundup for December has started with his parody of "A Visit of St. Nicholas" and that little tradition continues this year. With apologies to Clement Clark Moore.
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
Glories Stream from Heaven Above
Under the silent nights of December’s skies, all is calm and all is bright. Clear nights show stars all a-twinkling and planets all parading, a fitting and calming end to a grand and glorious year. Month after month, we were treated to welcome observations and engaging vistas that stretched from east to west. Let’s see how we close out the year.
In the western sky after sunset, bright-white Venus moves though Sagittarius (the Archer) by the start of the month, and, after the first week, crosses into Capricornus (the Sea-Goat), one constellation to the east, where pale-orange Mars already resides. By eventide of Christmas, the brilliant planet has nearly traversed that star pattern, moving on toward next-door Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), where Mars already precedes it. By New Year’s Eve, both planets start the coming year wholly within Aquarius. (See first chart, just below.) As we look with anticipation to a new year, perhaps it is fitting that the ancient personifications of love and war come together amid the classical symbolism of purification and refreshment.
In the western sky after sunset, bright-white Venus moves though Sagittarius (the Archer) by the start of the month, and, after the first week, crosses into Capricornus (the Sea-Goat), one constellation to the east, where pale-orange Mars already resides. By eventide of Christmas, the brilliant planet has nearly traversed that star pattern, moving on toward next-door Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), where Mars already precedes it. By New Year’s Eve, both planets start the coming year wholly within Aquarius. (See first chart, just below.) As we look with anticipation to a new year, perhaps it is fitting that the ancient personifications of love and war come together amid the classical symbolism of purification and refreshment.
Mighty Jupiter (in Virgo, the Maiden), from start to finish this month like last month, rises earlier and earlier in the east-southeast sky before sunup, seen just above the star Spica. (See this month’s second chart, next below.) Its kingly ascendancy ahead of the Sun leads the start of each new day this month and ushers in the start of a brand new year.
Of the celestial worlds known to the ancients with eyes alone, the quickest and the slowest close out this year in the east. Fleet-footed Mercury, the hot little world closest to the rising Sun, is lost in its glare, barely visible, hugging the horizon just before dawn. Wizened Saturn, the cold solemn world far from the Sun, dodders slowly above the horizon in morning twilight. (See this month’s third chart, just below.) Perhaps it is fitting that planet Saturn is seen by the morning of New Year’s Eve, as the personification of Father Time rises to ring out the old.
If December delivers a frozen dusting, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, will give the luster of mid-day to the breast of new-fallen snow. By its frosty light, this month’s Full Cold Moon becomes a fitting name for that bright wintry orb in the night sky.
On December 2nd the slim crescent Moon, just past its New phase, stands just west of Venus after sunset, low near the west-southwest horizon. (See this month’s fourth chart, just below.)
On December 2nd the slim crescent Moon, just past its New phase, stands just west of Venus after sunset, low near the west-southwest horizon. (See this month’s fourth chart, just below.)
On December 4th, the waxing crescent Moon sits west of Mars (in Capricornus, the Sea-Goat), in the south-southwest sky by 7:00 p. m. (See this month's fifth chart, just below).
On December 9th, the waxing gibbous Moon appears poised above the dwarf planet Ceres in the west-southwest by midnight. (See this month’s sixth chart, just below, where red tick marks frame its approximate location.)
The tiny round world, once known as an asteroid owing to its star-like appearance, would be a challenge to spot clearly except in a large telescope (though it was likely easier to spot five years ago when Ceres was at opposition). More readily detected in a series of astro-photographs, asteroids often attract amateur astronomers to participate in worthwhile citizen science. (Learn about an ongoing project here as an involved way to start a new year of observation.)
By December 22nd, the waning crescent Moon stands above Jupiter (in Virgo, the Maiden) in south-southeast sky just before morning twilight, by 5:00 a. m. (See this month's seventh chart, just below.)
We close out this year on an exuberant note, not only as this is a year to relive and reflect for old time’s sake, but for more good times to sing auld lang syne this time next year.
Happy New Year to all and to all a Clear Night!
Happy New Year to all and to all a Clear Night!
Sky Roundup Almanac for December 2016
December 07: First Quarter Moon at 9:03 UT (or, 3:03 a. m. CST on 12/07)
December 14: Full Moon at 00:05 UT (or, 6:05 p. m. CST on 12/13)
December 21: Last Quarter Moon at 1:56 UT (or, 7:56 p. m. CST on 12/20)
December 29: New Moon at 6:53 UT (or, 12:53 a. m. CST on 12/29)
All almanac events corrected to Standard Time, Central Time Zone, USA
December 14: Full Moon at 00:05 UT (or, 6:05 p. m. CST on 12/13)
December 21: Last Quarter Moon at 1:56 UT (or, 7:56 p. m. CST on 12/20)
December 29: New Moon at 6:53 UT (or, 12:53 a. m. CST on 12/29)
All almanac events corrected to Standard Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for November
Astronomical highlights for the month of November 2016
A Thankful November
A traditional season of celebration starts this Autumn in November and continues just past the start of Winter to the first of January. We anticipate the frenzy of seasonal shopping and holiday rituals, of gathering snows and gathering friends, of crisp clear nights and winter observing. Poised for the moment before that headlong plunge into the holidays, we take stock for what we can be thankful. In addition to the bounty and beauty we seek to embrace this coming holiday season, we’re thankful for the bounty and beauty of the night sky.
UPDATE: A so-called Supermoon appears Monday night, November 14th. This month's larger-than-usual Full Moon (at least in its appearance) is touted to be the largest since January, 1948, and none larger until November, 2034. The Supermoon gets its name from the evidently larger appearance of the Moon at its full phase than is usually seen. This appearance is due to the Full Moon at perigee, or, the usual, closest, monthly approach of the Moon to Earth coinciding with the Full Moon phase. Always a treat to see the Moon!
Venus and Saturn (both in Ophiuchus, the Serpent Handler), poised above the western horizon at sunset, shine in early evening twilight for the first week of this month. (See this month’s first chart, just below). Thereafter, Saturn drops from view and disappears in the glare of the Sun by the third week while Venus draws higher into Sagittarius (the Archer), one constellation to the east, by month’s end.
Mars (in Capricornus, the Sea-Goat) moseys eastward throughout this month, continuing its journey in the southern sky after sundown (see this month’s second chart, below), as majestic Jupiter (in Virgo, the Maiden), from start to finish this month, rises earlier and earlier in the east before sunup. (See this month’s third chart, next below.)
The season's harvest complete, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, would shine this month for early American trappers to set their traps with the prospect of beaver pelts for Winter, hence this month’s full phase known as the Full Beaver Moon. Late Autumn cold settling in during this month bestows the name of Frosty Moon, too, to our bright neighbor in the night sky.
On November 2nd the Moon, just past its New phase, stands above Venus and Saturn just after sunset, low near the west-southwest horizon. (See this month’s fourth chart, just below.)
On November 2nd the Moon, just past its New phase, stands above Venus and Saturn just after sunset, low near the west-southwest horizon. (See this month’s fourth chart, just below.)
On November 5th, the waxing, nearly First Quarter Moon sits west of Mars (in Sagittarius, the Archer), in the south-southwest sky by 7:00 p. m. (See this month's fifth chart, just below).
By November 24th, like last month the waning crescent Moon stands poised above Jupiter (in Virgo, the maiden), east-southeast before dawn, low above the horizon. (See this month's sixth chart, below.)
The wonder of the holidays approach, the splendor of the night sky beckons. Let us be thankful for them, one and all.
Sky Roundup Almanac for November 2016
November 06: Daylight Saving Time ends; Standard Time begins at 2:00 a. m.
November 07: First Quarter Moon at 19:51 UT (or, 1:51 p. m. CST on 11/07)
November 14: Full Moon (aka a Supermoon this time) at 13:52 UT (or, 7:52 a. m. CST on 11/14)
November 21: Last Quarter Moon at 8:23 UT (or, 2:23 a. m. CST on 11/21)
November 29: New Moon at 12:18 UT (or, 12:18 p. m. CST on 11/29)
November 07: First Quarter Moon at 19:51 UT (or, 1:51 p. m. CST on 11/07)
November 14: Full Moon (aka a Supermoon this time) at 13:52 UT (or, 7:52 a. m. CST on 11/14)
November 21: Last Quarter Moon at 8:23 UT (or, 2:23 a. m. CST on 11/21)
November 29: New Moon at 12:18 UT (or, 12:18 p. m. CST on 11/29)
All almanac events corrected to Standard Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for October
Astronomical highlights for the month of October 2016
No October Surprise
The traditional presidential political season always holds the prospect for an astonishing disclosure or an unpredictable event that is meant to shock observers or to set one to wonder. For this month’s installment of Sky Roundup, the disclosure of clear-sky wonders is no real surprise at all, but just a good, steady set of reliable celestial wonders for observers already friendly or familiar with the night sky.
Venus (in Libra, the Scales) gleams in evening twilight all month long, emerging in the west from its summer-long hiding in the glare of the Sun. (See this month’s first chart, just below). Gradually, it appears to move eastward toward Saturn, where Venus pairs up (in Ophiuchus, the Serpent Handler, one constellation east of Libra), near the horizon with the Ringed Planet by month’s end, a stunning duo in a binocular or telescope. (See this month’s second chart, below).
Venus (in Libra, the Scales) gleams in evening twilight all month long, emerging in the west from its summer-long hiding in the glare of the Sun. (See this month’s first chart, just below). Gradually, it appears to move eastward toward Saturn, where Venus pairs up (in Ophiuchus, the Serpent Handler, one constellation east of Libra), near the horizon with the Ringed Planet by month’s end, a stunning duo in a binocular or telescope. (See this month’s second chart, below).
Mars (in Sagittarius, the Archer) continues its journey eastward in the southern sky. Before that part of the sky is lost to Winter, get a glimpse of the celestial splendors, mainly globular clusters and open clusters, that grace the Milky Way, as they are seen high in the sky in Summer and Autumn. (See this column’s third chart, below, for a detailed location of many.)
Always a treat to spot and view, some can be more challenging than others to locate in a telescope or binocular. The brighter and better known are the Messier objects (pronounced MESS-zee-YAY, denoted by a capital "M" followed by a number), first catalogued by famed comet-hunter Charles Messier, who sought to chart these objects, not to mistake them for new comets on his subsequent forays of nighttime observing.
Many other open clusters in this part of the Milky Way have the designation "NGC" for New General Catalog, which was first compiled by Johan Ludvig Emil Dreyer (aka J. L. E. Dreyer), a Danish astronomer who headed the Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland (and who wrote a definitive biography of Tycho Brahe, one of his illustrious, historical, fellow countryman). You might surprise yourself with how many you can view.
The next Full Moon, after last month’s Harvest Moon, is this month's Hunters Moon, so named for the available moonlight relied on to hunt game to supplement the larder of winter’s provisions, once the Fall harvest was complete. Among native peoples, at its full phase this month, our nearest celestial neighbor was also known as the Full Blood Moon or Full Sanguine Moon.
On October 3rd the Moon, just past its new phase, stands north of brilliant Venus just after sunset, low near the western horizon. (See this month’s fourth chart, just below.)
Many other open clusters in this part of the Milky Way have the designation "NGC" for New General Catalog, which was first compiled by Johan Ludvig Emil Dreyer (aka J. L. E. Dreyer), a Danish astronomer who headed the Armagh Observatory in Northern Ireland (and who wrote a definitive biography of Tycho Brahe, one of his illustrious, historical, fellow countryman). You might surprise yourself with how many you can view.
The next Full Moon, after last month’s Harvest Moon, is this month's Hunters Moon, so named for the available moonlight relied on to hunt game to supplement the larder of winter’s provisions, once the Fall harvest was complete. Among native peoples, at its full phase this month, our nearest celestial neighbor was also known as the Full Blood Moon or Full Sanguine Moon.
On October 3rd the Moon, just past its new phase, stands north of brilliant Venus just after sunset, low near the western horizon. (See this month’s fourth chart, just below.)
By October 5th the Moon, still a slim waxing crescent, slides west of Saturn (in Ophiuchus, the Serpent Handler), best visible with an unobstructed horizon (and a good sight in a binocular), nearly due southwest by 7:00 p. m. (See this month's fifth chart, just below).
On October 7th, the waxing, nearly First Quarter Moon sits west of Mars (in Sagittarius, the Archer), in the south-southwest sky by 7:30 p. m. (See this month's sixth chart, just below).
By October 27th, the waning crescent Moon stands poised above Jupiter (in Virgo, the Maiden), nearly due east before dawn, low above the horizon, where it has emerged (surprise!) into Autumn’s morning twilight after its dominance in the night sky all last Spring and Summer. (See this month's seventh chart, below.)
Familiar and friendly, the night sky excites but doesn’t shock; it provides a reliable reckoning of steady, largely predictable events, far removed from the turbulent world of human happenings. Often few surprises but a set of celestial splendors spread across the night sky, it still can set one to wonder.
Sky Roundup Almanac for October 2016
October 08: First Quarter Moon at 04:33 UT on 10/09 (or, 11:33 p. m. CDT on 10/08)
October 15: Full Moon at 04:23 UT on 10/16 (or, 11:23 p. m. CDT on 10/15)
October 22: Last Quarter Moon at 19:44 UT (or, 2:44 p. m. CDT on 10/22)
October 30: New Moon at 17:38 UT (or, 12:38 p. m. CDT on 10/30)
October 15: Full Moon at 04:23 UT on 10/16 (or, 11:23 p. m. CDT on 10/15)
October 22: Last Quarter Moon at 19:44 UT (or, 2:44 p. m. CDT on 10/22)
October 30: New Moon at 17:38 UT (or, 12:38 p. m. CDT on 10/30)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for September
Astronomical highlights for the month of September 2016
Harvest of Hues
Across the Great Lakes region, Summer gives way to Autumn this month, and, the anticipated colors of Fall show up subtly in the night sky on clear nights. With telescope, binocular, or eyes alone, each way can show a hint of the hues that start a cooler season.
Continuing from Summer and by early evening twilight, the two outer planets, pale yellow Saturn to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) and orange Mars, in Scorpius (the Scales) remain in their own triad formation with ruddy Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius, all seen due south-southeast by 8 p. m. (see first chart, just below) for the first half of the month; by the latter half, the triad has widened as Mars moves east into neighboring Sagittarius. At month's end, the entire wide triangle appears further due southeast by 7:00 p. m. (see second chart, just below).
Continuing from Summer and by early evening twilight, the two outer planets, pale yellow Saturn to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) and orange Mars, in Scorpius (the Scales) remain in their own triad formation with ruddy Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius, all seen due south-southeast by 8 p. m. (see first chart, just below) for the first half of the month; by the latter half, the triad has widened as Mars moves east into neighboring Sagittarius. At month's end, the entire wide triangle appears further due southeast by 7:00 p. m. (see second chart, just below).
By month's end, bright white Venus emerges into the evening sky, low in west at sunset, after staying out of sight most of latter part of the Summer season. Mammoth Jupiter, striped tan and pale orange with its own planetary belts of high clouds, is difficult to spot in the western sky as it joins the glare of the setting Sun and remains invisible almost all month; by month's end, though, the great planet has just crossed into the morning sky but remains unseen until next month.
Where our luminous next-door neighbor, the Moon, does appear in the sky from our vantage, its light can overpower the fainter light of distant stars, and, of course, outshine all the planets. Coincidentally, the New Moon starts on the first day of this month (see Sky Roundup Almanac, below), but still resides in the glare of the Sun.
By mid-month, the usual bright white Full Moon will take on a ruddy orange appearance as it lifts its light above the horizon. Known as the Harvest Moon, when seen at its rising, it's the Full Moon closest to the date of the Autumnal Equinox, or, the first day of the Fall season, which occurs on September 22nd. (See Sky Roundup Almanac, below.)
Among native peoples, at its full phase it was known as the Full Corn Moon or Full Harvest Moon, owing to the shocks of corn set out in fields to be gathered and for the reap of Summer's bounty.
Late-night observing late in the month can find a crispness in the air, and, a crisp, bright Moon paired with planets will make a pleasing sight, as our Moon's position in the sky often coincides with our planetary neighbors, which align very nearly in the same plane.
By September 3rd the Moon, as a very slim waxing crescent, slides east of Venus in Virgo, visible only with an unobstructed horizon (and likely best in a binocular), nearly due west by 7:30 p. m. (see this month's third chart, just below).
Where our luminous next-door neighbor, the Moon, does appear in the sky from our vantage, its light can overpower the fainter light of distant stars, and, of course, outshine all the planets. Coincidentally, the New Moon starts on the first day of this month (see Sky Roundup Almanac, below), but still resides in the glare of the Sun.
By mid-month, the usual bright white Full Moon will take on a ruddy orange appearance as it lifts its light above the horizon. Known as the Harvest Moon, when seen at its rising, it's the Full Moon closest to the date of the Autumnal Equinox, or, the first day of the Fall season, which occurs on September 22nd. (See Sky Roundup Almanac, below.)
Among native peoples, at its full phase it was known as the Full Corn Moon or Full Harvest Moon, owing to the shocks of corn set out in fields to be gathered and for the reap of Summer's bounty.
Late-night observing late in the month can find a crispness in the air, and, a crisp, bright Moon paired with planets will make a pleasing sight, as our Moon's position in the sky often coincides with our planetary neighbors, which align very nearly in the same plane.
By September 3rd the Moon, as a very slim waxing crescent, slides east of Venus in Virgo, visible only with an unobstructed horizon (and likely best in a binocular), nearly due west by 7:30 p. m. (see this month's third chart, just below).
On September 9th, the First Quarter Moon sits over Saturn (in Scorpius, the Scorpion) and moves over Mars the next night (see this month's fourth and fifth charts, just below).
By September 15th, the waxing gibbous Moon nears Neptune. Always a challenge to spot in a modest telescope, the light and nearby position of the nearly full Moon can make it even more of a challenge. Best seen at 3:45 a. m. in the western sky, the bluish planet will appear as a very tiny dot. (See this month's sixth and seventh charts, below. The first of these give a general location in the sky; the second shows a relative location of Neptune to the Moon as seen in a binocular. Red tick marks point its location.)
By September 17, the waning gibbous Moon appears near Uranus. Best seen at 9:45 p. m. almost due east, the greenish planet, though closer than Neptune, will still appear as a dot even at good magnification. (See this month's eighth and ninth charts, below. The first of these gives a general location in the sky; the second shows a relative location of Uranus to the Moon as seen in a binocular. Red tick marks point its location.)
The real riot of color across the Great Lakes will begin next month, but this month's night sky shows us the heavens' own harvest of hues. Sneak a peak at this month's subtle celestial palette of color.
Sky Roundup Almanac for September 2016
September 01: New Moon at 09:03 UT (or, 4:03 a. m. CDT on 09/01)
September 09: First Quarter Moon at 11:49 UT (or, 6:49 a. m. CDT on 09/09)
September 16: Full Moon at 19:05 UT (or, 2:05 p. m. CDT on 09/16)
September 22: Autumnal Equinox, 14:31 UT (or, 9:21 a. m. CDT om 09/22)
September 23: Last Quarter Moon at 09:56 UT (or, 4:56 a. m. CDT on 09/23)
September 09: First Quarter Moon at 11:49 UT (or, 6:49 a. m. CDT on 09/09)
September 16: Full Moon at 19:05 UT (or, 2:05 p. m. CDT on 09/16)
September 22: Autumnal Equinox, 14:31 UT (or, 9:21 a. m. CDT om 09/22)
September 23: Last Quarter Moon at 09:56 UT (or, 4:56 a. m. CDT on 09/23)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for August
Astronomical highlights for the month of August 2016
Night Lights in Humid Haze
UPDATE: The Perseid meteor shower remains a summertime night-sky treat, and this year is no exception. It is reported that the nights of August 11 - 12, 2016, may be the prime time to see the fast fireballs flit across the evening sky. Viewing the Perseids is often an annual rite of Summer, during the second week of August, as whole families take to camping or lone adventurers travel far from city and suburb just to get a glimpse. No telling yet how good this particular shower will be until it happens; but, if the weather is clear, gather a few friends and alert the neighbors to watch a natural fireworks show.
Summer's nigh and the humid air makes languid our many nights in this long month. The stars wheel about all night long, the planets weave their predictable paths, our neighbors in space shine down their light from afar, to let us behold night after night of night lights across a celestial canopy.
Let's see what's wondrous awaiting us this month.
By early evening twilight on a moonless night, the planets appear first. Mercury and Venus have just emerged into evening sky, low in west at sunset, after staying out of sight most of last month. In addition, Jupiter joins in to form a brief triad close to the horizon, all in Leo (the Lion); however, to catch all three requires a good binocular and a clear, treeless, unobstructed horizon.
Let's see what's wondrous awaiting us this month.
By early evening twilight on a moonless night, the planets appear first. Mercury and Venus have just emerged into evening sky, low in west at sunset, after staying out of sight most of last month. In addition, Jupiter joins in to form a brief triad close to the horizon, all in Leo (the Lion); however, to catch all three requires a good binocular and a clear, treeless, unobstructed horizon.
Continuing like the last three months, the two outer planets, Saturn to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) and Mars, now in Scorpius (the Scales) remain in their own triad formation with Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius, all seen due south by 8 p. m. (see chart, just below) for the first half of the month; by the latter half, the triad appears further west at the same time of early evening.
Where our nearby celestial neighbor, the Moon, appears in the sky, its light dominates any Summer night. Among native peoples, at its full phase it was known as the Full Sturgeon Moon, since these fish of the Great Lakes were often readily caught during this month.
This Full Moon was also known as the Red Moon, owing to its orange red appearance as seen through August's humid haze. Alternate names included the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon, no doubt to signify the progress of crops growing through the Summer season.
Where the Moon pairs with planets is always a treat, even on lazy, hazy evenings. By August 4th the Moon, as a very slim waxing crescent, stands next to Mercury in Leo, visible only with an unobstructed horizon (and likely best in a binocular), nearly due west by 8:30 p. m. (see chart, just below).
This Full Moon was also known as the Red Moon, owing to its orange red appearance as seen through August's humid haze. Alternate names included the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon, no doubt to signify the progress of crops growing through the Summer season.
Where the Moon pairs with planets is always a treat, even on lazy, hazy evenings. By August 4th the Moon, as a very slim waxing crescent, stands next to Mercury in Leo, visible only with an unobstructed horizon (and likely best in a binocular), nearly due west by 8:30 p. m. (see chart, just below).
By the next night, August 5th, the slim waxing crescent Moon slips past Jupiter, also near the horizon (see next chart, below).
By August 11th, the waxing gibbous Moon trips past the triad of Saturn, Mars, and Antares to form a neat trapezoid, due south-southeast by 9 p. m. (see chart, just below).
Sultry nights often make August skies seem somewhat opaque, especially to fainter lights, like star clusters and galaxies. It takes at least a medium magnification in a telescope of modest size to begin to show a faint patch worth viewing. The haze itself, though, may actually help to steady the view; that is, as air and ground have nearly the same even temperature on warm evenings, there is slightly less scintillation, or twinkling, than on cold nights, which can aid one's steady seeing of night lights, especially of the planets.
Like last month, the Milky Way remains a key feature across that same celestial canopy, wheeling high overhead through the later hours of the evening before midnight, but due south roughly by 10 p. m. late in the month, and, worth the time to scan in that direction with binocular or telescope for choice summertime Messier objects (mainly nebulae and star clusters) embedded within its hazy glow (see chart, just below).
Like last month, the Milky Way remains a key feature across that same celestial canopy, wheeling high overhead through the later hours of the evening before midnight, but due south roughly by 10 p. m. late in the month, and, worth the time to scan in that direction with binocular or telescope for choice summertime Messier objects (mainly nebulae and star clusters) embedded within its hazy glow (see chart, just below).
The season may seem laid back and slow, and our nightly views should be just as easy and unhurried, so we can savor the sultry skies of August.
Sky Roundup Almanac for August 2016
August 02: New Moon at 20:45 UT (or, 3:45 p. m. CDT on 08/02)
August 10: First Quarter Moon at 18:21 UT (or, 1:21 p. m. CDT on 08/10)
August 11-12: Perseid meteor shower! Best seen from 10 p. m. onward till just before dawn.
August 18: Full Moon at 9:27 UT (or, 4:27 a. m. CDT on 08/18)
August 24: Last Quarter Moon at 3:41 UT on 08/25 (or, 10:41 p. m. CDT on 08/24)
August 10: First Quarter Moon at 18:21 UT (or, 1:21 p. m. CDT on 08/10)
August 11-12: Perseid meteor shower! Best seen from 10 p. m. onward till just before dawn.
August 18: Full Moon at 9:27 UT (or, 4:27 a. m. CDT on 08/18)
August 24: Last Quarter Moon at 3:41 UT on 08/25 (or, 10:41 p. m. CDT on 08/24)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for July
Astronomical highlights for the month of July 2016
Nigh in July
The way it is during the Summer months, we observe more often when we can and less often than we ought. It is such a fine time to be out under the stars, especially if humid weather and nighttime pests stay at bay. What makes our way to the stars on clear nights all the more memorable are the glimpses we get of that veritable highway of stars, the Milky Way.
As seen from our vantage on Earth, the Milky Way is our view out through the edge of our own home galaxy. A vast aggregation of billions of stars, we see only a fraction of that number squeezed into a wide lane that spans the sky from northeast to southwest in wee hours after midnight early in July to late-night hours before midnight by late July. Across the top of the sky at this time year, the Milky Way is nigh in July, and, remains a singular treat to scan with a binocular or telescope, sporting gas clouds and star clusters nestled amid a traffic jam of starry pinpoints.
When seen high overhead (see first chart, below), the Milky Way appears to pass through the Summer Triangle, the three brightest stars (Deneb, Vega, and Altair) of the constellations Cygnus (the Swan), Lyra (the Harp), and Aquila (the Eagle).
As seen from our vantage on Earth, the Milky Way is our view out through the edge of our own home galaxy. A vast aggregation of billions of stars, we see only a fraction of that number squeezed into a wide lane that spans the sky from northeast to southwest in wee hours after midnight early in July to late-night hours before midnight by late July. Across the top of the sky at this time year, the Milky Way is nigh in July, and, remains a singular treat to scan with a binocular or telescope, sporting gas clouds and star clusters nestled amid a traffic jam of starry pinpoints.
When seen high overhead (see first chart, below), the Milky Way appears to pass through the Summer Triangle, the three brightest stars (Deneb, Vega, and Altair) of the constellations Cygnus (the Swan), Lyra (the Harp), and Aquila (the Eagle).
Much closer to home, the inner planets of Mercury and Venus are not so singular this month, as they remain hidden throughout July. By contrast, but like last month too, Jupiter cannot stay hidden on a clear night and still shines in the western sky, close to the horizon after sunset (in chart, just below), still in Leo (the Lion).
Continuing like last two months, the two outer planets, Saturn to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) and Mars, in Libra (the Scales), still form a striking triad with Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius, all seen due south by 9 p. m. (see chart, just below, showing the three as they appear near and among various Milky Way star clusters). With Saturn now past opposition and Mars past its nearest in several years, the two outer planets still make a pleasing sight in the south sky after Summer sunset.
At its full phase this month, our nearby sky-lore neighbor, the Moon, at least among native peoples, was known as the Full Buck Moon, as buck deer begin to grow new antlers at about this time in July. This full Moon was also known as the Full Thunder Moon, owing to the frequency and severity of thunderstorms during this month.
By June 8th, the Moon, as a slim waxing crescent, stands just west and below Jupiter in Leo (the Lion), nearly due west by 9 p. m. (see chart, just below); by June 14th the Moon, nearing its full phase, stands due south between Mars and Saturn by 9 p. m. (see next chart, below).
By June 8th, the Moon, as a slim waxing crescent, stands just west and below Jupiter in Leo (the Lion), nearly due west by 9 p. m. (see chart, just below); by June 14th the Moon, nearing its full phase, stands due south between Mars and Saturn by 9 p. m. (see next chart, below).
Don’t lose your way as you set your sights on the night sky. Look for the Moon and planets as always; but, if it’s a moonless night, aim high to find the Milky Way nigh in July.
Sky Roundup Almanac for July 2016
July 04: New Moon at 11:01 UT on 07/04 (or, 6:01 a. m. CDT on 07/04)
July 12: First Quarter Moon at 00:52 UT (or, 7:52 p. m. CDT on 07/11)
July 19: Full Moon at 22:56 UT (or, 5:56 p. m. CDT on 07/19)
July 26: Last Quarter Moon at 23:00 UT (or, 6:00 p. m. CDT on 07/26)
July 12: First Quarter Moon at 00:52 UT (or, 7:52 p. m. CDT on 07/11)
July 19: Full Moon at 22:56 UT (or, 5:56 p. m. CDT on 07/19)
July 26: Last Quarter Moon at 23:00 UT (or, 6:00 p. m. CDT on 07/26)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for June
Astronomical highlights for the month of June 2016
Not Too Soon
This month helps to usher in the start of Summer and the prospect to set up our binoculars and telescopes to take in the celestial sights. It is not too soon to pore over the star charts to plan for an evening of observing and then head outside to delight in it.
This month offers that narrow swath of time, just as the air is warming to the season, with comfortable nights and few mosquitoes; but, depending on how fast the weather warms, the prospect of fewer nighttime insects quickly changes. Not too soon to have the repellent ready.
Let's see what buzzing about in that swath of time before we have to swat at pests.
The inner hot planet Venus remains hidden throughout most of June, while the other inner hot planet, Mercury in Taurus (the Bull), emerges barely above the local horizon and into morning twilight by mid-month (see first chart, just below), but sinks back into the Sun's glare by month's end. By contrast, but like last month too, Jupiter gleams in the night sky, and, by midnight (in the next chart, below), stands squarely to the west in Leo (the Lion).
This month offers that narrow swath of time, just as the air is warming to the season, with comfortable nights and few mosquitoes; but, depending on how fast the weather warms, the prospect of fewer nighttime insects quickly changes. Not too soon to have the repellent ready.
Let's see what buzzing about in that swath of time before we have to swat at pests.
The inner hot planet Venus remains hidden throughout most of June, while the other inner hot planet, Mercury in Taurus (the Bull), emerges barely above the local horizon and into morning twilight by mid-month (see first chart, just below), but sinks back into the Sun's glare by month's end. By contrast, but like last month too, Jupiter gleams in the night sky, and, by midnight (in the next chart, below), stands squarely to the west in Leo (the Lion).
Again like last month, and not too soon to view it again, the two outer planets, Saturn to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) and Mars, now in Libra (the Scales), still form a neat triangle with Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius, all seen due south by midnight (see chart, just below, showing the three at this month's start). But that triad is a showpiece now as Mars rivals Saturn in brightness, and both rival Antares.
That is, at the close of May, Mars arrived at its closest to Earth since 2005; and, by June 3rd, Saturn reaches opposition, or, is seen opposite the Sun and so is visible all night long. More to the point, in this instance both of these outer worlds appear largest and brightest to the unaided eye and in our binoculars and telescopes. Or, put another way, in a good telescope the planetary globes of Mars and of Saturn appear almost the same diameter with magnification. Both planets make for a pleasing sight, and, should be a real treat for astro-photographers.
Note, too, that continuing into this month, at least two meteor showers, faint and sporadic, in the vicinity of the triad may be visible, namely, the Ophiuchids and theta-Ophiuchids, which run to mid-month. There may be a chance to glimpse a few in the early part of June, with only a waning crescent Moon in the pre-dawn sky.
At its full phase this month, our celestial neighbor, the Moon, at least among native peoples, was known as the Full Strawberry Moon, owing to this month's expected early ripening and quick harvest of those tasty little red fruits. By contrast, European peoples nicknamed it the Rose Moon, likely to honor the bloom of those fragrant flowers.
Coincidentally, the Moon reaches its full phase on the same day as the Summer Solstice, June 20th, the first day of Summer. This same-day coincidence hasn't happened since 1986; not too soon will it happen again until 2062.
By June 11th, the Moon, approaching First Quarter, stands just west of Jupiter in Leo (the Lion), nearly due west just before midnight (see chart, just below); by June 18th the Moon, like last month, nearing its full phase, stands amid the Mars-Saturn-Antares triad a couple hours after midnight due south (see next chart, below) to make for a pleasing apparition.
Note, too, that continuing into this month, at least two meteor showers, faint and sporadic, in the vicinity of the triad may be visible, namely, the Ophiuchids and theta-Ophiuchids, which run to mid-month. There may be a chance to glimpse a few in the early part of June, with only a waning crescent Moon in the pre-dawn sky.
At its full phase this month, our celestial neighbor, the Moon, at least among native peoples, was known as the Full Strawberry Moon, owing to this month's expected early ripening and quick harvest of those tasty little red fruits. By contrast, European peoples nicknamed it the Rose Moon, likely to honor the bloom of those fragrant flowers.
Coincidentally, the Moon reaches its full phase on the same day as the Summer Solstice, June 20th, the first day of Summer. This same-day coincidence hasn't happened since 1986; not too soon will it happen again until 2062.
By June 11th, the Moon, approaching First Quarter, stands just west of Jupiter in Leo (the Lion), nearly due west just before midnight (see chart, just below); by June 18th the Moon, like last month, nearing its full phase, stands amid the Mars-Saturn-Antares triad a couple hours after midnight due south (see next chart, below) to make for a pleasing apparition.
Not too soon to begin enjoying clear nights in June.
Sky Roundup Almanac for June 2016
June 05: New Moon at 03:00 UT on 06/05 (or, 10:00 p. m. CDT on 06/04)
June 12: First Quarter Moon at 08:10 UT (or, 3:10 a. m. CDT on 06/12)
June 20: Full Moon at 11:02 UT (or, 6:02 a. m. CDT on 06/20); and,
Summer Solstice at 22:34 UT (or, 5:34 p. m. CDT)
June 27: Last Quarter Moon at 18:19 UT (or, 1:19 p. m. CDT on 06/27)
June 12: First Quarter Moon at 08:10 UT (or, 3:10 a. m. CDT on 06/12)
June 20: Full Moon at 11:02 UT (or, 6:02 a. m. CDT on 06/20); and,
Summer Solstice at 22:34 UT (or, 5:34 p. m. CDT)
June 27: Last Quarter Moon at 18:19 UT (or, 1:19 p. m. CDT on 06/27)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for May
Astronomical highlights for the month of May 2016
May as a Month of Transit
By that familiar rhyme, the month of May may bring May flowers, which happens every year at this time, but it also brings a unique event, namely, a transit of Mercury, which happens about 13 times per hundred years.
Just as the word implies motion, a transit has at least three meanings in the subject of astronomy. The first is the passage of a star or planet (or any other recognized celestial body) across the meridian, or one's north-south line of local reference, of an observer on Earth; the second is the passage of a star across the magnified field of view as seen through a telescope; the third involves the motion of a body across the face of another celestial object. In this case, the transit in May is indeed the motion of Mercury, but across the face of the Sun! At this link, this is what a Mercury transit looks like, the silhouette of the Solar System's innermost planet passing across the bright face of the Sun.
Not as rare as a transit of Venus (which happens only six times per millennium, and, only in pairs of transits, with the transit in each pair separated by a period of eight years), a transit of Mercury is still a marvelous sight to behold. Weather permitting, this particular transit of Mercury will occur on May 9, starting at about dawn (local time for the Great Lakes region) and ending by early afternoon. The best, safe way to observe this apparition would be with a solar telescope equipped with a hydrogen-alpha filter, or, with a modest telescope at relatively low magnification equipped with a nickel-chromium telescope filter.
By the way, Earth is not the only place that such transits can be observed; indeed, a transit of Mercury was recorded last year (in 2014) by the Curiosity Rover on the surface of Mars.
Along with Mercury, Venus remains hidden throughout most of May while, just like last month, the two outer planets, Saturn to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) and Mars in Scorpius (the Scorpion), still form a neat triangle with Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius, all seen due south well before sunup (see chart, just below, showing the three by mid-month).
Just as the word implies motion, a transit has at least three meanings in the subject of astronomy. The first is the passage of a star or planet (or any other recognized celestial body) across the meridian, or one's north-south line of local reference, of an observer on Earth; the second is the passage of a star across the magnified field of view as seen through a telescope; the third involves the motion of a body across the face of another celestial object. In this case, the transit in May is indeed the motion of Mercury, but across the face of the Sun! At this link, this is what a Mercury transit looks like, the silhouette of the Solar System's innermost planet passing across the bright face of the Sun.
Not as rare as a transit of Venus (which happens only six times per millennium, and, only in pairs of transits, with the transit in each pair separated by a period of eight years), a transit of Mercury is still a marvelous sight to behold. Weather permitting, this particular transit of Mercury will occur on May 9, starting at about dawn (local time for the Great Lakes region) and ending by early afternoon. The best, safe way to observe this apparition would be with a solar telescope equipped with a hydrogen-alpha filter, or, with a modest telescope at relatively low magnification equipped with a nickel-chromium telescope filter.
By the way, Earth is not the only place that such transits can be observed; indeed, a transit of Mercury was recorded last year (in 2014) by the Curiosity Rover on the surface of Mars.
Along with Mercury, Venus remains hidden throughout most of May while, just like last month, the two outer planets, Saturn to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) and Mars in Scorpius (the Scorpion), still form a neat triangle with Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius, all seen due south well before sunup (see chart, just below, showing the three by mid-month).
Note, too, that continuing into this month, several showers in May---meteor showers, that is---rain their space debris lightly across clear skies to our south. During the first ten days of the month, the alpha-Scorpiids and the May Librids flit through the triad of Saturn, Mars, and Antares; the radiant of each shower, or the apparent point of origin of each shower as seen in the night sky, is shown on that same chart (above), and, is named after the constellation out of which the meteors appear.
The alpha-Scorpiids continue for two more weeks until the Ophiuchids start by the third week; unfortunately, they are washed out by the light of the Full Moon this month. Still, all can be worth spying in the wee hours of morning before first light.
Like last month, too, Jupiter continues to dominate the night sky, and, by midnight (in the chart, below), stands squarely to the west in Leo (the Lion).
The alpha-Scorpiids continue for two more weeks until the Ophiuchids start by the third week; unfortunately, they are washed out by the light of the Full Moon this month. Still, all can be worth spying in the wee hours of morning before first light.
Like last month, too, Jupiter continues to dominate the night sky, and, by midnight (in the chart, below), stands squarely to the west in Leo (the Lion).
At its full phase this month, our celestial neighbor, the Moon, at least among native peoples, was known as the Full Flower Moon, owing to this month's expected May flowers, the result of last month's April showers. And, it was known as the Full Corn Planting Moon, for a reason that likely doesn't need an explanation.
By May 2nd, the Moon at waning crescent phase passes Neptune due east before 5 a. m. (see chart, just below); by May 15th, the Moon, just past First Quarter, passes south of Jupiter in Leo (the Lion), nearly due west by midnight (see next chart, just below); by May 22nd, as mentioned previously, the Full Moon joins the triad of Saturn, Mars, and Antares a couple hours after midnight due south (see accompanying chart, below) to make for a pleasing apparition but an unfortunate washout of any faint meteors in that part of the sky.
By May 2nd, the Moon at waning crescent phase passes Neptune due east before 5 a. m. (see chart, just below); by May 15th, the Moon, just past First Quarter, passes south of Jupiter in Leo (the Lion), nearly due west by midnight (see next chart, just below); by May 22nd, as mentioned previously, the Full Moon joins the triad of Saturn, Mars, and Antares a couple hours after midnight due south (see accompanying chart, below) to make for a pleasing apparition but an unfortunate washout of any faint meteors in that part of the sky.
April showers last month have brightened our daytime hours with May flowers this month; and, by night, a clear sky in May faintly lights up with a few showers of its own. Too, just like April, May is another springtime month to help us transit from this past Winter to the coming Summer. And when it comes to an astronomical transit, make May your month to watch for Mercury move across the face of the Sun, if you've never seen that hot little world for yourself.
Sky Roundup Almanac for May 2016
May 6: New Moon at 19:29 UT (or, 2:29 p. m. CDT on 05/06)
May 13: First Quarter Moon at 17:02 UT (or, 12:02 p. m. CDT on 05/13)
May 21: Full Moon at 21:14 UT (or, 4:14 p. m. CDT on 05/21)
May 29: Last Quarter Moon at 12:12 UT (or, 7:12 a. m. CDT on 05/29)
May 13: First Quarter Moon at 17:02 UT (or, 12:02 p. m. CDT on 05/13)
May 21: Full Moon at 21:14 UT (or, 4:14 p. m. CDT on 05/21)
May 29: Last Quarter Moon at 12:12 UT (or, 7:12 a. m. CDT on 05/29)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for April
Astronomical highlights for the month of April 2016
More Than a Month of Showers
By traditional reckoning around the Great Lakes, the middle of the meteorological season of Spring coincides with one of the rainier months on the calendar, and, it is in this month that we hear the old simple rhyme, April showers bring May flowers. For this month, we'll see more than terrestrial showers; the night sky offers it own extraterrestrial version.
On or about April 22, the Lyrid meteor shower will mark its peak. The Lyrids are thought to be one of the older known, or long-standing, showers in human history that frequent the skies late in this month. Composed of debris left in the wake of Comet Thatcher, the Lyrids become visible in our night sky as Earth plows into that debris where it crosses Earth's orbit.
The results are quick, somewhat bright streaks that appear to radiate from the location of the constellation Lyra (the Harp), seen rising in the northeast well after sunset at this time of year, hence the name Lyrids for this meteor shower. For the specific nights of April 22 and 23, Lyra will appear in the night sky to the east-northeast, approximately halfway up from the local horizon by midnight.
Unfortunately, the Moon at its full phase will be positioned at nearly a right angle, or, toward the south, at the same time; so, its light will likely interfere with seeing many of the Lyrids this year, except perhaps the brighter ones. One may have a better chance of seeing a few Lyrids before dawn; by that time, the Full Moon will be lower in the sky toward the southwest and Lyra very nearly at the zenith, or top, of the sky. If not this year, then perhaps next April, when the Moon will be at a waning crescent phase at that time of the next appearance of the Lyrids.
Not the only debris from an historical comet being sown in the Solar System, but another, more recent one is leaving its wake as well. Reported to be visible this month for observers in the Northern Hemisphere is Comet 252P/LINEAR, a rather unromantic name, but a peculiar sight for a good binocular or modest telescope, as the comet appears to glow green. Its path is shown on a handy finder chart here for several specific dates in April.
Mercury and Venus (both in Pisces, the Fishes) at the start of the month remain fairly hidden throughout April; by month's end, Venus stays hidden in the glare of the Sun as Mercury emerges into the evening sky, seen farthest from the Sun by April 18th just after sunset, which makes it the better apparition of the two inner planets to see this month (see first chart, just below).
On or about April 22, the Lyrid meteor shower will mark its peak. The Lyrids are thought to be one of the older known, or long-standing, showers in human history that frequent the skies late in this month. Composed of debris left in the wake of Comet Thatcher, the Lyrids become visible in our night sky as Earth plows into that debris where it crosses Earth's orbit.
The results are quick, somewhat bright streaks that appear to radiate from the location of the constellation Lyra (the Harp), seen rising in the northeast well after sunset at this time of year, hence the name Lyrids for this meteor shower. For the specific nights of April 22 and 23, Lyra will appear in the night sky to the east-northeast, approximately halfway up from the local horizon by midnight.
Unfortunately, the Moon at its full phase will be positioned at nearly a right angle, or, toward the south, at the same time; so, its light will likely interfere with seeing many of the Lyrids this year, except perhaps the brighter ones. One may have a better chance of seeing a few Lyrids before dawn; by that time, the Full Moon will be lower in the sky toward the southwest and Lyra very nearly at the zenith, or top, of the sky. If not this year, then perhaps next April, when the Moon will be at a waning crescent phase at that time of the next appearance of the Lyrids.
Not the only debris from an historical comet being sown in the Solar System, but another, more recent one is leaving its wake as well. Reported to be visible this month for observers in the Northern Hemisphere is Comet 252P/LINEAR, a rather unromantic name, but a peculiar sight for a good binocular or modest telescope, as the comet appears to glow green. Its path is shown on a handy finder chart here for several specific dates in April.
Mercury and Venus (both in Pisces, the Fishes) at the start of the month remain fairly hidden throughout April; by month's end, Venus stays hidden in the glare of the Sun as Mercury emerges into the evening sky, seen farthest from the Sun by April 18th just after sunset, which makes it the better apparition of the two inner planets to see this month (see first chart, just below).
Similar to last month at dawn, the two outer planets, pale white Saturn to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) and orangey Mars, now in Scorpius (the Scorpion), form a neat triad with orangey Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius, all seen due south before sunup (see chart, just below, showing all three by mid-month).
By the way, note that the green comet (mentioned above) can be seen in the same swath of sky as Mars and Saturn (shown in the chart, above) due south before dawn. (Consult that finder chart at the external link, above, for an approximate location of the comet over several successive days in early April.)
In the meantime, bright Jupiter has advanced clearly into the night sky, rising early in the east well before the Sun goes down in the west, and dominates all night long within Leo (the Lion).
At its full phase this month, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, has several appropriate names to herald the return of Spring. For native peoples, it was known as the Full Pink Moon, likely owing to the growth of a North American pink perennial known as phlox. Or, it was known as the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, not a terribly romantic name but descriptive nonetheless. Or, the Full Fish Moon, owing to the start of many fish moving upstream to spawn. In another interpretation, it was also called the Egg Moon, as it was a time for mating birds to begin laying eggs.
Like other months, the Moon this month lines up with several bright celestial objects along its apparent path across the sky. On April 10th, after 8 p. m., the waning crescent Moon stands east of Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus (the Bull), seen due west (see chart, just below).
In the meantime, bright Jupiter has advanced clearly into the night sky, rising early in the east well before the Sun goes down in the west, and dominates all night long within Leo (the Lion).
At its full phase this month, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, has several appropriate names to herald the return of Spring. For native peoples, it was known as the Full Pink Moon, likely owing to the growth of a North American pink perennial known as phlox. Or, it was known as the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, not a terribly romantic name but descriptive nonetheless. Or, the Full Fish Moon, owing to the start of many fish moving upstream to spawn. In another interpretation, it was also called the Egg Moon, as it was a time for mating birds to begin laying eggs.
Like other months, the Moon this month lines up with several bright celestial objects along its apparent path across the sky. On April 10th, after 8 p. m., the waning crescent Moon stands east of Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus (the Bull), seen due west (see chart, just below).
By April 18th, the Moon at waxing gibbous phase stands with Jupiter due south by 8 p. m., and by April 21st, the nearly Full Moon passes north of Spica in Virgo (the Maiden); by April 25th, the waning gibbous Moon joins the triad of Saturn, Mars, and Antares due south three hours before sunrise (see chart, just below).
This month may bring us rain, surely needed for Spring planting, but the night sky, when clear of clouds, holds more than just April showers.
Sky Roundup Almanac for April 2016
April 7: New Moon at 11:24 UT (or, 6:24 a. m. CDT on 04/07)
April 13: First Quarter Moon at 4:00 UT on 04/14 (or, 11:00 p. m. CDT on 04/13)
April 22: Full Moon at 5:24 UT (or, 12:24 a. m. CDT on 04/22)
April 29: Last Quarter Moon at 03:30 UT on 04/30 (or, 10:30 p. m. CDT on 04/29)
April 13: First Quarter Moon at 4:00 UT on 04/14 (or, 11:00 p. m. CDT on 04/13)
April 22: Full Moon at 5:24 UT (or, 12:24 a. m. CDT on 04/22)
April 29: Last Quarter Moon at 03:30 UT on 04/30 (or, 10:30 p. m. CDT on 04/29)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for March
Astronomical highlights for the month of March 2016
March of the Planets
Most every installment of Sky Roundup addresses the positions of the planets as they wend their way across the sky. Naturally they are often the brighter of celestial objects, and, have fascinated for thousands of years. Though we in a modern society do not ascribe supernatural significance to events on Earth because of planets' movements in the sky, they still are pretty to see and a treat to observe them with telescopes.
Since the year's start, the planets have gradually shifted as we see them and moving further afield from one another. As this month opens, we find the traditional planets, known since antiquity when supernatural significance was indeed once ascribed to their movements, on the march across the pre-dawn sky.
Mercury and Venus (both in Capricornus, the Sea-Goat) do a close-order drill on the eastern horizon ahead of the Sun (first chart, just below). The smaller, closer world to the Sun is readily lost in its glare while the brighter of the two can likely be best seen if one has an unobstructed horizon; otherwise, their maneuvers are mostly hidden this month.
Like last month at dawn, the two outer planets, Saturn to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) and Mars in Libra (the Scales), become the rear guard for the sparkling planetary parade that was seen earlier this year. In the meantime, at its own kingly step, mighty Jupiter heads to the western horizon, still in Leo (the Lion). By mid-month (see second chart, just below), Saturn holds position while Mars moves to the east from Libra into Scorpius (the Scorpion).
Since the year's start, the planets have gradually shifted as we see them and moving further afield from one another. As this month opens, we find the traditional planets, known since antiquity when supernatural significance was indeed once ascribed to their movements, on the march across the pre-dawn sky.
Mercury and Venus (both in Capricornus, the Sea-Goat) do a close-order drill on the eastern horizon ahead of the Sun (first chart, just below). The smaller, closer world to the Sun is readily lost in its glare while the brighter of the two can likely be best seen if one has an unobstructed horizon; otherwise, their maneuvers are mostly hidden this month.
Like last month at dawn, the two outer planets, Saturn to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) and Mars in Libra (the Scales), become the rear guard for the sparkling planetary parade that was seen earlier this year. In the meantime, at its own kingly step, mighty Jupiter heads to the western horizon, still in Leo (the Lion). By mid-month (see second chart, just below), Saturn holds position while Mars moves to the east from Libra into Scorpius (the Scorpion).
By month's end, Mercury and Venus are lost to the light of the rising Sun; only Saturn and Mars remain visible in the marching ranks, both due south in morning twilight. Jupiter has crossed into evening twilight and marches to its own majestic beat, rising in the east as the Sun sets in the west (chart, just below).
At its full phase this month, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, has several appropriate names to mark the arrival of Spring. For native peoples, it was known as the Full Worm Moon, when the soil's own burrowers emerge to attract robins returning to the Great Lakes area. It was also known as the Full Crow Moon, as cawing crows signal the end of Winter. Or, it was known as the Full Crust Moon, owing to the freeze-and-thaw of any remaining snow that may get crusted over and crunchy underfoot.
In another interpretation, it is also called the Lenten Moon, as it was typically seen as the last Full Moon of the Winter season around Easter.
From the short month of February to this longer month of March, we also get two phases of the Last Quarter Moon, one on the first of the month and the other on the last day of the month!
For the times we see the Moon join in the march of the planets this month, it's a solid review. On March 1st, the Last Quarter Moon stands poised between Saturn and Mars, both due south at dawn (first chart, just below), while the next morning it passes just north of Saturn (second chart, below); on the 6th, a slim crescent visits Venus just ahead of sunrise (third chart, below). And that's just nearly the first half of it.
In another interpretation, it is also called the Lenten Moon, as it was typically seen as the last Full Moon of the Winter season around Easter.
From the short month of February to this longer month of March, we also get two phases of the Last Quarter Moon, one on the first of the month and the other on the last day of the month!
For the times we see the Moon join in the march of the planets this month, it's a solid review. On March 1st, the Last Quarter Moon stands poised between Saturn and Mars, both due south at dawn (first chart, just below), while the next morning it passes just north of Saturn (second chart, below); on the 6th, a slim crescent visits Venus just ahead of sunrise (third chart, below). And that's just nearly the first half of it.
Just prior to the Ides of March, that is, by the 14th, after 10 p. m. (see first chart, just below) the First Quarter Moon stands east of Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus (the Bull); by March 21st, the Moon at waxing gibbous phase rises with Jupiter in the east before sunset in the west (second chart, below), and by March 29th, the waning gibbous Moon stands again poised between Saturn and Mars due south at dawn, as it did at the start of the month (third chart, below).
The start of Spring this month will enliven our step, so we can warm to our own cadence for observing.
Sky Roundup Almanac for March 2016
March 1: Last Quarter Moon at 23:12 UT (or, 5:12 p. m. CST on 03/01)
March 8: New Moon at 01:55 UT on 03/09 (or, 7:55 p. m. CST on 03/08)
March 13: Daylight Saving Time begins (and runs until November 13)
March 15: First Quarter Moon at 17:04 UT (or, 12:04 p. m. CDT on 03/15)
March 19: Vernal Equinox, first day of Spring, at 04:30 UT on 03/20 (or, 11:30 p. m. CDT on 03/19)
March 23: Full Moon at 12:02 UT (or, 7:02 a. m. CDT on 03/23)
March 31: Last Quarter Moon at 15:18 UT (or, 10:18 a. m. CDT on 03/31)
March 8: New Moon at 01:55 UT on 03/09 (or, 7:55 p. m. CST on 03/08)
March 13: Daylight Saving Time begins (and runs until November 13)
March 15: First Quarter Moon at 17:04 UT (or, 12:04 p. m. CDT on 03/15)
March 19: Vernal Equinox, first day of Spring, at 04:30 UT on 03/20 (or, 11:30 p. m. CDT on 03/19)
March 23: Full Moon at 12:02 UT (or, 7:02 a. m. CDT on 03/23)
March 31: Last Quarter Moon at 15:18 UT (or, 10:18 a. m. CDT on 03/31)
All almanac events corrected to Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for February
Astronomical highlights for the month of February 2016
Leap into Observing This Short Month
All know that February is the shortest month of the year, and, for us in the Northern Hemisphere, when the weather isn't typically balmy, perhaps we like to speed through this month and get ready for Spring.
Before we get there, though, we have an extra day, a leap day, this month because 2016 is a leap year, a sensible artifact introduced into the modern calendar to account for the extra quarter day per year that the calendar must gain on Earth's revolution around the Sun to keep our reckoning of time in line with the expected passage of seasons.
Let's put that extra day to good use observing if it's clear that night.
Spanning the sky at the close of January, this month opens with the same sparkling parade of planets in the pre-dawn sky. (See chart, just below.) Mercury and Venus appear low in the east-southeast in Sagittarius (the Archer), Saturn sits to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler), Mars lingers in Libra (the Scales), and Jupiter looks longingly to visit Virgo (the Maiden) but does not leave Leo (the Lion). By month's end, even this short one, Mercury and Venus have moved to the east into Capricornus (the Sea-Goat), but are lost the glare of the rising Sun. Mars has nearly traversed Libra, while Jupiter and Saturn stay put.
Before we get there, though, we have an extra day, a leap day, this month because 2016 is a leap year, a sensible artifact introduced into the modern calendar to account for the extra quarter day per year that the calendar must gain on Earth's revolution around the Sun to keep our reckoning of time in line with the expected passage of seasons.
Let's put that extra day to good use observing if it's clear that night.
Spanning the sky at the close of January, this month opens with the same sparkling parade of planets in the pre-dawn sky. (See chart, just below.) Mercury and Venus appear low in the east-southeast in Sagittarius (the Archer), Saturn sits to the south in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler), Mars lingers in Libra (the Scales), and Jupiter looks longingly to visit Virgo (the Maiden) but does not leave Leo (the Lion). By month's end, even this short one, Mercury and Venus have moved to the east into Capricornus (the Sea-Goat), but are lost the glare of the rising Sun. Mars has nearly traversed Libra, while Jupiter and Saturn stay put.
At its full phase this month, it is known by native peoples as the Full Snow Moon, an appropriate moniker for those who fully get heaps of it this month. And the harshness of wind and cold in February also makes it known as the Full Hunger Moon. Even with a leap day added, the month still does not have enough days for the Moon to be seen in all of its expected phases. That is, for us observing in the Great Lakes region, we don't see a Last Quarter phase on a date in February, but we have two such Moons, on the 1st and 31st, in the longer month of March!
For the few times we see the Moon move alongside the planets, let's look while we can. On February 1st, the Moon moves above Mars due south before dawn (first chart, just below); on February 3rd the waning Moon slips past Saturn in the southeastern pre-dawn February sky (second chart, below); on the 6th, a slim crescent visits Venus and Mercury just ahead of sunrise (third chart, below); by mid-month on the 15th, before 10 p. m. (fourth chart, below), the First Quarter Moon approaches Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus (the Bull); by February 22nd, the Moon at full phase reaches Regulus, the heart of Leo (fifth chart, below), and then jumps just below Jupiter on the 24th as a waning gibbous (sixth chart, below), and by February 29th, the waning crescent Moon leaps over Mars just as it did at the start of the month.
For the few times we see the Moon move alongside the planets, let's look while we can. On February 1st, the Moon moves above Mars due south before dawn (first chart, just below); on February 3rd the waning Moon slips past Saturn in the southeastern pre-dawn February sky (second chart, below); on the 6th, a slim crescent visits Venus and Mercury just ahead of sunrise (third chart, below); by mid-month on the 15th, before 10 p. m. (fourth chart, below), the First Quarter Moon approaches Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus (the Bull); by February 22nd, the Moon at full phase reaches Regulus, the heart of Leo (fifth chart, below), and then jumps just below Jupiter on the 24th as a waning gibbous (sixth chart, below), and by February 29th, the waning crescent Moon leaps over Mars just as it did at the start of the month.
Thankfully it's cold only for this short month, but there's still time to get outside and observe.
Sky Roundup Almanac for February 2016
February 8: New Moon at 14:40 UT (or, 8:40 a. m. CST on 02/08)
February 15: First Quarter Moon at 7:47 UT (or, 1:47 a. m. CST on 02/15)
February 22: Full Moon at 18:21 UT (or, 12:21 p. m. CST on 02/22)
February 15: First Quarter Moon at 7:47 UT (or, 1:47 a. m. CST on 02/15)
February 22: Full Moon at 18:21 UT (or, 12:21 p. m. CST on 02/22)
All almanac events corrected to Standard Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for January
Astronomical highlights for the month of January 2016
Happy New Year!
For this new year, let's look to set a trend for more observing, weather permitting, which is always a good resolution for any watcher of the night skies.
While the Northern Hemisphere locks up for the season of Winter, reports abroad still hint at our half of the world as freakishly warm. That may make for sensational news, but unseasonal weather is not unusual and not necessarily indicative of an untoward trend in changing climate, though of course climate itself does change over time whether or not we are part of that change.
Do not let individual weather events, or any one-time record-breaking, hold sway that Earth is behaving as anything out of the ordinary. Nature constantly seeks a new equilibrium ---daily, seasonally, and annually---based a variety of factors as influenced by a given location's topography, elevation, latitude, proximity to large bodies of water, and prevailing conditions.
Occasional or recent deviations from an historical norm or average (which has been reliably, directly, catalogued for only a tiny fraction of Earth's history by meteorologists, who must rely on empirical data) will arithmetically alter that ongoing mean only slightly (as you can test for yourself). Increasingly wide deviations, reliably observed and not merely modeled, over a prolonged time frame of decades would indicate the onset of a new or unforeseen trend.
But let's not let any trend try to deviate us from our nighttime observing. Here's what's up in the sky for the first month of the new year.
Like last month, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter continue with a bold, sparkling line-up at the start of the month in morning twilight. Trailed by slow-moving Saturn, a reminder as Father Time of auld lang syne, of times gone by, all four planets are visible in the eastern sky before sunrise. Even the Moon joins in at its Last Quarter phase on the evening of New Year's Day. (See chart, just below.)
While the Northern Hemisphere locks up for the season of Winter, reports abroad still hint at our half of the world as freakishly warm. That may make for sensational news, but unseasonal weather is not unusual and not necessarily indicative of an untoward trend in changing climate, though of course climate itself does change over time whether or not we are part of that change.
Do not let individual weather events, or any one-time record-breaking, hold sway that Earth is behaving as anything out of the ordinary. Nature constantly seeks a new equilibrium ---daily, seasonally, and annually---based a variety of factors as influenced by a given location's topography, elevation, latitude, proximity to large bodies of water, and prevailing conditions.
Occasional or recent deviations from an historical norm or average (which has been reliably, directly, catalogued for only a tiny fraction of Earth's history by meteorologists, who must rely on empirical data) will arithmetically alter that ongoing mean only slightly (as you can test for yourself). Increasingly wide deviations, reliably observed and not merely modeled, over a prolonged time frame of decades would indicate the onset of a new or unforeseen trend.
But let's not let any trend try to deviate us from our nighttime observing. Here's what's up in the sky for the first month of the new year.
Like last month, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter continue with a bold, sparkling line-up at the start of the month in morning twilight. Trailed by slow-moving Saturn, a reminder as Father Time of auld lang syne, of times gone by, all four planets are visible in the eastern sky before sunrise. Even the Moon joins in at its Last Quarter phase on the evening of New Year's Day. (See chart, just below.)
By month's end, Mercury jumps in the pretty pre-dawn parade of planets, which extends up from the southeastern horizon with Mercury and Venus in Sagittarius (the Archer) through Saturn in Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler) to due south with Mars in Libra (the Scales) to south-southwest with Jupiter in Leo (the Lion). Once again, the Moon, coincidentally again at Last Quarter, on January 31st, joins in the celestial sight. (See chart, just below.)
Uranus and Neptune do not deviate from the trends in their present locations and stand stolidly in side-by-side constellations, with Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and Neptune to its west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer).
The Moon moves along the morning parade route of planets, passing Mars on January 3rd, above Venus and Saturn on January 6th, passing beside Neptune on January 13th, and passing below Uranus on January 15th. On January 19th, the Moon will occult Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus (the Bull), starting just before 6:00 p. m. (see chart, just below, with outline of Taurus in background) and ending by approximately 11:30 p. m. (see next chart, below, with lines of the constellation shown for reference).
The Moon moves along the morning parade route of planets, passing Mars on January 3rd, above Venus and Saturn on January 6th, passing beside Neptune on January 13th, and passing below Uranus on January 15th. On January 19th, the Moon will occult Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus (the Bull), starting just before 6:00 p. m. (see chart, just below, with outline of Taurus in background) and ending by approximately 11:30 p. m. (see next chart, below, with lines of the constellation shown for reference).
At its full phase this month, the Moon is known by native peoples as the Full Wolf Moon, as wolves howl while on the prowl. Our lunar neighbor is also known this month as the Moon After Yule or the Old Moon.
Though it's trending cold outside, as is the wont of the season, we still should want to get outdoors and, like last month, carry into the new year this month a glimpse the heavens in their wintertime majesty.
Though it's trending cold outside, as is the wont of the season, we still should want to get outdoors and, like last month, carry into the new year this month a glimpse the heavens in their wintertime majesty.
Sky Roundup Almanac for January 2016
January 1: Last Quarter Moon at 05:31 UT on 01/02 (or, 11:31 p. m. CST on 01/01)
January 9: New Moon at 01:31 UT on 01/10 (or, 7:31 p. m. CST on 01/09)
January 16: First Quarter Moon at 23:27 UT (or, 5:27 p. m. CST on 01/16)
January 23: Full Moon at 01:46 UT on 01/24 (or, 7:46 p. m. CST on 01/23)
January 31: Last Quarter Moon at 03:29 UT on 02/01 (or, 9:29 p. m. CST on 01/31)
January 9: New Moon at 01:31 UT on 01/10 (or, 7:31 p. m. CST on 01/09)
January 16: First Quarter Moon at 23:27 UT (or, 5:27 p. m. CST on 01/16)
January 23: Full Moon at 01:46 UT on 01/24 (or, 7:46 p. m. CST on 01/23)
January 31: Last Quarter Moon at 03:29 UT on 02/01 (or, 9:29 p. m. CST on 01/31)
All almanac events corrected to Standard Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for December
Astronomical highlights for the month of December 2015
The Night Before Christmas
Since 2009, Roy Kaelin’s installment of Sky Roundup for December has started with his parody of "A Visit of St. Nicholas" and that little tradition continues this year. With apologies to Clement Clark Moore.
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
Watch the Skies!
On December 22, what may seem already like mid-winter weatherwise actually starts our astronomical season with the Winter Solstice. This coldest season makes us bundle up to go outside, but we do so, just for the warm glow to glimpse a few sights on clear nights.
Venus, Mars, and Jupiter continue their line-up at the start of the month, all three still visible in morning twilight. By mid-month, the parade of planets extends from Venus in Libra (the Scales) through Mars in Virgo (the Maiden) to Jupiter in Leo (the Lion).
Venus, Mars, and Jupiter continue their line-up at the start of the month, all three still visible in morning twilight. By mid-month, the parade of planets extends from Venus in Libra (the Scales) through Mars in Virgo (the Maiden) to Jupiter in Leo (the Lion).
By month's end, Venus extends the line, just crossing into Scorpius (the Scorpion), and is joined by Saturn, emerging from the Sun's glare in the pre-dawn eastern sky and technically situated in a corner of the constellation Ophiuchus (the Serpent Handler), not a Zodiac constellation in which planets are usually found. More popularly known as Father Time, often pictured trailing a long robe and carrying a scythe, Saturn at month's end puts in an appearance just in time to see out the old year and ring in the new.
To close out the year, too, and like last year, fleet little Mercury is barely visible, poised just above the western horizon at sunset. But this time, the little hot dot of a world is seen leaving Sagittarius (the Archer) and heading quickly next door to Capricornus (the Sea-Goat).
The distant sentinels, Uranus and Neptune, stay solemn and watchful toward the fringes of the Solar System, stationed in side-by-side constellations. Uranus stays in Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune stands watch one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer).
Due to the inclination of its orbit as seen from Earth in our Winter season, the Moon rides high in the sky in its monthly trek across the heavens, ready give a luster of mid-day to objects below. At its full phase this month, it is known by native peoples as the Full Cold Moon, an apt nickname for the start of Winter. And the scant daylight we're apt to get at this time of year, the Full Moon is also known as the Long Nights Moon.
Perhaps most appropriately for this month, it is known as the Moon Before Yule. But this year, this month's Full Moon occurs on Christmas Day, after the traditional Yule (or Christmastide) season gets underway, which, on the liturgical calendar, begins after sunset on Christmas Eve. Still, look to the Moon's luster on that bright night, for sleigh and reindeer silhouetted by its light.
Perhaps most appropriately for this month, it is known as the Moon Before Yule. But this year, this month's Full Moon occurs on Christmas Day, after the traditional Yule (or Christmastide) season gets underway, which, on the liturgical calendar, begins after sunset on Christmas Eve. Still, look to the Moon's luster on that bright night, for sleigh and reindeer silhouetted by its light.
So much to do this holiday season; time flies headlong in a rush to the end of the year. Make certain to find some time on a silent night to glimpse the heavens in their wintertime majesty.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a clear night!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a clear night!
Sky Roundup Almanac for December 2015
December 3: Last Quarter Moon at 7:41 UT (or, 1:41 a. m. CST on 12/03)
December 11: New Moon at 10:30 UT (or, 4:30 a. m. CST on 12/11)
December 18: First Quarter Moon at 15:15 UT (or, 9:15 a. m. CST on 12/18)
December 22: Winter Solstice, the astronomical start of Winter, at 22:47 UT (10:47 p. m. CST on 12/22)
December 25: Full Moon at 11:12 UT (or, 5:12 a. m. CST on 12/25)
All almanac events corrected to Standard Time, Central Time Zone, USA
December 11: New Moon at 10:30 UT (or, 4:30 a. m. CST on 12/11)
December 18: First Quarter Moon at 15:15 UT (or, 9:15 a. m. CST on 12/18)
December 22: Winter Solstice, the astronomical start of Winter, at 22:47 UT (10:47 p. m. CST on 12/22)
December 25: Full Moon at 11:12 UT (or, 5:12 a. m. CST on 12/25)
All almanac events corrected to Standard Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for November
Astronomical highlights for the month of November 2015
Thankful for Nights in November
Autumn deepens, Fall colors run riot. Skies darken, nights grow longer. Crisp evenings make for chilly observing; but, thankfully, it's worth it to go out, set up, and see the sights.
Venus, Mars, and Jupiter remain a singular apparition to open this month, all three visible in morning twilight. To peoples long ago, this triad of wandering stars perhaps would have held a heavenly significance of sorts. Brilliant Venus, patron of love, pairs with dim Mars, the bringer of war; the brighter of the two perhaps suggests to make love not war, while the king of the gods, Jupiter, poised higher in the morning sky before dawn, chaperones the apparent celestial union. (See chart, just below.)
Venus, Mars, and Jupiter remain a singular apparition to open this month, all three visible in morning twilight. To peoples long ago, this triad of wandering stars perhaps would have held a heavenly significance of sorts. Brilliant Venus, patron of love, pairs with dim Mars, the bringer of war; the brighter of the two perhaps suggests to make love not war, while the king of the gods, Jupiter, poised higher in the morning sky before dawn, chaperones the apparent celestial union. (See chart, just below.)
However one might read this apparition from a fanciful perspective, in reality Venus disengages from Mars and heads alone to the horizon by mid-month. By month's end, all three planets line up from the horizon from Virgo (the Maiden) to Leo (the Lion). Venus pairs with Spica, the brightest star in Virgo, and representative of an ear of grain, appropriate to this time of year as one of harvest. (See chart, just below)
Fleet Mercury flits within the vicinity of the Sun most of the month. Though briefly in morning twilight just ahead of the Sun at the start of the month, the quick little world drops rapidly back to the horizon and crosses back into the evening sky by month's end in Libra (the Scales).
Wizened Saturn slowly wanders into the glare of the Sun by the start of the month, low in the west at sunset, and, by month's end, becomes completely unseen.
Of course, distant Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and even farther Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) patrol solemnly at the outskirts of the Solar System, but appear to stay put, only best seen with strong magnification in a good telescope. (See last month's charts.)
Full Beaver Moon is this month's name for the Moon at its full phase, when hunters set traps to catch any of the unwary furry woodland creatures. With a decided chill in the night air, that bright night orb is also known as the Frosty Moon.
On November 3rd, the Last Quarter Moon slides below the open cluster, known as the Beehive (or Praesepe, "the Manger") in Cancer (the Crab), due south in the pre-dawn sky, by 5 a. m. (See chart, just below.)
Wizened Saturn slowly wanders into the glare of the Sun by the start of the month, low in the west at sunset, and, by month's end, becomes completely unseen.
Of course, distant Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and even farther Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) patrol solemnly at the outskirts of the Solar System, but appear to stay put, only best seen with strong magnification in a good telescope. (See last month's charts.)
Full Beaver Moon is this month's name for the Moon at its full phase, when hunters set traps to catch any of the unwary furry woodland creatures. With a decided chill in the night air, that bright night orb is also known as the Frosty Moon.
On November 3rd, the Last Quarter Moon slides below the open cluster, known as the Beehive (or Praesepe, "the Manger") in Cancer (the Crab), due south in the pre-dawn sky, by 5 a. m. (See chart, just below.)
On November 6th, like last month, the slim waning crescent joins with Venus, Mars, and Jupiter, due east in morning twilight, by 4 a. m., for a conveniently seen apparition. The next night will be equally cozy, as that slim wedge of this month's frosty Moon moves in to cool the ardor between Venus and Mars. (See the two charts, just below, for the successive nights' apparitions).
On November 19th, the First Quarter Moon appears nears Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), just after evening twilight, due south by 6 p. m., and only best seen with strong magnification. (See chart, just below).
On November 22nd, the waxing gibbous Moon appears just east of Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes), just after evening twilight, due south by 10 p. m. (See chart, just below).
On November 25th, the Full Moon stands by Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus (the Bull), all night long. (See chart, just below).
More exciting on that date, just before dawn, is that the leading (eastern) edge of the Moon appears to encroach on the star; one instant it's visible, the next instant, Aldebaran winks outs behind the Moon, as seen from Earth. This is called an occultation, when the bulk of the Moon temporarily blots out the view of a more distant celestial object, and, it's best seen through a steady binocular or a good telescope at low magnification. (See chart, below, for a telescopic view, just moments before the occultation.)
On November 30th, as it did earlier this month, the Moon, at its waning gibbous phase, closes out the month by sliding again below the Beehive cluster, due south in the pre-dawn sky, by 4 a. m. (See first chart, above, at start of this month's column, for the apparition looks very nearly the same.)
One addition to your observing this month might make you thankful to go outside in the wee hours just after mid-month. On November 17th and 18th the annual Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak. (This link will alert observers generally in the Great Lakes region where to look.) From midnight till dawn may be the best span of time to see the shower. Historically known for spectacular displays at certain intervals, the Leonids are a rich shower, fast and faint, and, the light of a waxing crescent Moon, which sets relatively early, won't interfere with your observations if the pre-dawn sky is not cloudy.
Chilly nights and frosty mornings may mark November as a typical Autumn month, but it's thankfully filled with celestial sights to warm the novice and seasoned observers alike.
One addition to your observing this month might make you thankful to go outside in the wee hours just after mid-month. On November 17th and 18th the annual Leonid meteor shower will reach its peak. (This link will alert observers generally in the Great Lakes region where to look.) From midnight till dawn may be the best span of time to see the shower. Historically known for spectacular displays at certain intervals, the Leonids are a rich shower, fast and faint, and, the light of a waxing crescent Moon, which sets relatively early, won't interfere with your observations if the pre-dawn sky is not cloudy.
Chilly nights and frosty mornings may mark November as a typical Autumn month, but it's thankfully filled with celestial sights to warm the novice and seasoned observers alike.
Sky Roundup Almanac for November 2015
November 3: Last Quarter Moon at 12:24 UT on 11/04 (at 6:24 a. m. CST on 11/03)
November 11: New Moon at 17:48 UT on 11/11 (or, 11:48 a. m. CST on 11/11)
November 17: Peak of Leonid meteor shower.
November 19: First Quarter Moon at 6:28 UT on 11/19 (or, 12:28 a. m. CST on 11/19)
November 25: Full Moon at 22:45 UT on 11/25 (or, 4:45 p. m. CST on 11/25)
All almanac events corrected to Standard Time, Central Time Zone, USA
November 11: New Moon at 17:48 UT on 11/11 (or, 11:48 a. m. CST on 11/11)
November 17: Peak of Leonid meteor shower.
November 19: First Quarter Moon at 6:28 UT on 11/19 (or, 12:28 a. m. CST on 11/19)
November 25: Full Moon at 22:45 UT on 11/25 (or, 4:45 p. m. CST on 11/25)
All almanac events corrected to Standard Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for October
Astronomical highlights for the month of October 2015
Treats in October
The month of October, often heralded during the last week of September with a local Octoberfest, gets underway with shorter days and crisper nights. This month treats Midwesterners with wonderful weather, not atypical for this time of year, and, ends with the spooky delights of Hallowe'en, a holiday noted not for sparing its spookiness but, in reality, remains a celebration not entirely rooted in superstition.
And, throughout the entire month, Fall colors begin to break into a riot, while seasonal advertisements not only around the Midwest but from communities all over, beckon the leaf peepers to treat themselves to gazing at their groves or frequenting their forests.
Comfortable temperatures in the afternoons will certainly bring out the day trippers for some afternoon excursions, but the crisp, clear nights are bound to attract the serious gazers for nighttime adventuring. Without much ado, the latter crowd can satisfy their search for a smidgen of Fall color and a few real treats of observing.
Venus, Mars, and Jupiter dominate morning twilight at the start of this month. All three planets cluster in an arc above and below the bright star, Regulus, at the heart of Leo (the Lion), low in the eastern sky before sunrise. (See chart, just below.)
And, throughout the entire month, Fall colors begin to break into a riot, while seasonal advertisements not only around the Midwest but from communities all over, beckon the leaf peepers to treat themselves to gazing at their groves or frequenting their forests.
Comfortable temperatures in the afternoons will certainly bring out the day trippers for some afternoon excursions, but the crisp, clear nights are bound to attract the serious gazers for nighttime adventuring. Without much ado, the latter crowd can satisfy their search for a smidgen of Fall color and a few real treats of observing.
Venus, Mars, and Jupiter dominate morning twilight at the start of this month. All three planets cluster in an arc above and below the bright star, Regulus, at the heart of Leo (the Lion), low in the eastern sky before sunrise. (See chart, just below.)
By the first week, brilliant white Venus sidles toward the horizon and pairs past blue-white Regulus. Both Mars and Jupiter, the former, dim and orangey, above the latter, bright and white, stay below Regulus and appear to move closer together. The waning crescent Moon joins in by October 9th to complete this neat treat of cosmic eye-candy (see chart, just below).
By mid-month, they're in conjunction, that is, paired very close, as seen from our earthly vantage. But by the third week of October, Mars drops below Jupiter and Venus closes in from above. Starting the final week of October, the three are in close proximity: Venus and Jupiter make for a distinguished, close pair with dim Mars just below, to complete a tight triad in the morning sky. (See chart, just below.)
Mercury, as it has crossed into the morning sky, re-emerges into morning twilight, just ahead of the Sun, from last month's evening apparition. It stays close to the Sun all month; by mid-month, it is just visible (perhaps with a good binocular) before dawn in the eastern sky in Virgo (the Maiden). (See chart, just below.)
Like last month, pale yellow Saturn hugs the horizon in Libra (the Scales) at the start of the month, low in the west at sunset (see last chart, below). By month's end, the brightly ringed world becomes a real trick to find in evening twilight.
Greenish Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and bluish Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) remain unchanged in their positions from last month; still, it's a real treat to try and spot them with strong magnification in a good telescope.
Full Hunter's Moon is this month's name for the Moon at its full phase, when native peoples and frontiersmen are said to have used the light of the Moon to hunt and gather additional provisions for the coming Winter season. The Hunter's Moon is always the first Full Moon that occurs after the autumnal equinox. And this month's Full Moon, like last month, happens to coincide with the Moon's monthly perigee to Earth, giving us the treat of another Supermoon.
On October 8th, the waning crescent Moon pairs with Venus in Leo (the Lion) low in the eastern pre-dawn sky, before 7 a. m.
On October 9th (as mentioned previously), the slimming crescent joins with Venus, Mars, and Jupiter in Leo (the Lion), due east in morning twilight, before 6 a. m. (see second chart, above).
On October 16th, like last mid-month, its waxing crescent appears just west of Saturn in Libra (the Scales), in late evening twilight, by 8 p. m. (see last chart again, above).
Just enough treats and color to mark the season of Autumn in October. Enjoy the celestial eye-candy.
Full Hunter's Moon is this month's name for the Moon at its full phase, when native peoples and frontiersmen are said to have used the light of the Moon to hunt and gather additional provisions for the coming Winter season. The Hunter's Moon is always the first Full Moon that occurs after the autumnal equinox. And this month's Full Moon, like last month, happens to coincide with the Moon's monthly perigee to Earth, giving us the treat of another Supermoon.
On October 8th, the waning crescent Moon pairs with Venus in Leo (the Lion) low in the eastern pre-dawn sky, before 7 a. m.
On October 9th (as mentioned previously), the slimming crescent joins with Venus, Mars, and Jupiter in Leo (the Lion), due east in morning twilight, before 6 a. m. (see second chart, above).
On October 16th, like last mid-month, its waxing crescent appears just west of Saturn in Libra (the Scales), in late evening twilight, by 8 p. m. (see last chart again, above).
Just enough treats and color to mark the season of Autumn in October. Enjoy the celestial eye-candy.
Sky Roundup Almanac for October 2015
October 4: Last Quarter Moon at 21:07 UT on 10/04 (at 4:07 p. m. CDT on 10/04)
October 12: New Moon at 00:07 UT on 10/13 (or, 7:07 p. m. CDT on 10/12)
October 20: First Quarter Moon at 20:32 UT on 10/20 (or, 3:32 p. m. CDT on 10/20)
October 27: Full Moon at 12:06 UT on 10/27 (or, 7:06 a. m. CDT on 10/27)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
October 12: New Moon at 00:07 UT on 10/13 (or, 7:07 p. m. CDT on 10/12)
October 20: First Quarter Moon at 20:32 UT on 10/20 (or, 3:32 p. m. CDT on 10/20)
October 27: Full Moon at 12:06 UT on 10/27 (or, 7:06 a. m. CDT on 10/27)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for September
Astronomical highlights for the month of September 2015
Fall in September
We've heard the cliché about what goes up must come down. Similarly, as the sun rises, the sun also sets. Always there appears to be a balance, already known by nature. Earlier this Spring, the natural order of things saw the Earth green and bloom; as a balance, we now enter that season of color and fall. Landscapes and leaves now begin to shed their green sheen to show their true colors.
Not to be seen as a somber time; rather, it's a time of anticipation and preparation. Yes, we can anticipate colder weather in the coming months, but we have time to prepare for it, and, in the meantime, have fun going out-of-doors on clear evenings to take in the celestial sights.
Venus, Mars, and Jupiter have passed into the morning sky this month. Jupiter (in Leo, the Lion) stays hidden in the glare of the Sun, but rises just ahead of it along with faint Mars and brilliant Venus in Cancer (the Crab) till mid-month, after which Mars drops, all month long, closer to Jupiter. By the third week of September, Mars passes the bright star Regulus (in Leo, the Lion), which ought to make for a fine pairing in a modest telescope or good binocular. Venus joins the other two in Leo by month's end, making for a rough, close line-up of planets in the pre-dawn sky. (See chart, below).
Not to be seen as a somber time; rather, it's a time of anticipation and preparation. Yes, we can anticipate colder weather in the coming months, but we have time to prepare for it, and, in the meantime, have fun going out-of-doors on clear evenings to take in the celestial sights.
Venus, Mars, and Jupiter have passed into the morning sky this month. Jupiter (in Leo, the Lion) stays hidden in the glare of the Sun, but rises just ahead of it along with faint Mars and brilliant Venus in Cancer (the Crab) till mid-month, after which Mars drops, all month long, closer to Jupiter. By the third week of September, Mars passes the bright star Regulus (in Leo, the Lion), which ought to make for a fine pairing in a modest telescope or good binocular. Venus joins the other two in Leo by month's end, making for a rough, close line-up of planets in the pre-dawn sky. (See chart, below).
Mercury stays close to the Sun in evening twilight in Virgo (the Maiden) all month long and disappears completely by month's end. Ringed Saturn hugs the horizon in Libra (the Scales) through month's end in evening twilight (see chart, just below).
Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) still can be glimpsed in early evening well after sunset, only with strong magnification in a good telescope. (See chart, just below, for the approximate location of these two distant planets, each just below the first letter of the planet's name). Note that on September 28th Uranus appears just above the Moon, just past its full phase, which might make its detection in a telescope a challenge to find.
Full Corn Moon is this month's name for the Moon at its full phase, when American Indians often started to harvest corn during this month. In September, the Full Moon also becomes the Harvest Moon, the one that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox (which occurs on September 23 this year).
The Harvest Moon ostensibly allowed farmers to work at the harvest late after sunset by the light of this Moon, which seems to rise less later than it usually does at this time of year. That is, by not taking as much time to rise (as it normally rises about 50 minutes later each evening), the Moon appears to rise sooner than usual in Fall. In actuality, the Moon rises at a shallower angle to the horizon than at other times of the year, the effect of which makes it appear to shine its light earlier than usual.
On September 5th, the Last Quarter Moon pairs with Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) high in the south pre-dawn sky, before 6 a. m. (see chart, below).
The Harvest Moon ostensibly allowed farmers to work at the harvest late after sunset by the light of this Moon, which seems to rise less later than it usually does at this time of year. That is, by not taking as much time to rise (as it normally rises about 50 minutes later each evening), the Moon appears to rise sooner than usual in Fall. In actuality, the Moon rises at a shallower angle to the horizon than at other times of the year, the effect of which makes it appear to shine its light earlier than usual.
On September 5th, the Last Quarter Moon pairs with Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) high in the south pre-dawn sky, before 6 a. m. (see chart, below).
On September 10th, its slim waning crescent slips between Mars and Venus in Leo (the Lion), due east in morning twilight, before 6 a. m. (see chart, below).
On September 18th, its waxing crescent appears just west of Saturn in Libra (the Scales), in late evening twilight, by 8 p. m. (see chart, below).
Don't fall for the notion that Summer's end means an end to outdoor observation. It's the start of Autumn this month, and time to welcome the start of the harvest, relish the first of Fall color, and look ahead to a nip in the air.
UPDATE: One more Supermoon appeared Saturday night, September 27th. This month's larger-than-usual Moon (at least in its appearance) was enhanced with a total lunar eclipse coinciding with the Moon's closest monthly approach to Earth. Without very specialized equipment, one can see (below) that the Supermoon eclipse could be captured on just about any worthwhile mobile device held to the eyepiece of a good telescope. Fitting an image of the eclipse into this column at this pixel ratio, though, does expose some graininess; but, its relative quality appears no different than a modest effort with former film photography.
UPDATE: One more Supermoon appeared Saturday night, September 27th. This month's larger-than-usual Moon (at least in its appearance) was enhanced with a total lunar eclipse coinciding with the Moon's closest monthly approach to Earth. Without very specialized equipment, one can see (below) that the Supermoon eclipse could be captured on just about any worthwhile mobile device held to the eyepiece of a good telescope. Fitting an image of the eclipse into this column at this pixel ratio, though, does expose some graininess; but, its relative quality appears no different than a modest effort with former film photography.
Sky Roundup Almanac for September 2015
September 5: Last Quarter Moon at 9:55 UT on 09/05 (at 4:55 a. m. CDT on 09/05)
September 13: New Moon at 6:42 UT on 09/13 (or, 1:42 a. m. CDT on 09/13)
September 21: First Quarter Moon at 9:00 UT on 09/21 (or, 4:00 a. m. CDT on 09/21)
September 23: Autumnal Equinox, 8:20 UT (or, 3:20 a. m. CDT)
September 27: Full Moon at 2:51 UT on 08/28 (or, 9:51 p. m. CDT on 09/27); lunar eclipse!
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
September 13: New Moon at 6:42 UT on 09/13 (or, 1:42 a. m. CDT on 09/13)
September 21: First Quarter Moon at 9:00 UT on 09/21 (or, 4:00 a. m. CDT on 09/21)
September 23: Autumnal Equinox, 8:20 UT (or, 3:20 a. m. CDT)
September 27: Full Moon at 2:51 UT on 08/28 (or, 9:51 p. m. CDT on 09/27); lunar eclipse!
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA
Sky Roundup for August
Astronomical highlights for the month of August 2015
Who's the August One?
What's your favorite planet? If you know that, where can you find it? In a dark, cloudless sky, one can usually see planets shining in the heavens. Do you think your favorite is the best, the most noble, among the others? Perhaps you like their tales told as gods and goddesses, or, perhaps their known facts are all the more fascinating. Let's see where the planets are this month, so you can find your own august one in this month of August.
By the start of this month, assertive Mars in Gemini (the Twins) rises ahead of the Sun; by mid-month, this planet is on the march into Cancer (the Crab) one constellation to the east where it camps till month's end. By contrast, fleet Mercury swiftly emerges into evening twilight ahead of sunset, immediately first in Leo (the Lion) for the first half of the month, and then quickly into Virgo (the Maiden) by month's end.
Kingly Jupiter and queenly Venus head into the glare of the Sun by the start of the month; Jupiter is lost for the rest of August, while Venus barely re-merges in morning twilight in Cancer (the Crab) to join Mars in the eastern sky before dawn by month's end. (See chart, just below) Both of these bright planets may seem diminished this month, but, from our vantage, merely seem to pass near the Sun, so both are not well seen.
By the start of this month, assertive Mars in Gemini (the Twins) rises ahead of the Sun; by mid-month, this planet is on the march into Cancer (the Crab) one constellation to the east where it camps till month's end. By contrast, fleet Mercury swiftly emerges into evening twilight ahead of sunset, immediately first in Leo (the Lion) for the first half of the month, and then quickly into Virgo (the Maiden) by month's end.
Kingly Jupiter and queenly Venus head into the glare of the Sun by the start of the month; Jupiter is lost for the rest of August, while Venus barely re-merges in morning twilight in Cancer (the Crab) to join Mars in the eastern sky before dawn by month's end. (See chart, just below) Both of these bright planets may seem diminished this month, but, from our vantage, merely seem to pass near the Sun, so both are not well seen.
Wizened Saturn still stays in Libra (the Scales) through month's end (see chart, just below); even better, though, is a grand telescopic view of its wide rings and larger moons for the last days of August. (See next chart, below, for close-up view on August 30th).
The distant patriarchs of sky and sea, Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), seemingly unmoved this month, but remain stalwarts at the outer reaches of the Sun's family. (See chart, just below, for location of Uranus surrounded with red ticks, and next chart for Neptune, whose position is marked by red ticks as well.)
To American native peoples, the Sun's heavenly twin, our familiar Moon, has a variety of grand names this month for its full phase. For example, for us in the Great Lakes region, it's been known as the Full Sturgeon Moon, owing to the plentiful stock of these large fish readily caught at this time of year. It's also the Full Red Moon, likely owing to its apparent reddish hue when seen rising through hazy, humid evenings; and it's been known as both the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon.
On August 16th, that familiar grand Moon, as a slim, waxing crescent, pairs with Mercury (see chart, just below, where Mercury is spotted within the tick marks). It is also seen on August 21st, at Last Quarter, west of Saturn, past due south at sunset, and, again, east of Saturn an evening later (see chart, below).
On August 16th, that familiar grand Moon, as a slim, waxing crescent, pairs with Mercury (see chart, just below, where Mercury is spotted within the tick marks). It is also seen on August 21st, at Last Quarter, west of Saturn, past due south at sunset, and, again, east of Saturn an evening later (see chart, below).
It's a grand observation to make that every one of these planets appears to have some ennobling feature to make it shine this month.
Sky Roundup Almanac for August 2015
August 6: Last Quarter Moon at 2:03 UT on 08/07 (at 9:03 p. m. CDT on 08/06)
August 14: New Moon at 14:54 UT on 08/14 (or, 9:54 a. m. CDT on 08/14)
August 22: First Quarter Moon at 19:32 UT on 08/22 (or, 2:32 p. m. CDT on 08/22)
August 29: Full Moon at 18:36 UT on 08/29 (or, 1:36 p. m. CDT on 08/29)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA.
August 14: New Moon at 14:54 UT on 08/14 (or, 9:54 a. m. CDT on 08/14)
August 22: First Quarter Moon at 19:32 UT on 08/22 (or, 2:32 p. m. CDT on 08/22)
August 29: Full Moon at 18:36 UT on 08/29 (or, 1:36 p. m. CDT on 08/29)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA.
Sky Roundup for July
Astronomical highlights for the month of July 2015
The Sky in July
In this month when we celebrate our nation's independence, Summer's
in full swing, though there are always those who, no matter the
summertime weather, seem to think that the season's not like what it was nor what it should be. Two years ago, when it was brutally
hot for weeks in a row, lawns and crops wilted since little
or no rain had fallen, and, worried land owners and city dwellers
alike, through government
outlets and a science-media frenzy at the time, fretted about a
warming, drier region (or, of planet Earth
itself). By the way, the Spring of the Midwest that same year saw dire
warnings of too much rain.
When science-news outlets weighed in at the time that warming had paused (until the data were adjusted just this year and a revised analysis was issued), it was largely dismissed (or perhaps forgotten) that summers in the great Midwest are typically part of a continental climate regime, meaning that the Great Lakes and its contiguous environs usually have scorching summers, and, that the resultant summertime heating in those environs is usually moderated by the cooling proximity of those Great Lakes.
Now that it has been overly wet through the start of Summer, with more than enough rain to water crops and gardens alike, the same land owners and city dwellers, with the aid of the same frenzied science media, are fretting a cooler, wetter region. These summers, wet or dry, are no more unusual now than in the past.
No matter the weather, arid days or humid nights, wet days or dry nights, let's still get outside and see what the sky in July holds this month.
The month starts with a spectacular pairing of the two brightest planets in the night sky, namely, majestic Jupiter and brilliant Venus. (See sky chart of horizon at sunset, below. The brighter of the two is Venus.) The two closed the gap between them last month in Leo (the Lion). Like the end of last month, the pair is a splendid sight in a binocular or good telescope. In the weeks ahead, the two dazzling worlds move apart, independent of one another, and, by month's end, are seen closer to the western horizon at sunset, to be obscured by the Sun's glare.
Saturn still stays in Libra (the Scales), slowly moving past the dim star Theta Librae, heading close to the southwest horizon by midnight.
Throughout this month, light orange Mars stays invisible in the glare of the Sun, while pale pink Mercury emerges into morning twilight ahead of sunrise in Taurus (the Bull). By mid-month, though, the hot little world moves into Gemini (the Twins) and gets lost in the bright rising Sun. By month's end, Mercury scarcely re-emerges into evening twilight above the setting Sun.
The distant planets of Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), still staked out in relatively unchanged positions from recent months, are not expected to become independent of these constellations even well beyond July.
To American native peoples, our celestial neighbor, the Moon, was known this month at its full phase as the Full Buck Moon, likely owing to the growth of antlers on male deer during this part of Summer, or, as the Full Thunder Moon, due to the frequency of thunderstorms that typically develop at this time, to bring us needed rain, of which many might otherwise complain.
On July 6th, the Moon, as waning gibbous, is visible just north of Neptune, due south before dawn; on July 9th, at Last Quarter, east of Uranus before sunrise; on July 18th, as waxing crescent, just south of Venus, due west at sunset; and, on July 25th, as waxing gibbous, west of Saturn, just past due south at sunset.
Be a little independent this month and see more of the sky in July.
When science-news outlets weighed in at the time that warming had paused (until the data were adjusted just this year and a revised analysis was issued), it was largely dismissed (or perhaps forgotten) that summers in the great Midwest are typically part of a continental climate regime, meaning that the Great Lakes and its contiguous environs usually have scorching summers, and, that the resultant summertime heating in those environs is usually moderated by the cooling proximity of those Great Lakes.
Now that it has been overly wet through the start of Summer, with more than enough rain to water crops and gardens alike, the same land owners and city dwellers, with the aid of the same frenzied science media, are fretting a cooler, wetter region. These summers, wet or dry, are no more unusual now than in the past.
No matter the weather, arid days or humid nights, wet days or dry nights, let's still get outside and see what the sky in July holds this month.
The month starts with a spectacular pairing of the two brightest planets in the night sky, namely, majestic Jupiter and brilliant Venus. (See sky chart of horizon at sunset, below. The brighter of the two is Venus.) The two closed the gap between them last month in Leo (the Lion). Like the end of last month, the pair is a splendid sight in a binocular or good telescope. In the weeks ahead, the two dazzling worlds move apart, independent of one another, and, by month's end, are seen closer to the western horizon at sunset, to be obscured by the Sun's glare.
Saturn still stays in Libra (the Scales), slowly moving past the dim star Theta Librae, heading close to the southwest horizon by midnight.
Throughout this month, light orange Mars stays invisible in the glare of the Sun, while pale pink Mercury emerges into morning twilight ahead of sunrise in Taurus (the Bull). By mid-month, though, the hot little world moves into Gemini (the Twins) and gets lost in the bright rising Sun. By month's end, Mercury scarcely re-emerges into evening twilight above the setting Sun.
The distant planets of Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), still staked out in relatively unchanged positions from recent months, are not expected to become independent of these constellations even well beyond July.
To American native peoples, our celestial neighbor, the Moon, was known this month at its full phase as the Full Buck Moon, likely owing to the growth of antlers on male deer during this part of Summer, or, as the Full Thunder Moon, due to the frequency of thunderstorms that typically develop at this time, to bring us needed rain, of which many might otherwise complain.
On July 6th, the Moon, as waning gibbous, is visible just north of Neptune, due south before dawn; on July 9th, at Last Quarter, east of Uranus before sunrise; on July 18th, as waxing crescent, just south of Venus, due west at sunset; and, on July 25th, as waxing gibbous, west of Saturn, just past due south at sunset.
Be a little independent this month and see more of the sky in July.
Sky Roundup Almanac for July 2015
July 1: Full Moon at 2:20 UT on 07/02 (or, 9:20 p. m. CDT on 07/01)
July 8: Last Quarter Moon at 20:25 UT (at 3:25 p. m. CDT on 07/8)
July 15: New Moon at 1:25 UT on 07/16 (or, 8:25 p. m. CDT on 07/15)
July 23: First Quarter Moon at 4:05 UT on 07/24 (or, 11:05 p. m. CDT on 07/23)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA.
July 8: Last Quarter Moon at 20:25 UT (at 3:25 p. m. CDT on 07/8)
July 15: New Moon at 1:25 UT on 07/16 (or, 8:25 p. m. CDT on 07/15)
July 23: First Quarter Moon at 4:05 UT on 07/24 (or, 11:05 p. m. CDT on 07/23)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA.
Sky Roundup for June
Astronomical highlights for the month of June 2015
None Too Soon in June
It'll be grand to stand under a sky clear and cloud-free. That can happen this month, more often when Spring rains end and Summer starts.
Summer starts on June 21, but a real treat starts one week later. And it'll be a grand start with a spectacular pairing of the two brightest planets in the night sky. Mighty, majestic Jupiter will gleam regally next to beautiful, brilliant Venus. The two close the gap between them this month; so, by month's end, or at least one week after the Summer Solstice, a close dance of the comely and the kingly look tighter in Leo (the Lion) by June 30. No doubt a splendid sight in a binocular or good telescope.
By the way, this isn't the first time these two planets have appeared in conjunction. For example, there was a similar close conjunction just last Summer before dawn; it's none too soon that we've seen them again. And, according to various historical sources, this is also not the first time Venus and Jupiter have linked up in Leo.
Saturn still sits left of most of Libra (the Scales) just past due south by midnight, but, like late last month, appears parked near the dim star Theta Librae. Just before sunrise, the famously ringed planet hugs the horizon in the southwest.
Throughout this month, Mars and Mercury stay invisible in the glare of the Sun. By month's end, hot little Mercury in Taurus (the Bull) emerges into morning twilight ahead of the rising Sun.
Of course, like last month, the distant planets of Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes), south of the dim star Epsilon Piscis, and Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), roughly midway between Gamma Aquarii and Omicron Aquarii, seem to stay put, as it won't be too soon that these two will stray too far from these constellations.
To American native peoples, our celestial neighbor, the Moon, was known this month as the Full Strawberry Moon, likely owing to the ripening of early strawberries this month; by contrast, to European peoples it was the Rose Moon. Of strawberries and roses, both are welcome blooms to see, and a view (not at all bloomin') of the Moon in June is an inviting sight as well.
On June 1st, the Moon, as waxing gibbous, is visible just west of Saturn just past due south by midnight, and, just east of Saturn as this month's Full Moon the next night; next to the globular cluster M9 on June 3rd; just northeast of Neptune at Last Quarter phase before dawn on June 9th ; and by June 19th and 20th, the waxing crescent Moon will appear as part of a triad with Venus and Jupiter in the west after sunset; and, again, like the first of the month, as waxing gibbous, just northeast of Saturn just past due south by midnight.
It's none too soon that we have good things to see in June.
Summer starts on June 21, but a real treat starts one week later. And it'll be a grand start with a spectacular pairing of the two brightest planets in the night sky. Mighty, majestic Jupiter will gleam regally next to beautiful, brilliant Venus. The two close the gap between them this month; so, by month's end, or at least one week after the Summer Solstice, a close dance of the comely and the kingly look tighter in Leo (the Lion) by June 30. No doubt a splendid sight in a binocular or good telescope.
By the way, this isn't the first time these two planets have appeared in conjunction. For example, there was a similar close conjunction just last Summer before dawn; it's none too soon that we've seen them again. And, according to various historical sources, this is also not the first time Venus and Jupiter have linked up in Leo.
Saturn still sits left of most of Libra (the Scales) just past due south by midnight, but, like late last month, appears parked near the dim star Theta Librae. Just before sunrise, the famously ringed planet hugs the horizon in the southwest.
Throughout this month, Mars and Mercury stay invisible in the glare of the Sun. By month's end, hot little Mercury in Taurus (the Bull) emerges into morning twilight ahead of the rising Sun.
Of course, like last month, the distant planets of Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes), south of the dim star Epsilon Piscis, and Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), roughly midway between Gamma Aquarii and Omicron Aquarii, seem to stay put, as it won't be too soon that these two will stray too far from these constellations.
To American native peoples, our celestial neighbor, the Moon, was known this month as the Full Strawberry Moon, likely owing to the ripening of early strawberries this month; by contrast, to European peoples it was the Rose Moon. Of strawberries and roses, both are welcome blooms to see, and a view (not at all bloomin') of the Moon in June is an inviting sight as well.
On June 1st, the Moon, as waxing gibbous, is visible just west of Saturn just past due south by midnight, and, just east of Saturn as this month's Full Moon the next night; next to the globular cluster M9 on June 3rd; just northeast of Neptune at Last Quarter phase before dawn on June 9th ; and by June 19th and 20th, the waxing crescent Moon will appear as part of a triad with Venus and Jupiter in the west after sunset; and, again, like the first of the month, as waxing gibbous, just northeast of Saturn just past due south by midnight.
It's none too soon that we have good things to see in June.
Sky Roundup Almanac for June 2015
June 2: Full Moon at 16:20 UT on 06/02 (or, 11:20 a. m. CDT on 06/02)
June 9: Last Quarter Moon at 15:42 UT (at 10:42 a. m. CDT on 06/9)
June 16: New Moon at 14:06 UT on 06/16 (or, 9:06 a. m. CDT on 06/16)
June 21: Summer Solstice at 16:39 UT (or, 11:39 a. m. CDT on 06/21)
June 24: First Quarter Moon at 11:03 UT (or, 6:03 a. m. CDT on 04/24)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA.
June 9: Last Quarter Moon at 15:42 UT (at 10:42 a. m. CDT on 06/9)
June 16: New Moon at 14:06 UT on 06/16 (or, 9:06 a. m. CDT on 06/16)
June 21: Summer Solstice at 16:39 UT (or, 11:39 a. m. CDT on 06/21)
June 24: First Quarter Moon at 11:03 UT (or, 6:03 a. m. CDT on 04/24)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA.
Sky Roundup for May
Astronomical highlights for the month of May 2015
May Be a Garden
With
the usual April showers are now coming the May flowers. In time, as
the weather warms, there will be the usual fine sight of seasonal
blooms across many yards and wide fields. And the celestial sights
above are starting to bud as well.
Every year at this time, we can begin to look forward to the change from a completely Winter night sky to that of a Summer night sky. In the interim, the Spring constellations are a mix of Winter's best heading to the west and at least some of Summer rising in the east.
For the planets, it's always a showy garden of lovely lights, fairly bright and steadily seen. The king of the planets, majestic Jupiter, due south-southwest by 9 p. m. this month, rides high in this garden of celestial delights, comfortable amid Cancer (the Crab), still in the vicinity of the Praesepe, the open cluster M44, aka the Beehive Cluster, both of which are easy to spot in a modest telescope or a big binocular.
And, as in previous months, one can still view beautifully ringed Saturn, but now just past due south by midnight. By mid-month, the wizened one shuffles out of Scorpius (the Scorpion) and lingers into Libra (the Scales), parking near the dim star Theta Librae, where it can be seen in the southwest by sunrise.
By the start of May, Mars stays in Aries (the Ram) from last month, but is invisible in the glare of the setting Sun. Mercury and Venus, are both in Taurus (the Bull), in the west, at sunset, but the smaller, hot world closer to the Sun is less distinct and nearly unseen; by contrast, the hotter world rises higher and gleams brighter in evening twilight and all through early evening during this month, and sets by 10 p. m.
After the first week, Venus travels west, next door, to Gemini (the Twins), gliding past the open cluster, M35, which is a most pleasing sight in a good telescope. By month's end, the brilliant one has traversed the Twins, passing south of the bright star Pollux, or Beta Geminorum.
The distant planets of Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes), south of the dim star Epsilon Piscis and Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), roughly midway between Gamma Aquarii and Omicron Aquarii, remain as stalwart sentinels in this month's cosmic Eden.
Keeping with the theme of a celestial garden, our own nearby neighbor, the Moon, this month tends its name of Full Flower Moon. It's also been known by native peoples as the Full Corn Planting Moon, which also fits the Spring meme of buds abloom.
On May 5th, the Moon, past full as waning gibbous, is visible west of Saturn, just past due south by midnight, and, amid the open clusters of M23 and M25. It will occult, or pass in front of, M25 on May 8th. Trying to spot with a telescope the individual stars of the open cluster being occulted will be tricky since the waning gibbous Moon will be relatively bright in the sky. And at sunset by month's end, the waxing crescent Moon will appear south of Venus on May 21st and south of Jupiter on May 23rd.
After the rains of last month, this month on clear nights offers a garden of celestial sights after all.
Every year at this time, we can begin to look forward to the change from a completely Winter night sky to that of a Summer night sky. In the interim, the Spring constellations are a mix of Winter's best heading to the west and at least some of Summer rising in the east.
For the planets, it's always a showy garden of lovely lights, fairly bright and steadily seen. The king of the planets, majestic Jupiter, due south-southwest by 9 p. m. this month, rides high in this garden of celestial delights, comfortable amid Cancer (the Crab), still in the vicinity of the Praesepe, the open cluster M44, aka the Beehive Cluster, both of which are easy to spot in a modest telescope or a big binocular.
And, as in previous months, one can still view beautifully ringed Saturn, but now just past due south by midnight. By mid-month, the wizened one shuffles out of Scorpius (the Scorpion) and lingers into Libra (the Scales), parking near the dim star Theta Librae, where it can be seen in the southwest by sunrise.
By the start of May, Mars stays in Aries (the Ram) from last month, but is invisible in the glare of the setting Sun. Mercury and Venus, are both in Taurus (the Bull), in the west, at sunset, but the smaller, hot world closer to the Sun is less distinct and nearly unseen; by contrast, the hotter world rises higher and gleams brighter in evening twilight and all through early evening during this month, and sets by 10 p. m.
After the first week, Venus travels west, next door, to Gemini (the Twins), gliding past the open cluster, M35, which is a most pleasing sight in a good telescope. By month's end, the brilliant one has traversed the Twins, passing south of the bright star Pollux, or Beta Geminorum.
The distant planets of Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes), south of the dim star Epsilon Piscis and Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), roughly midway between Gamma Aquarii and Omicron Aquarii, remain as stalwart sentinels in this month's cosmic Eden.
Keeping with the theme of a celestial garden, our own nearby neighbor, the Moon, this month tends its name of Full Flower Moon. It's also been known by native peoples as the Full Corn Planting Moon, which also fits the Spring meme of buds abloom.
On May 5th, the Moon, past full as waning gibbous, is visible west of Saturn, just past due south by midnight, and, amid the open clusters of M23 and M25. It will occult, or pass in front of, M25 on May 8th. Trying to spot with a telescope the individual stars of the open cluster being occulted will be tricky since the waning gibbous Moon will be relatively bright in the sky. And at sunset by month's end, the waxing crescent Moon will appear south of Venus on May 21st and south of Jupiter on May 23rd.
After the rains of last month, this month on clear nights offers a garden of celestial sights after all.
Sky Roundup Almanac for May 2015
May 3: Full Moon at 3:43 UT on 05/04 (or, 10:43 p. m. CDT on 05/03)
May 11: Last Quarter Moon at 10:37 UT (at 5:37 a. m. CDT on 05/11)
May 17: New Moon at 4:14 UT on 05/18 (or, 11:14 p. m. CDT on 05/17)
May 25: First Quarter Moon at 17:20 UT (or, 12:20 p. m. CDT on 05/25)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA.
May 11: Last Quarter Moon at 10:37 UT (at 5:37 a. m. CDT on 05/11)
May 17: New Moon at 4:14 UT on 05/18 (or, 11:14 p. m. CDT on 05/17)
May 25: First Quarter Moon at 17:20 UT (or, 12:20 p. m. CDT on 05/25)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA.
Sky Roundup for April
Astronomical highlights for the month of April 2015
No Joke When It's Time to Observe
Though
April is known to start off with practical jokes, others often expect
showers to put them in bad humor this month. Depending on the weather
in your area, the warming air seriously offers a welcome chance
to get out and set up for a jolly time at stargazing. Between the
gags and the galoshes, on any clear night there's a month of good
springtime viewing with either a modest telescope or a good
binocular.
As highlighted last month, big, bright, mighty Jupiter, due south by 9 p. m. this month, appears closer than it was last month to the open cluster known as the Praesepe, the open cluster M44, aka the Beehive Cluster, in Cancer (the Crab). And, like last month, if you rise in earnest before dawn, you can observe, in the southwest, brightly ringed Saturn, which stays in Scorpius (the Scorpion), all April long.
By the first week of April, dim Mars and brilliant Venus, are both in Aries (the Ram), in the west, at sunset. After the first week,Venus travels west, next door, to Taurus (the Bull), rides the back of the Bull at first, then hops ahead of its horns by month's end, skirting near the horn star Beta Tauri (aka Alnath). Mars drops lower and closer to the light of the Sun. By the end of the month, Mercury emerges into evening twilight in Taurus, near the Pleiades, setting after the Sun.
The Moon this month at its full phase is known as the Full Pink Moon, due to the early sprouting of star-shaped, pinkish perennials known as phlox. It's also been known by native peoples as the Full Egg Moon, which might seem fitting for popular notions of Easter and the return of Spring.
Moreover, this month's full Moon will be eclipsed the day before Easter Sunday, a Paschal Full Moon. From our vantage across the Great Lakes, that total lunar eclipse will be only visible as a partial lunar eclipse just before dawn, that is, as the Moon sets in the west. Those farther west and across the Pacific , weather permitting, will have the chance to see a short totality.
On April 8th, the Moon, past full as waning gibbous, is visible north of Saturn nearly due south by dawn; and, south of Jupiter as waxing crescent on April 25th and 26th high in the southwest by midnight.
Do not simply stay in indoors. That's no fun. Staying indoors is just not practical. And that's no joke.
As highlighted last month, big, bright, mighty Jupiter, due south by 9 p. m. this month, appears closer than it was last month to the open cluster known as the Praesepe, the open cluster M44, aka the Beehive Cluster, in Cancer (the Crab). And, like last month, if you rise in earnest before dawn, you can observe, in the southwest, brightly ringed Saturn, which stays in Scorpius (the Scorpion), all April long.
By the first week of April, dim Mars and brilliant Venus, are both in Aries (the Ram), in the west, at sunset. After the first week,Venus travels west, next door, to Taurus (the Bull), rides the back of the Bull at first, then hops ahead of its horns by month's end, skirting near the horn star Beta Tauri (aka Alnath). Mars drops lower and closer to the light of the Sun. By the end of the month, Mercury emerges into evening twilight in Taurus, near the Pleiades, setting after the Sun.
The Moon this month at its full phase is known as the Full Pink Moon, due to the early sprouting of star-shaped, pinkish perennials known as phlox. It's also been known by native peoples as the Full Egg Moon, which might seem fitting for popular notions of Easter and the return of Spring.
Moreover, this month's full Moon will be eclipsed the day before Easter Sunday, a Paschal Full Moon. From our vantage across the Great Lakes, that total lunar eclipse will be only visible as a partial lunar eclipse just before dawn, that is, as the Moon sets in the west. Those farther west and across the Pacific , weather permitting, will have the chance to see a short totality.
On April 8th, the Moon, past full as waning gibbous, is visible north of Saturn nearly due south by dawn; and, south of Jupiter as waxing crescent on April 25th and 26th high in the southwest by midnight.
Do not simply stay in indoors. That's no fun. Staying indoors is just not practical. And that's no joke.
Sky Roundup Almanac for April 2015
April 4: Full Moon at 12:06 UT (or, 7:06 a. m. on 04/04); partial lunar
eclipse, as seen from Midwest
April 11: Last Quarter Moon at 3:45 UT (at 10:45 p. m. on 04/11)
April 18: New Moon at 18:57 UT (or, 1:57 p. m. on 04/18)
April 25: First Quarter Moon at 23:56 UT (or, 6:56 p. m. on 04/25)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA.
April 11: Last Quarter Moon at 3:45 UT (at 10:45 p. m. on 04/11)
April 18: New Moon at 18:57 UT (or, 1:57 p. m. on 04/18)
April 25: First Quarter Moon at 23:56 UT (or, 6:56 p. m. on 04/25)
All almanac events corrected to Daylight Saving Time, Central Time Zone, USA.
Sky Roundup for March
Astronomical highlights for the month of March 2015
Boldly Go
Don't wait too long to get out the telescopes or the binoculars. Like last month, set up the 'scopes, be brave with the binos, and start observing. Take a cue from this month's date that gives a command (March forth!) and know that the snow won't linger long and pester, though it may seem so.
Let's see where we can boldly go this month.
Comet Lovejoy continues its exit from the Solar System, riding high across our northern sky throughout the month of March. Discovered last Autumn by Australian comet hunter Terry Lovejoy, the dusty iceball appears to glide slowly through Cassiopeia, making it a fairly easy target with the right magnification, that never sets across latitudes of the Great Lakes.
Every night all month long, bright and mighty Jupiter, due south by midnight, appears to close in on the open cluster known as Praesepe (in Latin, "manger"), the open cluster M44, aka the Beehive Cluster) in Cancer (the Crab). By next month, it'll be closer still, perhaps for a good astrophotograph or two. By contrast, if you happen to march forth into morning twilight, brightly ringed Saturn, due south by sunrise, appears parked by a pincer of Scorpius (the Scorpion), all March long, just like last month.
By the first week of March, Mars, Venus, and Uranus seem placed in Pisces (the Fishes). Venus veers over Mars, but yaws near Uranus by March 3rd and 4th, then passes that planet by March 5th. Venus then moves higher and away, while Mars makes useful with Uranus from March 9th through 12th; once past this month's Ides, Venus glides into Aries (the Ram).
Elusive Mercury in Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) barely glints in the morning sky just ahead of the Sun. By the Ides, it's changed sides and crossed into Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), one star pattern to the east and seen closer to the Sun; before this month is gone, the little planet goes altogether.
The piling and lingering of snows around the Great Lakes and elsewhere, as this month marches in, give several nicknames to our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon. Known as the Full Crust Moon at its full phase this month, the bright orb owes that moniker to the freeze-and-thaw that typically occurs in this month, as seasons shift from Winter to Spring. It's also been known by native peoples as the Full Crow Moon, as cawing crows called out the coming warmer season. Certainly when the snow and ice boldly go for good, it'll be something to crow about.
It's also known as the Lenten Moon, as the last full phase to be given up to this passing Winter season. By the Old Farmer's Almanac and by the Farmers' Almanac (not to be confused with one another), that familiar full face also finds its name as the Full Worm Moon, an invitation to the return of robins migrating from their wintering grounds.
On March 2nd, the Moon, approaching full, is visible south of Jupiter by midnight (and just east of M67, an open cluster in Cancer); north of Saturn as waning gibbous on March 12th in the south-southeast before sunrise; as a very slim, waxing crescent next to Mars very low in the west on March 21st just after sunset; and, next to Venus in next evening's twilight.
Spend some time viewing the night sky as the snow and ice slowly recede. Be sure, too, to set your clocks ahead on March 8th and boldly go into longer days with Daylight Saving Time.
UPDATE: After the Ides of March, beware, or be wary, of the hype about a celestial triple-play this month. The hype might come from the confluence of three astronomically interesting events, all of which can happen at one time or another, but, coincidentally, occur on the same date. The hype hails from superstition, the happenstance is explained by science. (That is, some of the hype connects to the upcoming lunar eclipse on April 4th, visible as a partial eclipse from the Midwest.)
Not only does the first day of Spring occur on March 20th this year; but, across that same day, we Earthlings can view a total solar eclipse and a so-called Supermoon. From the vantage of the Great Lakes, this solar eclipse is not at all visible, but it can be a super treat to see a slightly larger-than-usual Full Moon rising; only this Supermoon is a New Moon, which we really won't see, unless we could observe the total solar eclipse.
That's the one time one actually sees the New Moon phase, which otherwise escapes our view every month. And the so-called Supermoon gets its name from the coincidence of the Moon's perigee (that is, the usual monthly closest approach to Earth) with either the phase of Full Moon or New Moon. This time it just happens to be a Supermoon at New Moon, and, lined up to show Earth a total eclipse of the Sun.
Here's a neat animation to show the shadow of the Moon and where it will graze the top of the world for the solar eclipse. Those residents of the Faroe Islands and the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard will have the best chance to witness this particular eclipse. (Additional details found here.)
Let's see where we can boldly go this month.
Comet Lovejoy continues its exit from the Solar System, riding high across our northern sky throughout the month of March. Discovered last Autumn by Australian comet hunter Terry Lovejoy, the dusty iceball appears to glide slowly through Cassiopeia, making it a fairly easy target with the right magnification, that never sets across latitudes of the Great Lakes.
Every night all month long, bright and mighty Jupiter, due south by midnight, appears to close in on the open cluster known as Praesepe (in Latin, "manger"), the open cluster M44, aka the Beehive Cluster) in Cancer (the Crab). By next month, it'll be closer still, perhaps for a good astrophotograph or two. By contrast, if you happen to march forth into morning twilight, brightly ringed Saturn, due south by sunrise, appears parked by a pincer of Scorpius (the Scorpion), all March long, just like last month.
By the first week of March, Mars, Venus, and Uranus seem placed in Pisces (the Fishes). Venus veers over Mars, but yaws near Uranus by March 3rd and 4th, then passes that planet by March 5th. Venus then moves higher and away, while Mars makes useful with Uranus from March 9th through 12th; once past this month's Ides, Venus glides into Aries (the Ram).
Elusive Mercury in Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) barely glints in the morning sky just ahead of the Sun. By the Ides, it's changed sides and crossed into Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), one star pattern to the east and seen closer to the Sun; before this month is gone, the little planet goes altogether.
The piling and lingering of snows around the Great Lakes and elsewhere, as this month marches in, give several nicknames to our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon. Known as the Full Crust Moon at its full phase this month, the bright orb owes that moniker to the freeze-and-thaw that typically occurs in this month, as seasons shift from Winter to Spring. It's also been known by native peoples as the Full Crow Moon, as cawing crows called out the coming warmer season. Certainly when the snow and ice boldly go for good, it'll be something to crow about.
It's also known as the Lenten Moon, as the last full phase to be given up to this passing Winter season. By the Old Farmer's Almanac and by the Farmers' Almanac (not to be confused with one another), that familiar full face also finds its name as the Full Worm Moon, an invitation to the return of robins migrating from their wintering grounds.
On March 2nd, the Moon, approaching full, is visible south of Jupiter by midnight (and just east of M67, an open cluster in Cancer); north of Saturn as waning gibbous on March 12th in the south-southeast before sunrise; as a very slim, waxing crescent next to Mars very low in the west on March 21st just after sunset; and, next to Venus in next evening's twilight.
Spend some time viewing the night sky as the snow and ice slowly recede. Be sure, too, to set your clocks ahead on March 8th and boldly go into longer days with Daylight Saving Time.
UPDATE: After the Ides of March, beware, or be wary, of the hype about a celestial triple-play this month. The hype might come from the confluence of three astronomically interesting events, all of which can happen at one time or another, but, coincidentally, occur on the same date. The hype hails from superstition, the happenstance is explained by science. (That is, some of the hype connects to the upcoming lunar eclipse on April 4th, visible as a partial eclipse from the Midwest.)
Not only does the first day of Spring occur on March 20th this year; but, across that same day, we Earthlings can view a total solar eclipse and a so-called Supermoon. From the vantage of the Great Lakes, this solar eclipse is not at all visible, but it can be a super treat to see a slightly larger-than-usual Full Moon rising; only this Supermoon is a New Moon, which we really won't see, unless we could observe the total solar eclipse.
That's the one time one actually sees the New Moon phase, which otherwise escapes our view every month. And the so-called Supermoon gets its name from the coincidence of the Moon's perigee (that is, the usual monthly closest approach to Earth) with either the phase of Full Moon or New Moon. This time it just happens to be a Supermoon at New Moon, and, lined up to show Earth a total eclipse of the Sun.
Here's a neat animation to show the shadow of the Moon and where it will graze the top of the world for the solar eclipse. Those residents of the Faroe Islands and the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard will have the best chance to witness this particular eclipse. (Additional details found here.)
Sky Roundup Almanac for March 2015
March 5: Full Moon at 18:06 UT (or, 12:06 p. m. on 03/05)
March 8: Daylight Saving Time begins (at 2:00 a. m., local time)
March 13: Last Quarter Moon at 18:49 UT (or, 12:49 p. m. on 03/13)
March 20: New Moon at 9:37 UT (or, 4:37 a. m. on 03/20); Vernal Equinox, 22:45 UT (or, 5:45 p.m.)
March 27: First Quarter Moon at 7:43 UT (or, 2:43 a. m. on 03/27)
All almanac events corrected to Central Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time, where appropriate this month.
March 8: Daylight Saving Time begins (at 2:00 a. m., local time)
March 13: Last Quarter Moon at 18:49 UT (or, 12:49 p. m. on 03/13)
March 20: New Moon at 9:37 UT (or, 4:37 a. m. on 03/20); Vernal Equinox, 22:45 UT (or, 5:45 p.m.)
March 27: First Quarter Moon at 7:43 UT (or, 2:43 a. m. on 03/27)
All almanac events corrected to Central Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time, where appropriate this month.
Sky Roundup for February
Astronomical highlights for the month of February 2015
Snowy and Showy
This
month steeps us in a season of freezing, but little stops us from
freeing our seeing. Snow on the ground can be more of a chore, but
the show in the sky is far less of a bore. So, clear the drive and
brave it with binos or shove snow aside to scope out who-knows, what fun to focus on the passing parade!
Let's see what this month will light the night.
In the news still is Comet Lovejoy. Discovered last Autumn by Australian comet hunter Terry Lovejoy, the dusty iceball has been making its way across northern skies since last Christmas. Here is an interesting time-lapse of an observation as the comet neared the Sun, and both an ephemeris and map for its current and future locations. Note that comet remains high in the sky for Midwestern latitudes over the next several months, as it moves away from Earth and out of the Solar System.
Majestic Jupiter marches from Leo (the Lion) and crosses to Cancer (the Crab) this month, gradually starting through this constellation over the next two months. By April, the mighty world proceeds toward Praesepe, (in Latin, "manger"), the open cluster M44, aka the Beehive Cluster, which ought to make for a thrilling sight and fine target for astrophotographers using a wide field of view and low magnification. Jupiter then goes retrograde, retreats from Cancer, and enlists Leo again by mid-June. Of course, by late Spring and early Summer, we lose the king of the planets in the glare of the Sun.
In the cold of February's morning twilight, Saturn in the southeast by sunrise slips from Libra (the Scales) and passes a pincer of Scorpius (the Scorpion). All month long, the ringed wonder appears parked by the double star Beta-1 Scorpii (aka Acrab, its common name, and the brighter of the pair). Rising well ahead of the Sun by mid-month, it is due south by sunrise. The steepening angle of its rings' tilt, seen from our earthly vantage, makes Saturn a wonderful sight with good magnification on a decent telescope.
By the first week of February, Mars ascends through Aquarius (the Water-Bearer); by mid-month the Red Planet has pushed into Pisces (the Fishes). All this time, beautifully brilliant Venus, goddess of love to the ancients, appears to pursue the god of war. On the way, she nuzzles Neptune by February 1st (described last month), and, by February 16th, Venus moves ever closer to Mars; from February 21st through 23rd, a glorious conjunction of these two worlds occurs in evening twilight just after sunset.
Through the last week of February, Venus vaults away from her meeting with Mars, and heads higher towards Uranus in Pisces, whom she'll greet by the start in March. The god of war will follow suit and meet up with the old god of all gods by mid-month next month.
These are the conjunctions that often make for stunning contrasts, even in modest telescopes, and, it's the kind of planetary parade that's well placed at an early evening hour for most to get a good look. Have binoculars, telescopes, and cameras at the ready for the parade as it passes.
Little hot Mercury passes into the morning sky from last month's evening conjunction with Venus, and remains fairly lost in the glare of the Sun all month long. By month's end, it still hugs the horizon as the Sun sets, barely visible at ground level except perhaps from a flat, treeless horizon.
This month's snowstorms across the Great Lakes at the start of February bring meaning to this month's nickname for the Moon. Known as the Full Snow Moon at its full phase this month, it's also been known by native peoples as the Full Hunger Moon, as food can be scarce for wintering creatures. On February 4th the Moon, just past full, is visible south of Jupiter by midnight; northeast of Saturn as a waning crescent on February 12th in the east before sunrise; as a slim, waxing crescent in a tight triad with Venus and Mars in the west on February 20th after sunset; and, south of Uranus in next evening's twilight.
It's a short month, but it's not short of neat things to see in the night sky. Move the snow and see the show.
Let's see what this month will light the night.
In the news still is Comet Lovejoy. Discovered last Autumn by Australian comet hunter Terry Lovejoy, the dusty iceball has been making its way across northern skies since last Christmas. Here is an interesting time-lapse of an observation as the comet neared the Sun, and both an ephemeris and map for its current and future locations. Note that comet remains high in the sky for Midwestern latitudes over the next several months, as it moves away from Earth and out of the Solar System.
Majestic Jupiter marches from Leo (the Lion) and crosses to Cancer (the Crab) this month, gradually starting through this constellation over the next two months. By April, the mighty world proceeds toward Praesepe, (in Latin, "manger"), the open cluster M44, aka the Beehive Cluster, which ought to make for a thrilling sight and fine target for astrophotographers using a wide field of view and low magnification. Jupiter then goes retrograde, retreats from Cancer, and enlists Leo again by mid-June. Of course, by late Spring and early Summer, we lose the king of the planets in the glare of the Sun.
In the cold of February's morning twilight, Saturn in the southeast by sunrise slips from Libra (the Scales) and passes a pincer of Scorpius (the Scorpion). All month long, the ringed wonder appears parked by the double star Beta-1 Scorpii (aka Acrab, its common name, and the brighter of the pair). Rising well ahead of the Sun by mid-month, it is due south by sunrise. The steepening angle of its rings' tilt, seen from our earthly vantage, makes Saturn a wonderful sight with good magnification on a decent telescope.
By the first week of February, Mars ascends through Aquarius (the Water-Bearer); by mid-month the Red Planet has pushed into Pisces (the Fishes). All this time, beautifully brilliant Venus, goddess of love to the ancients, appears to pursue the god of war. On the way, she nuzzles Neptune by February 1st (described last month), and, by February 16th, Venus moves ever closer to Mars; from February 21st through 23rd, a glorious conjunction of these two worlds occurs in evening twilight just after sunset.
Through the last week of February, Venus vaults away from her meeting with Mars, and heads higher towards Uranus in Pisces, whom she'll greet by the start in March. The god of war will follow suit and meet up with the old god of all gods by mid-month next month.
These are the conjunctions that often make for stunning contrasts, even in modest telescopes, and, it's the kind of planetary parade that's well placed at an early evening hour for most to get a good look. Have binoculars, telescopes, and cameras at the ready for the parade as it passes.
Little hot Mercury passes into the morning sky from last month's evening conjunction with Venus, and remains fairly lost in the glare of the Sun all month long. By month's end, it still hugs the horizon as the Sun sets, barely visible at ground level except perhaps from a flat, treeless horizon.
This month's snowstorms across the Great Lakes at the start of February bring meaning to this month's nickname for the Moon. Known as the Full Snow Moon at its full phase this month, it's also been known by native peoples as the Full Hunger Moon, as food can be scarce for wintering creatures. On February 4th the Moon, just past full, is visible south of Jupiter by midnight; northeast of Saturn as a waning crescent on February 12th in the east before sunrise; as a slim, waxing crescent in a tight triad with Venus and Mars in the west on February 20th after sunset; and, south of Uranus in next evening's twilight.
It's a short month, but it's not short of neat things to see in the night sky. Move the snow and see the show.
Sky Roundup Almanac for February 2015
February 3: Full Moon at 23:10 UT (or, 5:10 p. m. on 02/03)
February 11: Last Quarter Moon at 3:51 UT on 02/12 (or, 9:51 p. m. on 02/11)
February 18: New Moon at 23:48 UT (or, 5:48 p. m. on 02/18)
February 25: First Quarter Moon at 17:15 UT (or, 11:15 a. m. on 02/25)
All almanac events corrected to Central Standard Time.
February 11: Last Quarter Moon at 3:51 UT on 02/12 (or, 9:51 p. m. on 02/11)
February 18: New Moon at 23:48 UT (or, 5:48 p. m. on 02/18)
February 25: First Quarter Moon at 17:15 UT (or, 11:15 a. m. on 02/25)
All almanac events corrected to Central Standard Time.
Sky Roundup for January
Astronomical highlights for the month of January 2015
First Resolutions for the New Year
December
was one to watch. At month's end it was the old year quaking, time to
ring out the old. In January, we turn over the calendar, and a New
Year's waking, time to ring in the new. And with a new year, one
hears of resolutions; that is, one resolves to do something better or
see things more clearly. When it comes to seeing distant objects in
the night sky, binoculars or telescopes often make the better
"resolutions".
One can always look at the sky with eyes alone; but, in this Winter cold, naked eyes aren't enough. One needs to warm up to the regular use of decent magnification. Adequate magnification with a telescope will always help to resolve, or see more clearly, the tinier objects our eyes alone cannot see. Let's see what sights this month we can resolve to observe in the nighttime sky.
In the news is Comet Lovejoy. A late-breaking UPDATE added in December's installment of Sky Roundup alerted observers to details about the "Christmas Comet" making its way into northern skies. Spotted first from Australia by comet-hunter Terry Lovejoy, the 5th-magnitude comet is climbing higher for viewers in mid-latitudes. It's easily visible with a good binocular or a modest telescope, but will appear as a fuzzy patch. Nothing fancy needed to observe it, though greater magnification and good astro-photography will resolve finer detail. Passing through Lepus (the Hare), below Orion (the Hunter), Comet Lovejoy (officially known as C/2014 Q2) will pass through Taurus (the Bull) by mid-January.
Mighty Jupiter gleams from Leo (the Lion), high in the sky all throughout January and, like last month, all night long as well; next month, the king of the planets will appear to enter Cancer (the Crab), one constellation to his west. Nothing beats the largest planet from nearly a half-billion miles away, when one can glimpse it night after clear night, and resolve its larger moons in motion about it.
Like last month and in cold morning twilight, Saturn, in Libra (the Scales), rises a couple of hours ahead of the Sun, and is close to the horizon by sunrise; but, it is still a lovely sight, especially when one can resolve the detail of its famous bright rings with a good magnification on a decent telescope.
After the first week of January, Mars clears out of Capricornus (the Sea-Goat), where it lingered at December's end, and crosses one constellation to the east into Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) by mid-month, where it appears to approach the distant planet Neptune. It's a fairly close conjunction, or apparent meeting, of the two planets by January 20th in early evening after twilight. Like last month, the Red Planet remains fairly well placed above the horizon all month long in the southwestern sky for those who wish to watch it with a telescope early in the night; attempting to resolve Neptune relatively nearby in the sky would be an extra treat.
Also to start the year and just above the horizon after sunset, quick-moving Mercury appears to have pursued vibrant Venus also into Capricornus (the Sea-Goat), one constellation to the east of where they were at the end of last month, and finally nudges nearly close enough for a New Year's kiss by January 10th, but evening twilight may even be a little too bright for an observer with a telescope to resolve their encounter; it's still worth a try to spy.
Mercury drops from sight into the glare of the Sun by the time Mars and Neptune have had their celestial meeting, and Venus continues her foray alone into Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) one more constellation to the east, but also encounters Neptune by month's end. Like Mars's approach to Neptune the prior week, Venus has a fairly close conjunction in evening twilight by January 30th - 31st. Likely it'd be a good test of one's seeing with a good, large binocular or well-made telescope of modest aperture. More to the point, this may be a rare sight indeed, as viewed from our vantage, to see one of the brighter planets paired with one of the dimmer; that is, the second planet from the Sun in the Solar System paired with the second-to-last planet of the Solar System. (Yes, that'd mean one is counting Pluto as a planet again, which it always was since its discovery.)
While the planetary pairing goes off and on all month long after sunset, distant Uranus stands alone in the middle of Pisces (the Fishes), one constellation to the east of Aquarius, near the 4th magnitude star, Delta Piscis; it's a challenge to glimpse its greenish tint through a telescope, but one of large aperture should resolve it as the tiny dot it appears from our place in space.
The Moon wends its way along it usual wintertime path; at its full phase this month, it's been known by native peoples as the Full Wolf Moon, or as the Moon After Yule, a fitting name for the bright light of the night after this season of Christmastide. The Moon appears south of Jupiter as a waning gibbous on January 7th, just north of Saturn as a waning crescent before sunrise on January 16th, between Venus and Mercury as a slim waxing crescent on January 21st, and just west of Mars also as waxing crescent on January 22nd.
It can always be a great time to observe, and this January gives us several chances, with a binocular or telescope, to make good on our "resolutions".
One can always look at the sky with eyes alone; but, in this Winter cold, naked eyes aren't enough. One needs to warm up to the regular use of decent magnification. Adequate magnification with a telescope will always help to resolve, or see more clearly, the tinier objects our eyes alone cannot see. Let's see what sights this month we can resolve to observe in the nighttime sky.
In the news is Comet Lovejoy. A late-breaking UPDATE added in December's installment of Sky Roundup alerted observers to details about the "Christmas Comet" making its way into northern skies. Spotted first from Australia by comet-hunter Terry Lovejoy, the 5th-magnitude comet is climbing higher for viewers in mid-latitudes. It's easily visible with a good binocular or a modest telescope, but will appear as a fuzzy patch. Nothing fancy needed to observe it, though greater magnification and good astro-photography will resolve finer detail. Passing through Lepus (the Hare), below Orion (the Hunter), Comet Lovejoy (officially known as C/2014 Q2) will pass through Taurus (the Bull) by mid-January.
Mighty Jupiter gleams from Leo (the Lion), high in the sky all throughout January and, like last month, all night long as well; next month, the king of the planets will appear to enter Cancer (the Crab), one constellation to his west. Nothing beats the largest planet from nearly a half-billion miles away, when one can glimpse it night after clear night, and resolve its larger moons in motion about it.
Like last month and in cold morning twilight, Saturn, in Libra (the Scales), rises a couple of hours ahead of the Sun, and is close to the horizon by sunrise; but, it is still a lovely sight, especially when one can resolve the detail of its famous bright rings with a good magnification on a decent telescope.
After the first week of January, Mars clears out of Capricornus (the Sea-Goat), where it lingered at December's end, and crosses one constellation to the east into Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) by mid-month, where it appears to approach the distant planet Neptune. It's a fairly close conjunction, or apparent meeting, of the two planets by January 20th in early evening after twilight. Like last month, the Red Planet remains fairly well placed above the horizon all month long in the southwestern sky for those who wish to watch it with a telescope early in the night; attempting to resolve Neptune relatively nearby in the sky would be an extra treat.
Also to start the year and just above the horizon after sunset, quick-moving Mercury appears to have pursued vibrant Venus also into Capricornus (the Sea-Goat), one constellation to the east of where they were at the end of last month, and finally nudges nearly close enough for a New Year's kiss by January 10th, but evening twilight may even be a little too bright for an observer with a telescope to resolve their encounter; it's still worth a try to spy.
Mercury drops from sight into the glare of the Sun by the time Mars and Neptune have had their celestial meeting, and Venus continues her foray alone into Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) one more constellation to the east, but also encounters Neptune by month's end. Like Mars's approach to Neptune the prior week, Venus has a fairly close conjunction in evening twilight by January 30th - 31st. Likely it'd be a good test of one's seeing with a good, large binocular or well-made telescope of modest aperture. More to the point, this may be a rare sight indeed, as viewed from our vantage, to see one of the brighter planets paired with one of the dimmer; that is, the second planet from the Sun in the Solar System paired with the second-to-last planet of the Solar System. (Yes, that'd mean one is counting Pluto as a planet again, which it always was since its discovery.)
While the planetary pairing goes off and on all month long after sunset, distant Uranus stands alone in the middle of Pisces (the Fishes), one constellation to the east of Aquarius, near the 4th magnitude star, Delta Piscis; it's a challenge to glimpse its greenish tint through a telescope, but one of large aperture should resolve it as the tiny dot it appears from our place in space.
The Moon wends its way along it usual wintertime path; at its full phase this month, it's been known by native peoples as the Full Wolf Moon, or as the Moon After Yule, a fitting name for the bright light of the night after this season of Christmastide. The Moon appears south of Jupiter as a waning gibbous on January 7th, just north of Saturn as a waning crescent before sunrise on January 16th, between Venus and Mercury as a slim waxing crescent on January 21st, and just west of Mars also as waxing crescent on January 22nd.
It can always be a great time to observe, and this January gives us several chances, with a binocular or telescope, to make good on our "resolutions".
Sky Roundup Almanac for January 2015
January 4: Full Moon at 4:54 UT on 01/05 (or, 10:54 p. m. on 01/04).
January 7: Waning gibbous Moon just southwest of Jupiter in WSW sky before sunrise.
January 13: Last Quarter Moon at 9:47 UT (or, 3:47 a. m. on 01/13).
January 16: Waning crescent Moon just north of Saturn in SSE sky before morning twilight.
January 20: New Moon at 13:14 UT (or, 7:14 a. m. on 01/20).
January 21: Waxing crescent Moon in WSW sky between Mercury and Venus just at sunset.
January 22: Waxing crescent Moon in WSW sky just west of Mars after evening twilight.
January 26: First Quarter Moon at 4:49 UT on 01/27 (or, 10:49 p. m. on 01/26).
All almanac events corrected to Central Standard Time.
January 7: Waning gibbous Moon just southwest of Jupiter in WSW sky before sunrise.
January 13: Last Quarter Moon at 9:47 UT (or, 3:47 a. m. on 01/13).
January 16: Waning crescent Moon just north of Saturn in SSE sky before morning twilight.
January 20: New Moon at 13:14 UT (or, 7:14 a. m. on 01/20).
January 21: Waxing crescent Moon in WSW sky between Mercury and Venus just at sunset.
January 22: Waxing crescent Moon in WSW sky just west of Mars after evening twilight.
January 26: First Quarter Moon at 4:49 UT on 01/27 (or, 10:49 p. m. on 01/26).
All almanac events corrected to Central Standard Time.
Sky Roundup for December
Astronomical highlights for the month of December 2014
The Night Before Christmas
Since 2009, Roy Kaelin’s installment of Sky Roundup for December has started with his parody of "A Visit of St. Nicholas" and that little tradition continues this year. With apologies to Clement Clark Moore.
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
Winter Watch
On December 21 the cosmic start to the coldest season may send shivers through many, but its spirit we seek to give us a warm glow inside. We bundle up extra to go outside and cast a watchful eye skyward to get a glimpse of the starry sights that can bring us good cheer. Whether with eyepieces aplenty or with just eyes alone, this month gives us a few things to watch well.
Mars clears out of Sagittarius (the Archer) by the first week of December and slides east into next-door Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) for the rest of the month. Like last month, the Red Planet remains fairly well placed in evening twilight all month long in the southwestern sky for those who wish to watch it with a telescope early in the night.
Kingly Jupiter remains ensconced in Leo (the Lion), high in the sky all throughout December and all night long, ever-wakeful for the arrival of the greatest King of the cosmos, celebrated on the 25th.
In early December's cold, morning twilight, Saturn, in Libra (the Scales), hugs the horizon in our southeastern sky, but by month's end, becomes clearly visible above the horizon ahead of the rising Sun. Always a fine sight with a telescope for those who will brave the chill in the wee hours of a winter's morn.
To close out the year, furtive little Mercury, poised just above the western horizon at sunset, seeks to steal a kiss for New Year's Eve from vivacious Venus (both in Sagittarius, the Archer), but the glare of the Sun may blanch that moment of year-end ardor.
The distant sentinels, Uranus and Neptune, stand guard on the outskirts of the Solar System, stationed in side-by-side constellations. Uranus stays in Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune stands watch one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer).
The Moon rides high in the sky in its monthly trek across the heavens, ready give a luster of mid-day to objects below. Like last month, as a slim, waxing crescent, it pairs with Mars on the evening of Christmas Day in the western sky, after sunset. At its full phase this month, it's known by native peoples as the Full Cold Moon, an apt nickname for the start of Winter. And the scant daylight we're apt to get at this time of year, the Full Moon is also known as the Long Nights Moon.
Perhaps most appropriately for this month, it's known as the Moon Before Yule, especially as the Full Moon this month does indeed occur well before the traditional Yule (or Christmastide) season, an artifact of earlier and older calendars, and, coincidentally on St. Nicholas Day, the feast of the Christian saint, famous as the model for our modern Santa Claus.
The month of December is one to watch. With eyes on the skies, go out late, stay awake, watch and wait. The old year's quaking, ring out the old; a New Year's waking, ring in the new.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a clear night!
UPDATE: We're not quite done yet after all. Yes, please continue to enjoy the season of Christmastide, and, if skies clear or you happen to visit a convenient patch of dark sky, look for the Christmas Comet! That is what this latest celestial sight is dubbed. Known as Comet Lovejoy, it was discovered by Australian comet-hunter, Terry Lovejoy. (By the current naming convention, the comet's official designation is C/2014 Q2.) The comet has just reached visibility, which mean it can be seen naked-eye, without the aid of a telescope. It's to be found in the constellation Lepus (the Hare), which, on a star chart, is placed below Orion, for observers in the Northern Hemisphere. Look for the comet to cross our Midwestern skies through the first half of the month of January, and, will likely be better seen through a good binocular. A fine way to start the new year.
Happy New Year to all, and to all a great sight!
Mars clears out of Sagittarius (the Archer) by the first week of December and slides east into next-door Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) for the rest of the month. Like last month, the Red Planet remains fairly well placed in evening twilight all month long in the southwestern sky for those who wish to watch it with a telescope early in the night.
Kingly Jupiter remains ensconced in Leo (the Lion), high in the sky all throughout December and all night long, ever-wakeful for the arrival of the greatest King of the cosmos, celebrated on the 25th.
In early December's cold, morning twilight, Saturn, in Libra (the Scales), hugs the horizon in our southeastern sky, but by month's end, becomes clearly visible above the horizon ahead of the rising Sun. Always a fine sight with a telescope for those who will brave the chill in the wee hours of a winter's morn.
To close out the year, furtive little Mercury, poised just above the western horizon at sunset, seeks to steal a kiss for New Year's Eve from vivacious Venus (both in Sagittarius, the Archer), but the glare of the Sun may blanch that moment of year-end ardor.
The distant sentinels, Uranus and Neptune, stand guard on the outskirts of the Solar System, stationed in side-by-side constellations. Uranus stays in Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune stands watch one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer).
The Moon rides high in the sky in its monthly trek across the heavens, ready give a luster of mid-day to objects below. Like last month, as a slim, waxing crescent, it pairs with Mars on the evening of Christmas Day in the western sky, after sunset. At its full phase this month, it's known by native peoples as the Full Cold Moon, an apt nickname for the start of Winter. And the scant daylight we're apt to get at this time of year, the Full Moon is also known as the Long Nights Moon.
Perhaps most appropriately for this month, it's known as the Moon Before Yule, especially as the Full Moon this month does indeed occur well before the traditional Yule (or Christmastide) season, an artifact of earlier and older calendars, and, coincidentally on St. Nicholas Day, the feast of the Christian saint, famous as the model for our modern Santa Claus.
The month of December is one to watch. With eyes on the skies, go out late, stay awake, watch and wait. The old year's quaking, ring out the old; a New Year's waking, ring in the new.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a clear night!
UPDATE: We're not quite done yet after all. Yes, please continue to enjoy the season of Christmastide, and, if skies clear or you happen to visit a convenient patch of dark sky, look for the Christmas Comet! That is what this latest celestial sight is dubbed. Known as Comet Lovejoy, it was discovered by Australian comet-hunter, Terry Lovejoy. (By the current naming convention, the comet's official designation is C/2014 Q2.) The comet has just reached visibility, which mean it can be seen naked-eye, without the aid of a telescope. It's to be found in the constellation Lepus (the Hare), which, on a star chart, is placed below Orion, for observers in the Northern Hemisphere. Look for the comet to cross our Midwestern skies through the first half of the month of January, and, will likely be better seen through a good binocular. A fine way to start the new year.
Happy New Year to all, and to all a great sight!
Sky Roundup Almanac for December 2014
December 6: Full Moon Moon at 12:27 UT (or, 6:27 a. m. on 12/06)
December 14: Last Quarter Moon at 12:52 UT (or, 6:52 a. m. on 12/14)
December 21: New Moon at 1:36 UT (or, 7:36 p. m. on 12/21); Winter Solstice starts at 23:03 UT (or, 5:03 p. m.)
December 28: First Quarter Moon at 18:32 UT (or, 12:32 p. m. on 12/28)
All almanac events corrected to Central Standard Time.
December 14: Last Quarter Moon at 12:52 UT (or, 6:52 a. m. on 12/14)
December 21: New Moon at 1:36 UT (or, 7:36 p. m. on 12/21); Winter Solstice starts at 23:03 UT (or, 5:03 p. m.)
December 28: First Quarter Moon at 18:32 UT (or, 12:32 p. m. on 12/28)
All almanac events corrected to Central Standard Time.
Sky Roundup for November
Astronomical highlights for the month of November 2014
Thank Your Lucky Stars
Every
year about this time, we begin to take stock of how things have fared
for us so far this year. As we look back for the moment, we busy
ourselves putting away the practices and playthings from the warmer
seasons, and perhaps look ahead with some anticipation. This is not
unusual, as we seek to find things for which we can be thankful.
We have weathered some uncommon sights during this past year till now; that is, uncommon in the sense of not seeing the usual. For example, we saw a fairly brutal start to the year during last Winter, with record snow and cold across the great Midwest and in many parts of this nation. Not much there for which to be thankful, and certainly not the usual to which we might have become accustomed. Record-low temperatures and cold rains continued throughout that Spring, as many were probably alerted for the first time to a long-standing meteorological known as the polar vortex. That, too, was not the usual, and, too, may have dampened our thankfulness for what this year brought.
Even into the season of Summer, we in the Midwest enjoyed relatively mild temperatures, as July and August, typically our hottest, were, in fact, delightfully pleasant. That definitely was not the usual, and rightfully something for which we could indeed be thankful. By the start of this Autumn, we saw just the right weather for splashes of rich, red gold hues, certainly a welcome sight that deserves our thanks to the showiness of nature. The passage of this year's holiday of Hallowe'en, an artifact of earlier calendars but still meaningful as a time of seasonal celebration, marked the Midwest with high winds and record cold, and, has signaled the time to hunker down and prepare for the Winter yet to come.
Perhaps we should not expect that the weather was anything unusual or anything to be thankful about; every year brings its own extremes, which simply get averaged into the historical record. But we can be thankful that its occurrence had a measure of predictability, even it was not expected. That is, we can still look ahead to what's to come, and discern with some level of scientific accuracy, some of what nature may have yet to dish out.
To that end, let's look to November skies and see what sights we can be thankful to see.
For most of this month, it will still be impossible to observe beautiful Venus, as she remains in the glare of the Sun, while she crosses into our morning sky. Look for her radiant countenance to emerge ahead of the rising Sun by month's end.
Meanwhile, mighty Jupiter gleams in Leo (the Lion) all month long, slowly bearing all this coming year toward the bright star, Regulus, the heart of the lion. By next August, the ponderous one will pair with that brightest star in Leo low on the horizon at sunset, an apparition likely best visible with a large telescope.
Fleet-footed Mercury (in Virgo, the Maiden), emerges into our morning sky and hugs the horizon for most of November in morning twilight, but drops into Libra (the Scales) by mid-month, where he pairs by month's end with slow-moving Saturn, which has moved from our evening sky earlier in the month into our morning sky, but is barely visible at the horizon ahead of the rising Sun.
Mars continues his move east through Sagittarius (the Archer) all month long. The Red Planet remains fairly well placed in evening twilight all month long for those who wish to observe it with a telescope early in the night.
Of course, those twin distant worlds, Uranus and Neptune hold their positions, as in previous months, in side-by-side constellations. Uranus still occupies Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune stays one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer).
Our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, is always a thankful sight in the sky, unless one prefers moonless nights to observe faint galaxies through telescopes. As a slim, waxing crescent, it pairs with Mars on Nov. 25th in the western sky, after sunset. Known by native peoples as the Full Beaver Moon, its moniker this month is another thankful reminder from nature to stock up and prepare for the coming Winter, as beavers are apparently wont to do at this time of the year.
The season may be passing, as it always does, before that headlong plunge into the holidays of Winter. Savor this season as you can. It'll appear to get dark fast, and, even more so, as we turn back the clocks one hour on November 2nd.
Outside, though it may appear dark, or darker than usual, don't curse the darkness. Go out into it, look up into it, behold the night sky, and thank your lucky stars for that vast expanse.
Be thankful, too, to know the darkness does not remain. One only has to wait for the light of our single, home star, or light a lone candle, to turn back the gloom.
We have weathered some uncommon sights during this past year till now; that is, uncommon in the sense of not seeing the usual. For example, we saw a fairly brutal start to the year during last Winter, with record snow and cold across the great Midwest and in many parts of this nation. Not much there for which to be thankful, and certainly not the usual to which we might have become accustomed. Record-low temperatures and cold rains continued throughout that Spring, as many were probably alerted for the first time to a long-standing meteorological known as the polar vortex. That, too, was not the usual, and, too, may have dampened our thankfulness for what this year brought.
Even into the season of Summer, we in the Midwest enjoyed relatively mild temperatures, as July and August, typically our hottest, were, in fact, delightfully pleasant. That definitely was not the usual, and rightfully something for which we could indeed be thankful. By the start of this Autumn, we saw just the right weather for splashes of rich, red gold hues, certainly a welcome sight that deserves our thanks to the showiness of nature. The passage of this year's holiday of Hallowe'en, an artifact of earlier calendars but still meaningful as a time of seasonal celebration, marked the Midwest with high winds and record cold, and, has signaled the time to hunker down and prepare for the Winter yet to come.
Perhaps we should not expect that the weather was anything unusual or anything to be thankful about; every year brings its own extremes, which simply get averaged into the historical record. But we can be thankful that its occurrence had a measure of predictability, even it was not expected. That is, we can still look ahead to what's to come, and discern with some level of scientific accuracy, some of what nature may have yet to dish out.
To that end, let's look to November skies and see what sights we can be thankful to see.
For most of this month, it will still be impossible to observe beautiful Venus, as she remains in the glare of the Sun, while she crosses into our morning sky. Look for her radiant countenance to emerge ahead of the rising Sun by month's end.
Meanwhile, mighty Jupiter gleams in Leo (the Lion) all month long, slowly bearing all this coming year toward the bright star, Regulus, the heart of the lion. By next August, the ponderous one will pair with that brightest star in Leo low on the horizon at sunset, an apparition likely best visible with a large telescope.
Fleet-footed Mercury (in Virgo, the Maiden), emerges into our morning sky and hugs the horizon for most of November in morning twilight, but drops into Libra (the Scales) by mid-month, where he pairs by month's end with slow-moving Saturn, which has moved from our evening sky earlier in the month into our morning sky, but is barely visible at the horizon ahead of the rising Sun.
Mars continues his move east through Sagittarius (the Archer) all month long. The Red Planet remains fairly well placed in evening twilight all month long for those who wish to observe it with a telescope early in the night.
Of course, those twin distant worlds, Uranus and Neptune hold their positions, as in previous months, in side-by-side constellations. Uranus still occupies Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune stays one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer).
Our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, is always a thankful sight in the sky, unless one prefers moonless nights to observe faint galaxies through telescopes. As a slim, waxing crescent, it pairs with Mars on Nov. 25th in the western sky, after sunset. Known by native peoples as the Full Beaver Moon, its moniker this month is another thankful reminder from nature to stock up and prepare for the coming Winter, as beavers are apparently wont to do at this time of the year.
The season may be passing, as it always does, before that headlong plunge into the holidays of Winter. Savor this season as you can. It'll appear to get dark fast, and, even more so, as we turn back the clocks one hour on November 2nd.
Outside, though it may appear dark, or darker than usual, don't curse the darkness. Go out into it, look up into it, behold the night sky, and thank your lucky stars for that vast expanse.
Be thankful, too, to know the darkness does not remain. One only has to wait for the light of our single, home star, or light a lone candle, to turn back the gloom.
Sky Roundup Almanac for November 2014
November 2: Daylight Saving Time ends; turn back the clock one hour, get
more sleep
November 6: Full Moon Moon at 21:23 UT (or, 4:23 p. m. on 11/06)
November 14: Last Quarter Moon at 14:16 UT (or, 9:16 a. m. on 11/14)
November 22: New Moon at 11:33 UT (or, 6:33 a. m. on 11/22)
November 29: First Quarter Moon at 9:07 UT (or, 4:07 a. m. on 11/29)
November 6: Full Moon Moon at 21:23 UT (or, 4:23 p. m. on 11/06)
November 14: Last Quarter Moon at 14:16 UT (or, 9:16 a. m. on 11/14)
November 22: New Moon at 11:33 UT (or, 6:33 a. m. on 11/22)
November 29: First Quarter Moon at 9:07 UT (or, 4:07 a. m. on 11/29)
Sky Roundup for October
Astronomical highlights for the month of October 2014
Red October
One may want to hunt up some fine celestial sights this month. Our own
cosmic neighbor, the Moon, puts on her own sanguine show. Early in the month, the
Full Moon slips into the shadow of Earth, as many in the great
Midwest will be witness to a total lunar eclipse, before dawn, on the
morning of Oct. 8. By mid-eclipse, our usually bright Moon at her
full phase will dim appreciably and take on a distinct, ruddy hue.
Just before moonset in our western sky, and weather permitting, the Moon may make for a striking scarlet sight, either darkly crimson or bright blood-red, depending on atmosphere and seeing. Specific maps of the Moon's visibility and possible appearance during the eclipse may be found here.
During this month, it will be difficult to hunt up the usually brilliant Venus, in Virgo (the Maiden), as she has sunken into the brighter glare of the rising Sun all month, while giant Jupiter in Cancer (the Crab) is easy to spot gliding high above morning twilight in the dawn sky; by month's end, the bright planet has slid east into neighboring Leo (the Lion), while little Mercury (in Virgo), shifting into our morning sky, pokes its pinkish presence above the treetop parapet.
At the start of the month, slow Saturn stays in Libra (the Scales), while faster Mars moves away from Scorpius (the Scorpion) and its namesake rival, namely, Antares, (aka "rival of Mars"), the brightest star in Scorpius. By late in the month, Mars has moved east into Sagittarius (the Archer) while vibrant Venus, hidden by morning twilight, is matched by wizened Saturn, just as obscured, but in evening twilight.
Uranus and Neptune appear to hold their positions, as in previous months, in side-by-side constellations, heading to the western horizon by midnight. Like last month, Uranus occupies Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune is one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). By the way, observers with a large telescope may have a fair chance of spotting Uranus, as it will appear positioned near the Moon during this month's lunar eclipse.
One can hunt down, without too much difficulty, the meaning of a few names for our cosmic neighbor, the Moon. Of course, she is known this month as the Hunter's Moon, which is the next Full Moon after the traditional Harvest Moon around the Autumnal Equinox in late September. The light of October's Moon lets farmers and trappers hunt fresh meat for the larder before the onset of Winter. More than that, and by native folklore, it is known as the Blood Moon and the Sanguine Moon, names reminiscent of the red hues that emblazon the landscape throughout the Fall season.
It is always a treat to begin to bundle up and scan the skies to spy the first seasonal stars just coming into view above the treetops. Add to your search the pleasure of peering at the planets, and one may have a rewarding evening of observing most any clear, brisk night this month. Happy hunting across the heavens.
Just before moonset in our western sky, and weather permitting, the Moon may make for a striking scarlet sight, either darkly crimson or bright blood-red, depending on atmosphere and seeing. Specific maps of the Moon's visibility and possible appearance during the eclipse may be found here.
During this month, it will be difficult to hunt up the usually brilliant Venus, in Virgo (the Maiden), as she has sunken into the brighter glare of the rising Sun all month, while giant Jupiter in Cancer (the Crab) is easy to spot gliding high above morning twilight in the dawn sky; by month's end, the bright planet has slid east into neighboring Leo (the Lion), while little Mercury (in Virgo), shifting into our morning sky, pokes its pinkish presence above the treetop parapet.
At the start of the month, slow Saturn stays in Libra (the Scales), while faster Mars moves away from Scorpius (the Scorpion) and its namesake rival, namely, Antares, (aka "rival of Mars"), the brightest star in Scorpius. By late in the month, Mars has moved east into Sagittarius (the Archer) while vibrant Venus, hidden by morning twilight, is matched by wizened Saturn, just as obscured, but in evening twilight.
Uranus and Neptune appear to hold their positions, as in previous months, in side-by-side constellations, heading to the western horizon by midnight. Like last month, Uranus occupies Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune is one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). By the way, observers with a large telescope may have a fair chance of spotting Uranus, as it will appear positioned near the Moon during this month's lunar eclipse.
One can hunt down, without too much difficulty, the meaning of a few names for our cosmic neighbor, the Moon. Of course, she is known this month as the Hunter's Moon, which is the next Full Moon after the traditional Harvest Moon around the Autumnal Equinox in late September. The light of October's Moon lets farmers and trappers hunt fresh meat for the larder before the onset of Winter. More than that, and by native folklore, it is known as the Blood Moon and the Sanguine Moon, names reminiscent of the red hues that emblazon the landscape throughout the Fall season.
It is always a treat to begin to bundle up and scan the skies to spy the first seasonal stars just coming into view above the treetops. Add to your search the pleasure of peering at the planets, and one may have a rewarding evening of observing most any clear, brisk night this month. Happy hunting across the heavens.
Sky Roundup Almanac for October 2014
October 1: First Quarter Moon at 19:33 UT (or, 2:33 p. m. on 10/01)
October 8: Full Moon Moon at 10:51 UT (or, 5:51 a. m. on 10/08); Total lunar eclipse
October 15: Last Quarter Moon at 19:13 UT (or, 2:13 p. m. on 10/15)
October 23: New Moon at 21:57 UT (or, 4:57 p. m. on 10/23)
October 30: First Quarter Moon at 3:57 UT (or, 9:49 p. m. on 10/30)
October 8: Full Moon Moon at 10:51 UT (or, 5:51 a. m. on 10/08); Total lunar eclipse
October 15: Last Quarter Moon at 19:13 UT (or, 2:13 p. m. on 10/15)
October 23: New Moon at 21:57 UT (or, 4:57 p. m. on 10/23)
October 30: First Quarter Moon at 3:57 UT (or, 9:49 p. m. on 10/30)
Sky Roundup for September
Astronomical highlights for the month of September 2014
September Sharings
Last month we saw pairings of celestial objects for us to observe throughout the month; this month we see some of the same sharing of the night sky once again.
Both Mars and Saturn share the small constellation of Libra (the Scales) at the start of the month in the western sky after evening twilight. By month's end, slow Saturn remains in Libra, but faster Mars has moved next door into Scorpius (the Scorpion) to share the sky close to its namesake rival, namely, Antares, (aka "rival of Mars"), the alpha star in Scorpius. The two ruddy objects share a noticeable tinge of color and brightness, which make a fine to sight to share with others through a good binocular.
Brilliant Venus and mighty Jupiter share morning twilight in the eastern sky; the beautiful one in Leo (the Lion), the mighty one in Cancer (the Crab). By month's end, Venus shares the glare of the Sun and disappears from view as it also shares space with Virgo (the Maiden); Jupiter shares the sky with two open clusters in Cancer, namely, M67 and M44 (aka the "Beehive" and "the Praesepe").
Mercury appears to share the glare of he Sun and the treetops all month long at evening twilight. From the vantage of the Great Lakes, it hugs the horizon and is a challenge to spot as a dot just after sunset.
Uranus and Neptune still share same region of sky and will likely do so for many years. They sit amid neighboring constellations, and are visible by midnight at the start of the month. Uranus occupies Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune is one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). A large telescope will just show their round, planetary shape and both are often good views to share with others who may not otherwise see these two distant worlds.
Our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, shares a couple of nicknames with the folklore of native peoples. In September, the Full Moon is known as the Full Corn Moon, owing to the belief that the agricultural crop was often harvested in this month. The other nickname, more widely known, is the Full Harvest Moon, or more simply the Harvest Moon. Representative of the time when most crops began to be harvested, the light of the rising Full Moon supposedly offered additional illumination to gather the corn into shocks and the hay into the barn.
Share the sky this month with the neighbors and those who haven't yet taken the time to see the heavens.
UPDATE: One more observation to share, the so-called Supermoon, the largest Full Moon as seen from our earthly vantage, will rise on Sept. 8. The third and final apparition of this type in this calendar year, the Supermoon seems to garner attention in the media, and that's a good thing from the viewpoint of getting more eyes on the skies; but, the Moon itself, when it's a Supermoon, really looks no different than other full Moons. The reason for that name is that the Full Moon phase happens to coincide with the relative closest approach of the Moon to Earth, which happens normally every month, but not at every Full Moon phase. Unless you're quite sensitive to the Moon's relative size in the sky or of its relative brightness from month-to-month, one might not notice too much difference of any given full Moon to a Supermoon. Still, it can be fun to share; so, tell your friends and wake the neighbors.
UPDATE 2: This just in from the folks at Spaceweather.com! A huge solar flare was observed, taking dead aim at our home planet. The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded an X-class flare (the most energetic class of flare) from an active sunspot facing Earth. According to NASA, ionizing radiation from this ultraviolet flash could cause high-frequency radio blackouts and interruptions in communications, especially on the daylit side of our planet. NASA alerts observers of auroras that Earth will receive, by Sept. 12, a glancing blow from the CME (i.e., the coronal mass ejection) that erupted from the Sun's surface and is headed our way. Stay tuned!
Both Mars and Saturn share the small constellation of Libra (the Scales) at the start of the month in the western sky after evening twilight. By month's end, slow Saturn remains in Libra, but faster Mars has moved next door into Scorpius (the Scorpion) to share the sky close to its namesake rival, namely, Antares, (aka "rival of Mars"), the alpha star in Scorpius. The two ruddy objects share a noticeable tinge of color and brightness, which make a fine to sight to share with others through a good binocular.
Brilliant Venus and mighty Jupiter share morning twilight in the eastern sky; the beautiful one in Leo (the Lion), the mighty one in Cancer (the Crab). By month's end, Venus shares the glare of the Sun and disappears from view as it also shares space with Virgo (the Maiden); Jupiter shares the sky with two open clusters in Cancer, namely, M67 and M44 (aka the "Beehive" and "the Praesepe").
Mercury appears to share the glare of he Sun and the treetops all month long at evening twilight. From the vantage of the Great Lakes, it hugs the horizon and is a challenge to spot as a dot just after sunset.
Uranus and Neptune still share same region of sky and will likely do so for many years. They sit amid neighboring constellations, and are visible by midnight at the start of the month. Uranus occupies Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune is one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). A large telescope will just show their round, planetary shape and both are often good views to share with others who may not otherwise see these two distant worlds.
Our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, shares a couple of nicknames with the folklore of native peoples. In September, the Full Moon is known as the Full Corn Moon, owing to the belief that the agricultural crop was often harvested in this month. The other nickname, more widely known, is the Full Harvest Moon, or more simply the Harvest Moon. Representative of the time when most crops began to be harvested, the light of the rising Full Moon supposedly offered additional illumination to gather the corn into shocks and the hay into the barn.
Share the sky this month with the neighbors and those who haven't yet taken the time to see the heavens.
UPDATE: One more observation to share, the so-called Supermoon, the largest Full Moon as seen from our earthly vantage, will rise on Sept. 8. The third and final apparition of this type in this calendar year, the Supermoon seems to garner attention in the media, and that's a good thing from the viewpoint of getting more eyes on the skies; but, the Moon itself, when it's a Supermoon, really looks no different than other full Moons. The reason for that name is that the Full Moon phase happens to coincide with the relative closest approach of the Moon to Earth, which happens normally every month, but not at every Full Moon phase. Unless you're quite sensitive to the Moon's relative size in the sky or of its relative brightness from month-to-month, one might not notice too much difference of any given full Moon to a Supermoon. Still, it can be fun to share; so, tell your friends and wake the neighbors.
UPDATE 2: This just in from the folks at Spaceweather.com! A huge solar flare was observed, taking dead aim at our home planet. The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded an X-class flare (the most energetic class of flare) from an active sunspot facing Earth. According to NASA, ionizing radiation from this ultraviolet flash could cause high-frequency radio blackouts and interruptions in communications, especially on the daylit side of our planet. NASA alerts observers of auroras that Earth will receive, by Sept. 12, a glancing blow from the CME (i.e., the coronal mass ejection) that erupted from the Sun's surface and is headed our way. Stay tuned!
Sky Roundup Almanac for September 2014
September 2: First Quarter Moon at 11:12 UT (or, 6:12 a. m. CDT, on 09/02)
September 9: Full Moon Moon at 1:39 UT (or, 8:39 p. m. CDT, on 09/08)
September 16: Last Quarter Moon at 2:06 UT (or, 9:06 p. m. CDT, on 09/15)
September 23: Autumnal Equinox, 2:29 UT (or, 9:29 p.m. CDT, 09/22)
September 24: New Moon at 6:14 UT (or, 1:14 a. m. CDT, on 09/24)
September 9: Full Moon Moon at 1:39 UT (or, 8:39 p. m. CDT, on 09/08)
September 16: Last Quarter Moon at 2:06 UT (or, 9:06 p. m. CDT, on 09/15)
September 23: Autumnal Equinox, 2:29 UT (or, 9:29 p.m. CDT, 09/22)
September 24: New Moon at 6:14 UT (or, 1:14 a. m. CDT, on 09/24)
Sky Roundup for August
Astronomical highlights for the month of August 2014
August Pairings
The weather last month in July flummoxed some forecasters, for the month delivered more than a week's worth of cool temperatures and fair weather, a fine pairing of meteorological conditions, which, though not unusual, was uncommon for historically hot July.
Paired with low humidity and high pressure, the air over the Great Lakes was not unwanted; rather, it became the unwonted norm for nearly half the month across the Midwest, with clear observing and without the expected evening sultriness often found this time of year. If the weather continues to cooperate this month, we can have a fine time seeing who pairs with whom for our viewing pleasure.
The stately march of planets continues apace in the month of August; so noble, so august, a march fitting to the name of the month. Let's see who joins the parade of planets.
Ruddy, warlike Mars in Libra (the Scales) and ringed, wizened Saturn in Virgo (the Maiden) represent this month's planet duo. Throughout the month, the bold and the old make their way to the western horizon at sunset. Look for them after evening twilight.
Another pair hosts our brightest planet in the sky. The start of the month finds brilliant Venus in the eastern sky, rising ahead of the Sun in Gemini (the Twins). Look for that pretty planet in morning twilight.
And, not to be outdone in this parade, the largest and the smallest of planets get together as well. Barely visible in morning twilight above the horizon, another pair of planets, Jupiter and Mercury, attempt to rise beyond the glare of the Sun. Jupiter, the largest, makes it; Mercury, the smallest, does not. Jupiter, the august one, is seen rising earlier ahead of the Sun, slowly moving higher daily in the eastern sky, throughout the month of August, while Mercury, the faster-moving message-bearer, slips quickly back into the Sun's light and re-emerges in evening twilight by month's end.
By mid-month, Venus pairs closely with Jupiter in Cancer (the Crab); and, by month's end, the beautiful beacon advances east into Leo (the Lion), leaving the mighty mover to shine just one constellation to the west all month long.
In recent years, a distant, seldom-seen pair, Uranus and Neptune, have often appeared close together in the night sky, since they move so slowly in their orbits around the Sun; consequently, they seem to stay in a region of the sky for many years.
For this month, they're not paired as in the sense of an astronomical conjunction, but they sit in a pair of neighboring constellations, and are visible by midnight at the start of the month. Uranus occupies Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune is one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). Of course, one needs a large telescope and pinpoint locations on a star chart to view both of them distinctly.
Not to be left out, the Moon jumps into the planetary parade at various times in August. Look for several lunar line-ups this month. The waxing crescent Moon pairs with Mars and Saturn on the first night of the month; if weather permits in your area, it ought to be a nice line-up in evening twilight.
The crescent Moon also pairs nicely with Mars on the next night, on the 2nd, then with Saturn the evening after that, on the 3rd. Just over a week later, it sidles up to Neptune just past its full phase on the 12th, then to the right of Uranus on the 14th in its waning gibbous phase.
Our nearest celestial neighbor was known typically by native peoples by two pairs of names, namely, the Full Sturgeon Moon, due to its presumed influence on the fecundity of fish in the Great Lakes during this month, and, as the Full Red Moon, due to its ruddy appearance as seen on sultry evenings when the Moon is seen rising through the local heat and humidity of the season. Its other pair of names were the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon, when our cosmic companion was often paired to the growth of crops.
Spend some time to look at our lunar neighbor, the smaller of the Earth-Moon pair, then pick a pair of planets from this month's parade, and double your observing pleasure all month long.
UPDATE: One more pair to observe this month are the dates of August 11th and 12th, when the Perseid meteor shower may likely reach its peak. Every year in August, our home world swings through the dusty debris left in the wake of the passage of Comet Swift-Tuttle. That debris collides with the upper atmosphere of Earth, and, at its ramjet collision speed, vaporizes, and makes the atmosphere glow in a fiery streak. The results we see from the ground are the streaks of light across the sky known as meteors. No special equipment needed, other than a good pair of eyes to scan the skies. Generally, after midnight, one might be treated to a few fireballs, characteristic of this particular summertime shower.
But, this year, you might have some competition from the bright light of the waning gibbous Moon, just past its full phase this month and known as the so-called Supermoon, viz., the largest Full Moon as seen from our vantage, which can occur during other months as well, depending on how close is the Moon to Earth in its orbit, and, which really looks no different than other full Moons.
Paired with low humidity and high pressure, the air over the Great Lakes was not unwanted; rather, it became the unwonted norm for nearly half the month across the Midwest, with clear observing and without the expected evening sultriness often found this time of year. If the weather continues to cooperate this month, we can have a fine time seeing who pairs with whom for our viewing pleasure.
The stately march of planets continues apace in the month of August; so noble, so august, a march fitting to the name of the month. Let's see who joins the parade of planets.
Ruddy, warlike Mars in Libra (the Scales) and ringed, wizened Saturn in Virgo (the Maiden) represent this month's planet duo. Throughout the month, the bold and the old make their way to the western horizon at sunset. Look for them after evening twilight.
Another pair hosts our brightest planet in the sky. The start of the month finds brilliant Venus in the eastern sky, rising ahead of the Sun in Gemini (the Twins). Look for that pretty planet in morning twilight.
And, not to be outdone in this parade, the largest and the smallest of planets get together as well. Barely visible in morning twilight above the horizon, another pair of planets, Jupiter and Mercury, attempt to rise beyond the glare of the Sun. Jupiter, the largest, makes it; Mercury, the smallest, does not. Jupiter, the august one, is seen rising earlier ahead of the Sun, slowly moving higher daily in the eastern sky, throughout the month of August, while Mercury, the faster-moving message-bearer, slips quickly back into the Sun's light and re-emerges in evening twilight by month's end.
By mid-month, Venus pairs closely with Jupiter in Cancer (the Crab); and, by month's end, the beautiful beacon advances east into Leo (the Lion), leaving the mighty mover to shine just one constellation to the west all month long.
In recent years, a distant, seldom-seen pair, Uranus and Neptune, have often appeared close together in the night sky, since they move so slowly in their orbits around the Sun; consequently, they seem to stay in a region of the sky for many years.
For this month, they're not paired as in the sense of an astronomical conjunction, but they sit in a pair of neighboring constellations, and are visible by midnight at the start of the month. Uranus occupies Pisces (the Fishes) while Neptune is one constellation to the west in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). Of course, one needs a large telescope and pinpoint locations on a star chart to view both of them distinctly.
Not to be left out, the Moon jumps into the planetary parade at various times in August. Look for several lunar line-ups this month. The waxing crescent Moon pairs with Mars and Saturn on the first night of the month; if weather permits in your area, it ought to be a nice line-up in evening twilight.
The crescent Moon also pairs nicely with Mars on the next night, on the 2nd, then with Saturn the evening after that, on the 3rd. Just over a week later, it sidles up to Neptune just past its full phase on the 12th, then to the right of Uranus on the 14th in its waning gibbous phase.
Our nearest celestial neighbor was known typically by native peoples by two pairs of names, namely, the Full Sturgeon Moon, due to its presumed influence on the fecundity of fish in the Great Lakes during this month, and, as the Full Red Moon, due to its ruddy appearance as seen on sultry evenings when the Moon is seen rising through the local heat and humidity of the season. Its other pair of names were the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon, when our cosmic companion was often paired to the growth of crops.
Spend some time to look at our lunar neighbor, the smaller of the Earth-Moon pair, then pick a pair of planets from this month's parade, and double your observing pleasure all month long.
UPDATE: One more pair to observe this month are the dates of August 11th and 12th, when the Perseid meteor shower may likely reach its peak. Every year in August, our home world swings through the dusty debris left in the wake of the passage of Comet Swift-Tuttle. That debris collides with the upper atmosphere of Earth, and, at its ramjet collision speed, vaporizes, and makes the atmosphere glow in a fiery streak. The results we see from the ground are the streaks of light across the sky known as meteors. No special equipment needed, other than a good pair of eyes to scan the skies. Generally, after midnight, one might be treated to a few fireballs, characteristic of this particular summertime shower.
But, this year, you might have some competition from the bright light of the waning gibbous Moon, just past its full phase this month and known as the so-called Supermoon, viz., the largest Full Moon as seen from our vantage, which can occur during other months as well, depending on how close is the Moon to Earth in its orbit, and, which really looks no different than other full Moons.
Sky Roundup Almanac for August 2014
August 3: First Quarter Moon at 00:50 UT (or, 7:50 p. m. on 08/03)
August 10: Full Moon Moon at 18:10 UT (or, 1:10 p. m. on 08/10)
August 17: Last Quarter Moon at 12:26 UT (or, 7:26 a. m. on 08/17)
August 25: New Moon at 14:13 UT (or, 9:13 a. m. on 08/25)
August 10: Full Moon Moon at 18:10 UT (or, 1:10 p. m. on 08/10)
August 17: Last Quarter Moon at 12:26 UT (or, 7:26 a. m. on 08/17)
August 25: New Moon at 14:13 UT (or, 9:13 a. m. on 08/25)
Sky Roundup for July
Astronomical highlights for the month of July 2014
Thunder on High
This month, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, is variously known in its full phase by the folklore of native peoples as the Full Buck Moon, when young male deer begin to grow their antlers, or as Full Hay Moon, when tillers of the land likely baled early bumper crops of alfalfa from the fields, or as the Full Thunder Moon, when thunderstorms were most frequent during this month.
It is the latter appellation that seems most apt, as hot and humid July is often, by its weather, the hottest time during Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. And across the great Midwest, the waves of warm, moist air wafting up from the Gulf Coast collide with cooler air shuttling down from Canada. The predictable results are outbreaks of thunderstorms, which is a good reason to know the science behind the folklore. Less predictable, though, is the havoc of violent weather and possible damage these storms can wreak.
The weather in July seems to move, spread, and change rapidly as the humid regime of Summer muscles its way across flat, grassy prairies and through broad river valleys. Best to stay alert to rapidly changing conditions. For this month, let's have a look at celestial conditions that are not so apt to change rapidly.
Mars continues to glide through Virgo (the Maiden) and heads towards the western horizon throughout the month. Now well past opposition, the god of war marches away to a distant, celestial beat---unlike the thunder of war drums beating across our own world---shrinking in angular size as viewed through a telescope and dimming in orange brightness when glimpsed by the unaided eye.
Saturn, also like last month, remains in Libra (the Scales) in the south-southwestern sky after sunset. By midnight, and through the whole month, it pairs with Mars low in the western sky. All month long, ruddy Mars appears to draw slowly closer to wizened Saturn, and, like last month, the pair still makes for a pleasing, worthwhile apparition in the late evening sky. By next month, the godly duo pair even more closely. Soothsayers may ponder the import of a celestial rendezvous between the bringers of war and of old age.
The start of the month finds radiant Venus rising ahead of the Sun in Taurus (the Bull), and, by month's end, passing into Gemini (the Twins), only visible in morning twilight all month long.
Mercury remains in the glare of the Sun, and, by month's end only begins to emerge into the morning sky ahead of the Sun, to be scarcely visible before sunrise, and, low along the eastern horizon and even below Venus, already hugging the horizon, in morning twilight.
Jupiter, kingly in size among the planets, hides its guise this month as the mythic figure that hurled thunderbolts and lightning, and has strode bravely into the glare of the Sun by sunset. Its majestic countenance will not be glimpsed again until mid-August, when the thunderer rises again, but in the morning sky ahead of sunrise.
The month of July can be a tempestuous one, trying one's patience with its heat and humidity, or, its roaring torrents of rains. But that thunder on high not only comes with storms, it also arrives this month with our country's birthday celebration, complete with the fanfare of fireworks and their deafening echo. It may be one thundery month to remember.
After the roar and the rain, and, once past the pyrotechnics, if it's clear, even if it's sultry, stay outside to peer peaceably at the planets.
UPDATE: By the way, one mustn't forget to study the stars in any given month, and, this column does not ever wish to minimize their importance; so, from time to time, an overview of seasonal constellations is not only necessary, but imperative. In the interest of providing that overview, try this link that purports to provide the best constellations that any one ought to know in any season.
It is the latter appellation that seems most apt, as hot and humid July is often, by its weather, the hottest time during Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. And across the great Midwest, the waves of warm, moist air wafting up from the Gulf Coast collide with cooler air shuttling down from Canada. The predictable results are outbreaks of thunderstorms, which is a good reason to know the science behind the folklore. Less predictable, though, is the havoc of violent weather and possible damage these storms can wreak.
The weather in July seems to move, spread, and change rapidly as the humid regime of Summer muscles its way across flat, grassy prairies and through broad river valleys. Best to stay alert to rapidly changing conditions. For this month, let's have a look at celestial conditions that are not so apt to change rapidly.
Mars continues to glide through Virgo (the Maiden) and heads towards the western horizon throughout the month. Now well past opposition, the god of war marches away to a distant, celestial beat---unlike the thunder of war drums beating across our own world---shrinking in angular size as viewed through a telescope and dimming in orange brightness when glimpsed by the unaided eye.
Saturn, also like last month, remains in Libra (the Scales) in the south-southwestern sky after sunset. By midnight, and through the whole month, it pairs with Mars low in the western sky. All month long, ruddy Mars appears to draw slowly closer to wizened Saturn, and, like last month, the pair still makes for a pleasing, worthwhile apparition in the late evening sky. By next month, the godly duo pair even more closely. Soothsayers may ponder the import of a celestial rendezvous between the bringers of war and of old age.
The start of the month finds radiant Venus rising ahead of the Sun in Taurus (the Bull), and, by month's end, passing into Gemini (the Twins), only visible in morning twilight all month long.
Mercury remains in the glare of the Sun, and, by month's end only begins to emerge into the morning sky ahead of the Sun, to be scarcely visible before sunrise, and, low along the eastern horizon and even below Venus, already hugging the horizon, in morning twilight.
Jupiter, kingly in size among the planets, hides its guise this month as the mythic figure that hurled thunderbolts and lightning, and has strode bravely into the glare of the Sun by sunset. Its majestic countenance will not be glimpsed again until mid-August, when the thunderer rises again, but in the morning sky ahead of sunrise.
The month of July can be a tempestuous one, trying one's patience with its heat and humidity, or, its roaring torrents of rains. But that thunder on high not only comes with storms, it also arrives this month with our country's birthday celebration, complete with the fanfare of fireworks and their deafening echo. It may be one thundery month to remember.
After the roar and the rain, and, once past the pyrotechnics, if it's clear, even if it's sultry, stay outside to peer peaceably at the planets.
UPDATE: By the way, one mustn't forget to study the stars in any given month, and, this column does not ever wish to minimize their importance; so, from time to time, an overview of seasonal constellations is not only necessary, but imperative. In the interest of providing that overview, try this link that purports to provide the best constellations that any one ought to know in any season.
Sky Roundup Almanac for July 2014
July 5: First Quarter Moon at 12:00 UT (or, 7:00 a. m. on 07/05)
July 12: Full Moon Moon at 11:25 UT (or, 6:25 a. m. on 07/12)
July 19: Last Quarter Moon at 2:09 UT (or, 9:09 p. m. on 07/18)
July 26: New Moon at 22:42 UT (or, 5:42 p. m. on 07/26)
July 12: Full Moon Moon at 11:25 UT (or, 6:25 a. m. on 07/12)
July 19: Last Quarter Moon at 2:09 UT (or, 9:09 p. m. on 07/18)
July 26: New Moon at 22:42 UT (or, 5:42 p. m. on 07/26)
Sky Roundup for June
Astronomical highlights for the month of June 2014
The Moon in June
Not
to dismiss our nearest natural celestial neighbor in recent
installments of Sky Roundup, the Moon is a favorite sight to behold
on a clear night and often deserving for our attention. Often
portrayed as the "lesser light" in the sky (after the Sun, of
course), the Moon spends just about half of every month already in
the daytime sky. And
while Mother Nature (also personified as Mother Earth in mythology)
rewards us with seasonable weather early in this month (at the very least), it's
a great time to tell Father Time, her sometime compatriot, you won't
be bothered to sit still and on a clear evening and waste time while you have the
desire and energy to pursue your avocation of gazing at the night
sky.
Yes, it can be disconcerting to some to look up and find the Moon visible in the sky late in the afternoon, or very early in the morning just before sunrise, or poised above the horizon just before sunset. For the Moon, this is perfectly normal in its travel once a month around Earth.
For this month, American Indians sought to portray our "lesser light" as the Full Strawberry Moon, owing, presumably, to the relatively short season for harvesting this particular fruit when it evidently ripened during this month. By contrast, Europeans chose to refer to it as the Full Rose Moon, or, as a time when roses began their bloom after a long spell of dormancy from the previous season of Winter to the current Spring. It is also known as the Full Flower Moon since, if one has received enough Spring showers to see May flowers, June should show those flowers in full bloom. Due to the extended cold this past Winter and Spring, courtesy of Mother Nature, your own results may vary!
Mars in Virgo (the Maiden) transits (i.e, makes its crossing at meridian) by sunset, and heads towards the western horizon throughout the month. By month's end, it has appeared to close the gap in the sky between itself and Saturn, and makes for a pleasing, worthwhile apparition in the early evening sky.
Saturn (often depicted as Father Time in mythology, music, and art) stays in Libra (the Scales) in the south-southwestern sky after sunset. Like last month, Saturn still reigns as a fine, ringed sight to behold.
Venus rises in to view ahead of the Sun by early June at the confluence of boundaries of Aries (the Ram), Cetus (the Whale) and Pisces (the Fishes); but, by mid-month, it has moved squarely into Taurus (the Bull), and, by month's end, passing just north of Aldebaran (the orange giant star, known also as Alpha Tauri), the brightest star in Taurus.
Mercury remains in the glare of the Sun, and, by late in the month only briefly swings into the morning sky ahead of the Sun, to be scarcely visible before sunrise, and, low to the horizon.
Jupiter heads to the western horizon by sunset, staying in Gemini (the Twins), but, by month's end, disappears into the glare of the Sun, like Mercury, but just after sunset.
It's not only for the Moon we observe in June, but for all of the nightly splendors that one can behold on a clear night. Now is that time to behold those heavenly splendors, while Father Time and the Mother Nature are looking for other things to do.
Yes, it can be disconcerting to some to look up and find the Moon visible in the sky late in the afternoon, or very early in the morning just before sunrise, or poised above the horizon just before sunset. For the Moon, this is perfectly normal in its travel once a month around Earth.
For this month, American Indians sought to portray our "lesser light" as the Full Strawberry Moon, owing, presumably, to the relatively short season for harvesting this particular fruit when it evidently ripened during this month. By contrast, Europeans chose to refer to it as the Full Rose Moon, or, as a time when roses began their bloom after a long spell of dormancy from the previous season of Winter to the current Spring. It is also known as the Full Flower Moon since, if one has received enough Spring showers to see May flowers, June should show those flowers in full bloom. Due to the extended cold this past Winter and Spring, courtesy of Mother Nature, your own results may vary!
Mars in Virgo (the Maiden) transits (i.e, makes its crossing at meridian) by sunset, and heads towards the western horizon throughout the month. By month's end, it has appeared to close the gap in the sky between itself and Saturn, and makes for a pleasing, worthwhile apparition in the early evening sky.
Saturn (often depicted as Father Time in mythology, music, and art) stays in Libra (the Scales) in the south-southwestern sky after sunset. Like last month, Saturn still reigns as a fine, ringed sight to behold.
Venus rises in to view ahead of the Sun by early June at the confluence of boundaries of Aries (the Ram), Cetus (the Whale) and Pisces (the Fishes); but, by mid-month, it has moved squarely into Taurus (the Bull), and, by month's end, passing just north of Aldebaran (the orange giant star, known also as Alpha Tauri), the brightest star in Taurus.
Mercury remains in the glare of the Sun, and, by late in the month only briefly swings into the morning sky ahead of the Sun, to be scarcely visible before sunrise, and, low to the horizon.
Jupiter heads to the western horizon by sunset, staying in Gemini (the Twins), but, by month's end, disappears into the glare of the Sun, like Mercury, but just after sunset.
It's not only for the Moon we observe in June, but for all of the nightly splendors that one can behold on a clear night. Now is that time to behold those heavenly splendors, while Father Time and the Mother Nature are looking for other things to do.
Sky Roundup Almanac for June 2014
June 5: First Quarter Moon at 20:39 UT (or, 3:39 p. m. on 06/05)
June 13: Full Moon Moon at 4:12 UT (or, 11:12 p. m. on 06/12)
June 19: Last Quarter Moon at 18:39 UT (or, 1:39 p. m. on 06/19)
June 21: Summer solstice in Northern Hemisphere at 10:51 UT (or, 5:51 a. m. on 06/21)
June 27: New Moon at 8:09 UT (or, 3:09 a. m. on 06/27)
June 13: Full Moon Moon at 4:12 UT (or, 11:12 p. m. on 06/12)
June 19: Last Quarter Moon at 18:39 UT (or, 1:39 p. m. on 06/19)
June 21: Summer solstice in Northern Hemisphere at 10:51 UT (or, 5:51 a. m. on 06/21)
June 27: New Moon at 8:09 UT (or, 3:09 a. m. on 06/27)
Sky Roundup for May
Astronomical highlights for the month of May 2014
May Get Warmer
The month of May resembles last month and begins with cool weather for the season; flowers are only just emerging after the continued cold, and the rains from April keep the ground soaked so much that seedlings and perennials are slow to sprout. (This lingering cold, wet start to Spring has happened before, and with similar effect, as chronicled here). Still, we can warm to the idea of getting out a few clear nights and savoring a return to some regular observing.
Mercury remains in the glare of the Sun, and, by mid-month, briefly swings back to the evening sky, then is lost again in the light of the Sun by month's end. Venus remains in the pre-dawn sky all month long as a brilliant beacon, our "morning star," continuing to make its way through the lengthy constellation of Pisces (the Fishes).
As May will eventually warm somewhat to match more of the season of Spring, and, yes, more flowers will eventually bloom, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, lends her name to the folklore. This month the Full Moon is known as the Full Flower Moon or the Full Planting Moon. Perhaps even its milky-white luminescence on clear nights becomes the reason for its other name in May as the Milk Moon.
Saturn in Libra (the Scales) and Mars in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden) continue as a pretty duo in the eastern sky after sunset, rising earlier and earlier into evening twilight. Now past opposition, Mars will begin to fade in brightness (as Earth in its orbit pulls ahead of the Red Planet in its farther orbit), but is still worth setting up a telescope to glimpse details from its slowly diminishing diameter. Of course, Saturn still reigns as a fine, ringed sight to behold.
Jupiter continues to head to the western horizon by sunset, slowly marching through Gemini (the Twins) all month long. And, it, too, remains a wonderful sight, night after night, to view through a telescope, its changing combo of its Galilean moons whirling about the Solar System's largest planet.
Don a jacket as you need it, but get outside on clear nights and get used to observing again. Winter may have finally ended, and it may one day get warmer; so, may you have a month of fine observing.
UPDATE: Latest news at this link shows that there's the possibility of a meteor shower from late Friday night, May 23rd, through early Saturday morning, May 24th (see Almanac, just below) that either will be awesome or awful. Astronomers are relying on the predictions of computer models and at least one observation within the last two years on which to base the prospect of a bright meteor shower radiating from the vicinity of the constellation Camelopardalis (the Giraffe).
This particular meteor shower appears to be debris from Comet 209P/LINEAR.
This shower stands out for two reasons, namely, that no well-known shower has been witnessed with this particular constellation as a radiant, and, even more interesting, the Moon will pass through the comet's debris more so than Earth; so, it's possible that lunar meteors could be observed across the surface of the waning crescent Moon.
Mercury remains in the glare of the Sun, and, by mid-month, briefly swings back to the evening sky, then is lost again in the light of the Sun by month's end. Venus remains in the pre-dawn sky all month long as a brilliant beacon, our "morning star," continuing to make its way through the lengthy constellation of Pisces (the Fishes).
As May will eventually warm somewhat to match more of the season of Spring, and, yes, more flowers will eventually bloom, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, lends her name to the folklore. This month the Full Moon is known as the Full Flower Moon or the Full Planting Moon. Perhaps even its milky-white luminescence on clear nights becomes the reason for its other name in May as the Milk Moon.
Saturn in Libra (the Scales) and Mars in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden) continue as a pretty duo in the eastern sky after sunset, rising earlier and earlier into evening twilight. Now past opposition, Mars will begin to fade in brightness (as Earth in its orbit pulls ahead of the Red Planet in its farther orbit), but is still worth setting up a telescope to glimpse details from its slowly diminishing diameter. Of course, Saturn still reigns as a fine, ringed sight to behold.
Jupiter continues to head to the western horizon by sunset, slowly marching through Gemini (the Twins) all month long. And, it, too, remains a wonderful sight, night after night, to view through a telescope, its changing combo of its Galilean moons whirling about the Solar System's largest planet.
Don a jacket as you need it, but get outside on clear nights and get used to observing again. Winter may have finally ended, and it may one day get warmer; so, may you have a month of fine observing.
UPDATE: Latest news at this link shows that there's the possibility of a meteor shower from late Friday night, May 23rd, through early Saturday morning, May 24th (see Almanac, just below) that either will be awesome or awful. Astronomers are relying on the predictions of computer models and at least one observation within the last two years on which to base the prospect of a bright meteor shower radiating from the vicinity of the constellation Camelopardalis (the Giraffe).
This particular meteor shower appears to be debris from Comet 209P/LINEAR.
This shower stands out for two reasons, namely, that no well-known shower has been witnessed with this particular constellation as a radiant, and, even more interesting, the Moon will pass through the comet's debris more so than Earth; so, it's possible that lunar meteors could be observed across the surface of the waning crescent Moon.
Sky Roundup Almanac for May 2014
May 7: First Quarter Moon at 3:16 UT (or, 10:16 p. m. on 05/06)
May 14: Full Moon Moon at 19:17 UT (or, 2:17 p. m. on 05/14)
May 21: Last Quarter Moon at 13:00 UT (or, 8:00 a. m. on 05/21)
May 24: Camelopardalid meteor shower, 6:00 UT to 8:00 UT (predicted to peak 1:00 a. m. to 3:00 a. m.)
May 28: New Moon at 18:41 UT (or, 1:41 p. m. on 05/28)
May 14: Full Moon Moon at 19:17 UT (or, 2:17 p. m. on 05/14)
May 21: Last Quarter Moon at 13:00 UT (or, 8:00 a. m. on 05/21)
May 24: Camelopardalid meteor shower, 6:00 UT to 8:00 UT (predicted to peak 1:00 a. m. to 3:00 a. m.)
May 28: New Moon at 18:41 UT (or, 1:41 p. m. on 05/28)
Sky Roundup for April
Astronomical highlights for the month of April 2014
Never Foolish Just to Look
True to
its folk lore, the month of April starts off with a traditional
shower. And a cold one at that. It may seem that Mother Nature is
playing us for fools by giving us some moderation of weather extremes
by late last month, but then dousing us with a wake-up call at the
start of this month.
No, let's not consider ourselves April fools, but a cold shower can usually get one's attention. So we should continue to expect a chilly Spring, as it's been generally customary (according to meteorologists, like here) in some spots of the Midwest for a rough winter to be followed by a cool season or two. That is, the cold regime lingers into the subsequent season(s); and, though that's not a definitive correlation from season-to-season, the trend is known to occur in the historical weather literature. Let's hope that with soaking ground from melted snows and more rain on the way, the next month ought to abound with May flowers.
In the meantime, we can gear up for a few clear nights and hope they coincide with several terrific celestial events this month.
Mentioned in two previous installments of Sky Roundup, we zoom in on Mars this month, for the Red Planet gleams at opposition in our April skies. From our vantage on Earth, opposition offers observers the best viewing of this planet, since it rises as the Sun sets (hence the name opposition, since the planet is seen opposite the Sun in the sky), and so remains visible all night long. In addition, opposition places Mars at its veritable closest approach to Earth, as far as their respective orbits go.
This is the time to capture the image of Mars on film, in pixels, or on paper. Set up your scope and gaze away; it's the best time to see Mars. Through a telescope, Mars will appear its largest for the year (but, of course, not the largest it's ever been seen from Earth, and certainly not any larger than a dot in the sky).
Mercury, as mentioned last month, has swung back into our morning sky in the constellation Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) by month's start to become our other "morning star" with Venus, which, in the pre-dawn sky through the first half of the month, moves from the constellation of Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) into Aquarius. By mid-month, Mercury has dropped again back into the glare of the Sun before sunrise; by month's end, Venus has sped through Aquarius to end the month entering Pisces (the Fishes).
Snapping to attention with those cold April showers are more names for our Springtime Moon, including the Egg Moon, the Sprouting Grass Moon, and the Full Pink Moon (named for the billowing blooms from the first burst of phlox wildflowers).
Though the Moon won't really appear pink, it will occupy the red end of the spectrum at mid-month. In April, the Moon doesn't disappoint and gives us the prospect for a fine spectacle with a total lunar eclipse! Of course, this is when the Full Moon passes fully within the shadow of Earth. The result renders the bright light of that Full Moon from shades of orange or copper to a deep, ruddy hue, and for several hours. For additional details on this apparition, which occurs on April 15th, visit here. Another great chance to capture its image through a telescope with a camera or a sketch pad!
In addition, and just like last month, the Moon pairs again with pale Saturn in Libra (the Scales) on April 17th (at less than one-half degree north of the Moon); and, it remains in that part of the sky with Mars in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden).
Don't be foolish and stay inside all this month. If the clouds clear off and the ground's not too soggy, set up a scope and enjoy the view!
No, let's not consider ourselves April fools, but a cold shower can usually get one's attention. So we should continue to expect a chilly Spring, as it's been generally customary (according to meteorologists, like here) in some spots of the Midwest for a rough winter to be followed by a cool season or two. That is, the cold regime lingers into the subsequent season(s); and, though that's not a definitive correlation from season-to-season, the trend is known to occur in the historical weather literature. Let's hope that with soaking ground from melted snows and more rain on the way, the next month ought to abound with May flowers.
In the meantime, we can gear up for a few clear nights and hope they coincide with several terrific celestial events this month.
Mentioned in two previous installments of Sky Roundup, we zoom in on Mars this month, for the Red Planet gleams at opposition in our April skies. From our vantage on Earth, opposition offers observers the best viewing of this planet, since it rises as the Sun sets (hence the name opposition, since the planet is seen opposite the Sun in the sky), and so remains visible all night long. In addition, opposition places Mars at its veritable closest approach to Earth, as far as their respective orbits go.
This is the time to capture the image of Mars on film, in pixels, or on paper. Set up your scope and gaze away; it's the best time to see Mars. Through a telescope, Mars will appear its largest for the year (but, of course, not the largest it's ever been seen from Earth, and certainly not any larger than a dot in the sky).
Mercury, as mentioned last month, has swung back into our morning sky in the constellation Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) by month's start to become our other "morning star" with Venus, which, in the pre-dawn sky through the first half of the month, moves from the constellation of Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) into Aquarius. By mid-month, Mercury has dropped again back into the glare of the Sun before sunrise; by month's end, Venus has sped through Aquarius to end the month entering Pisces (the Fishes).
Snapping to attention with those cold April showers are more names for our Springtime Moon, including the Egg Moon, the Sprouting Grass Moon, and the Full Pink Moon (named for the billowing blooms from the first burst of phlox wildflowers).
Though the Moon won't really appear pink, it will occupy the red end of the spectrum at mid-month. In April, the Moon doesn't disappoint and gives us the prospect for a fine spectacle with a total lunar eclipse! Of course, this is when the Full Moon passes fully within the shadow of Earth. The result renders the bright light of that Full Moon from shades of orange or copper to a deep, ruddy hue, and for several hours. For additional details on this apparition, which occurs on April 15th, visit here. Another great chance to capture its image through a telescope with a camera or a sketch pad!
In addition, and just like last month, the Moon pairs again with pale Saturn in Libra (the Scales) on April 17th (at less than one-half degree north of the Moon); and, it remains in that part of the sky with Mars in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden).
Don't be foolish and stay inside all this month. If the clouds clear off and the ground's not too soggy, set up a scope and enjoy the view!
Sky Roundup Almanac for April 2014
April 7: First Quarter Moon at 8:31 UT (or, 3:31 a. m. on 04/07)
April 15: Full Moon Moon at 7:43 UT (or, 2:43 a. m. on 04/15); Total lunar eclipse! Look for it in wee hours.
April 22: Last Quarter Moon at 7:52 UT (or, 2:52 a. m. on 04/22)
April 29: New Moon at 6:15 UT (or, 1:15 a. m. on 04/29)
April 15: Full Moon Moon at 7:43 UT (or, 2:43 a. m. on 04/15); Total lunar eclipse! Look for it in wee hours.
April 22: Last Quarter Moon at 7:52 UT (or, 2:52 a. m. on 04/22)
April 29: New Moon at 6:15 UT (or, 1:15 a. m. on 04/29)
Sky Roundup for March
Astronomical highlights for the month of March 2014
March Forth!
Those
of us who reside in the great Midwest, and, for that matter, in many
regions across these United States, have endured one of the harsher
winters in recent memory. Though it's not unusual to have deep cold
late in a winter season or even early in a spring season, it is a
little unusual for its prolonged persistence. Dubbed the "polar
vortex" but known more precisely as the circumpolar
vortex, a
term that's been in the
meteorological mainstream for a long time, it's evident that the
worst of it has passed, but will appear to linger as it moves slowly beyond our regional borders, and will leave us with a chilly
start to Spring.
Despite attempts to blame various and sundry interventions by mankind, the deep snow and bitter cold are not our doing; we're not to blame. Oh, we can make things miserable for ourselves, weatherwise, on a local (and even a regional) scale with overly paved cities that hold heat in warm weather; but, our influence on long-term climate appears minimal, as evidenced by the relative lack of rise in temperatures (even in the short term) above historical norms for this time of year and across many regions of the country.
And, as if Spring will not arrive soon enough, we can look forward to its astronomical start, namely, at the Vernal Equinox, on March 20 (see the Almanac, below). But, even before Spring arrives, we need to begin to feel as if more sunlight is coming our way; and, it will certainly seem like it, when Daylight Saving Time starts on March 9 (typically now the second Sunday of March). Be sure to make your clocks "spring ahead."
So, let's leave behind the misery of a harsh winter as just a memory and move ahead in this month, yes, march forth, to a new season of observation with a renewed resolve to spend more time under the heavens.
Despite attempts to blame various and sundry interventions by mankind, the deep snow and bitter cold are not our doing; we're not to blame. Oh, we can make things miserable for ourselves, weatherwise, on a local (and even a regional) scale with overly paved cities that hold heat in warm weather; but, our influence on long-term climate appears minimal, as evidenced by the relative lack of rise in temperatures (even in the short term) above historical norms for this time of year and across many regions of the country.
And, as if Spring will not arrive soon enough, we can look forward to its astronomical start, namely, at the Vernal Equinox, on March 20 (see the Almanac, below). But, even before Spring arrives, we need to begin to feel as if more sunlight is coming our way; and, it will certainly seem like it, when Daylight Saving Time starts on March 9 (typically now the second Sunday of March). Be sure to make your clocks "spring ahead."
So, let's leave behind the misery of a harsh winter as just a memory and move ahead in this month, yes, march forth, to a new season of observation with a renewed resolve to spend more time under the heavens.
Mercury,
lost in the glare of
the Sun late last month, has swung back into our morning sky by
month's start to become our other "morning star" with Venus,
which has also moved in the pre-dawn sky from the constellation
Scutum (the Shield) to journey between the constellations of
Sagittarius (the Archer) and Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) just before
sunrise.
The brilliantly lit second planet from the Sun pairs with our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, as a waning crescent sliver in the morning sky, in Capricornus, on March 26th (see Almanac, below); but, both are quite near to the eastern horizon in the pre-dawn sky, which makes them tricky to spot with a treed horizon.
As this is the month to see a renewal of Earth, awakening from her wintry slumber, we see that closest celestial neighbor at Full Moon on March 16th as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or, as the Full Crust Moon, since any remaining snow cover would crust over from thawing by day and re-freezing at night; or, as the Full Sap Moon, marking the time to tap maple trees as their sap began to rise. To settlers, it was known as the Lenten Moon, as the last Full Moon of the the winter season.
Note, too, that this month, like last January, shows us a repeat phase of the New Moon, known as the "Black Moon," in contrast to a second Full Moon in a month, known more popularly as a "Blue Moon." If the so-called Black Moon has any magical power, as its pagan sources intimate, let's hope that celestial magic, if indeed it exists, can keep any more snow and cold at bay.
In addition to the pairing with brilliant Venus, the Moon pairs even closer with pale Saturn in Libra (the Scales) days earlier on March 21st, which, just like last month, occupies the same part of the sky as small, cold planet Mars, brightening steadily in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden), as it continues to head towards opposition in April.
As mentioned in the previous edition of this column, in that month the Red Planet at opposition will be situated between Earth and the Sun, placing at its best for earthly observation. In addition, its angular diameter, that is, its apparent width as seen through a telescope, increases throughout the month of March, making it more and more interesting to view. There will be more to say about this fine apparition in April's edition of Sky Roundup.
As the other planets occupy their various niches this month, mighty Jupiter has paraded majestically across the sky all last year and now sets earlier and earlier, several hours past midnight in Gemini (the Twins).
We're finally past the worst of the winter months. And it feels just about time! So, it's time to welcome a long-sought and well-deserved Spring season. Thaw out that scope, clear away the rest of the snow, and march forth to skyward gazing all night long.
The brilliantly lit second planet from the Sun pairs with our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, as a waning crescent sliver in the morning sky, in Capricornus, on March 26th (see Almanac, below); but, both are quite near to the eastern horizon in the pre-dawn sky, which makes them tricky to spot with a treed horizon.
As this is the month to see a renewal of Earth, awakening from her wintry slumber, we see that closest celestial neighbor at Full Moon on March 16th as the Full Crow Moon, when the cawing of crows signaled the end of winter; or, as the Full Crust Moon, since any remaining snow cover would crust over from thawing by day and re-freezing at night; or, as the Full Sap Moon, marking the time to tap maple trees as their sap began to rise. To settlers, it was known as the Lenten Moon, as the last Full Moon of the the winter season.
Note, too, that this month, like last January, shows us a repeat phase of the New Moon, known as the "Black Moon," in contrast to a second Full Moon in a month, known more popularly as a "Blue Moon." If the so-called Black Moon has any magical power, as its pagan sources intimate, let's hope that celestial magic, if indeed it exists, can keep any more snow and cold at bay.
In addition to the pairing with brilliant Venus, the Moon pairs even closer with pale Saturn in Libra (the Scales) days earlier on March 21st, which, just like last month, occupies the same part of the sky as small, cold planet Mars, brightening steadily in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden), as it continues to head towards opposition in April.
As mentioned in the previous edition of this column, in that month the Red Planet at opposition will be situated between Earth and the Sun, placing at its best for earthly observation. In addition, its angular diameter, that is, its apparent width as seen through a telescope, increases throughout the month of March, making it more and more interesting to view. There will be more to say about this fine apparition in April's edition of Sky Roundup.
As the other planets occupy their various niches this month, mighty Jupiter has paraded majestically across the sky all last year and now sets earlier and earlier, several hours past midnight in Gemini (the Twins).
We're finally past the worst of the winter months. And it feels just about time! So, it's time to welcome a long-sought and well-deserved Spring season. Thaw out that scope, clear away the rest of the snow, and march forth to skyward gazing all night long.
Sky Roundup Almanac for March 2014
March
1: New Moon at 8:00 UT (or, 2:00 a. m. on 03/01)
March 8: First Quarter Moon at 13:27 UT (or, 7:27 a. m. on 03/08)
March 9: Daylight Saving Time starts. “Spring ahead” one hour!
March 16: Full Moon at 17:09 UT (or, 12:09 p. m. on 03/16)
March 20: Vernal Equinox at 16:57 UT (or, 11:57 p. m. on 03/20)
March 21: Saturn at 0.2° north of waning gibbous Moon
March 23: Last Quarter Moon at 1:47 UT (or, 8:47 p. m. on 03/23)
March 26: Venus at 4° south of the waning crescent Moon
March 30: New Moon at 18:45 UT (or, 1:45 p. m. on 03/30)
March 8: First Quarter Moon at 13:27 UT (or, 7:27 a. m. on 03/08)
March 9: Daylight Saving Time starts. “Spring ahead” one hour!
March 16: Full Moon at 17:09 UT (or, 12:09 p. m. on 03/16)
March 20: Vernal Equinox at 16:57 UT (or, 11:57 p. m. on 03/20)
March 21: Saturn at 0.2° north of waning gibbous Moon
March 23: Last Quarter Moon at 1:47 UT (or, 8:47 p. m. on 03/23)
March 26: Venus at 4° south of the waning crescent Moon
March 30: New Moon at 18:45 UT (or, 1:45 p. m. on 03/30)
Sky Roundup for February
Astronomical highlights for the month of February 2014
Short Month, Long Nights
The
shortest month of the year finds us steeped in winter across the
Midwest, with few clear nights, owing to the usual seasonal weather.
Those nights that give us a glimpse of the night sky are accompanied
by temperatures that hover near zero and below. If we brave the cold
and snow and clear aside a spot to observe, we see a month of
familiar lights in the sky.
Mercury continues as the "evening star" till the middle of this month, then it disappears in the glare of the Sun, only to swing back into our morning sky by month's end again to become our other "morning star" with Venus, which also continues to gleam in the pre-dawn sky and is seen in the constellation Scutum (the Shield) just before sunrise.
By February 25th and 26th, the hot little world appears to line up, at a shallow angle to the horizon, with the hotter, larger world and the waning crescent Moon in the eastern sky before dawn. Venus itself will appear about one-half degree from the Moon on that latter morning.
In addition to the pairing with brilliant Venus, the Moon pairs days earlier with pale Saturn in Libra (the Scales) on February 21st, which occupies the same part of the sky as small, cold planet Mars, brightening steadily in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden), as it heads towards opposition in April.
In that month, the Red Planet at opposition will be situated between Earth and the Sun, placing at its best for earthly observation. In addition, its angular diameter, that is, its apparent width as seen through a telescope, increases throughout the month of February. There will be more to say about this fine apparition in April's edition of Sky Roundup.
As the other planets occupy their various niches this month, mighty Jupiter sets several hours past midnight in Gemini (the Twins). The presence of these planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, make this short month a good one to see all of the classic, visible planets, known since antiquity.
Though this is a short month, traditionally it is not short on snow, as recent storms will attest. For this reason, this month we see our closest celestial neighbor as the Full Snow Moon, according to American Indian lore. It is also known as the Full Hunger Moon, likely due to the scarcity of food to be found across the snowbound landscape.
It's a short month, but the snow and cold will make the nights seem long. So, let's mark the time with as many chances to go outdoors, brave that snow and cold, and watch the skies.
Mercury continues as the "evening star" till the middle of this month, then it disappears in the glare of the Sun, only to swing back into our morning sky by month's end again to become our other "morning star" with Venus, which also continues to gleam in the pre-dawn sky and is seen in the constellation Scutum (the Shield) just before sunrise.
By February 25th and 26th, the hot little world appears to line up, at a shallow angle to the horizon, with the hotter, larger world and the waning crescent Moon in the eastern sky before dawn. Venus itself will appear about one-half degree from the Moon on that latter morning.
In addition to the pairing with brilliant Venus, the Moon pairs days earlier with pale Saturn in Libra (the Scales) on February 21st, which occupies the same part of the sky as small, cold planet Mars, brightening steadily in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden), as it heads towards opposition in April.
In that month, the Red Planet at opposition will be situated between Earth and the Sun, placing at its best for earthly observation. In addition, its angular diameter, that is, its apparent width as seen through a telescope, increases throughout the month of February. There will be more to say about this fine apparition in April's edition of Sky Roundup.
As the other planets occupy their various niches this month, mighty Jupiter sets several hours past midnight in Gemini (the Twins). The presence of these planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, make this short month a good one to see all of the classic, visible planets, known since antiquity.
Though this is a short month, traditionally it is not short on snow, as recent storms will attest. For this reason, this month we see our closest celestial neighbor as the Full Snow Moon, according to American Indian lore. It is also known as the Full Hunger Moon, likely due to the scarcity of food to be found across the snowbound landscape.
It's a short month, but the snow and cold will make the nights seem long. So, let's mark the time with as many chances to go outdoors, brave that snow and cold, and watch the skies.
Sky Roundup Almanac for February 2014
February 6: First Quarter Moon at 19:22 UT (or, 1:22 p. m. on 02/06)
February 14: Full Moon at 23:53 UT (or, 5:53 p. m. on 02/14)
February 21: Saturn at one-third degree north of waning gibbous Moon
February 22: Last Quarter Moon at 17:15 UT (or, 11:15 a. m. on 02/22)
February 26: Venus at one-half degree north of waning crescent Moon
February 14: Full Moon at 23:53 UT (or, 5:53 p. m. on 02/14)
February 21: Saturn at one-third degree north of waning gibbous Moon
February 22: Last Quarter Moon at 17:15 UT (or, 11:15 a. m. on 02/22)
February 26: Venus at one-half degree north of waning crescent Moon
Sky Roundup for January
Astronomical highlights for the month of January 2014
Happy New Year!
We ring
in a new year with a chorus or two of Auld Lang Syne, and, bid adieu
to the old year now long past. Let's see what greets us in our
nightly skies.
Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, closed out last year as a "morning star" in predawn twilight. It will hug our horizon as the "evening star" late this month. By January 31st, this little hot world achieves its largest angle from the Sun as seen from our terrestrial vantage. Since Mercury appears east of the Sun in our sky, this apparition is known as its greatest eastern elongation, even though we see it actually in the western sky after sunset. Mercury can be glimpsed just above the treetops, and only carefully with a telescope, as a gibbous crescent.
Venus has largely disappeared into the glare of the setting Sun at the close of last year and is not well placed to be seen early in this new year. When we next see it emerge late this month and into early February on the other side of the Sun, the hot, cloudy world, too, will become a brilliant "morning star" seen in the constellation Scutum (the Shield) in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
At the beginning of the month by midnight, the cold Red Planet Mars is relatively bright in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden) and is paired due south with lovely ringed Saturn in Libra (the Scales); Jupiter gleams past the meridian in Gemini (the Twins) as it heads to the western horizon by dawn.
Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, closed out last year as a "morning star" in predawn twilight. It will hug our horizon as the "evening star" late this month. By January 31st, this little hot world achieves its largest angle from the Sun as seen from our terrestrial vantage. Since Mercury appears east of the Sun in our sky, this apparition is known as its greatest eastern elongation, even though we see it actually in the western sky after sunset. Mercury can be glimpsed just above the treetops, and only carefully with a telescope, as a gibbous crescent.
Venus has largely disappeared into the glare of the setting Sun at the close of last year and is not well placed to be seen early in this new year. When we next see it emerge late this month and into early February on the other side of the Sun, the hot, cloudy world, too, will become a brilliant "morning star" seen in the constellation Scutum (the Shield) in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
At the beginning of the month by midnight, the cold Red Planet Mars is relatively bright in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden) and is paired due south with lovely ringed Saturn in Libra (the Scales); Jupiter gleams past the meridian in Gemini (the Twins) as it heads to the western horizon by dawn.
By
month's end, brilliant Venus, pale Saturn, and ruddy Mars line up in
predawn twilight from southeast to south. If you time your observing
just right and before sunrise, and, if there are no obstructions along
your eastern and western horizons, then at 5:00 a. m. on January
31st,
you can also glimpse Jupiter just setting in the west-northwest as
Venus is rising in east-southeast. So, four planets will be visible
from horizon to horizon on that date!
This is a long month and the Moon is known in January as the Moon After Yule or the Wolf Moon, according to American Indian lore. Also, there is an unusual, though not rare, coincidence this month with the Moon. It appears in "new" phase at the start of the month and also near the end of the month; so, we have two New Moons this January!
Though a second Full Moon in a single calendar month is popularly known (and for reasons not clear-cut) as a "Blue Moon", less well known is the name of the second New Moon in the same calendar month. That second New Moon is called the "Black Moon", according to those who practice Wicca. Apparently, in that pagan belief system, magic attempted this month would be considered especially powerful.
Well, it doesn't take magic to view the night sky; but, on certain clear nights, it can be certainly magical when one makes time for the splendors of the nightly heavens. More to the point, it is simply a fine practice to turn into a tradition throughout the year. So, for auld lang syne, that is, for old time's sake, let's make time to observe the skies whenever we can.
Here’s wishing you clear skies and a Happy New Year!
This is a long month and the Moon is known in January as the Moon After Yule or the Wolf Moon, according to American Indian lore. Also, there is an unusual, though not rare, coincidence this month with the Moon. It appears in "new" phase at the start of the month and also near the end of the month; so, we have two New Moons this January!
Though a second Full Moon in a single calendar month is popularly known (and for reasons not clear-cut) as a "Blue Moon", less well known is the name of the second New Moon in the same calendar month. That second New Moon is called the "Black Moon", according to those who practice Wicca. Apparently, in that pagan belief system, magic attempted this month would be considered especially powerful.
Well, it doesn't take magic to view the night sky; but, on certain clear nights, it can be certainly magical when one makes time for the splendors of the nightly heavens. More to the point, it is simply a fine practice to turn into a tradition throughout the year. So, for auld lang syne, that is, for old time's sake, let's make time to observe the skies whenever we can.
Here’s wishing you clear skies and a Happy New Year!
Sky Roundup Almanac for January 2014
January
1: New Moon at 11:14 UT (or, 5:14 a. m. on 01/01)
January 8: First Quarter Moon at 3:39 UT (or, 9:39 p. m. on 01/07)
January 16: Full Moon at 4:52 UT (or, 10:52 p. m. on 01/15)
January 24: Last Quarter Moon at 5:19 UT (or, 11:19 p. m. on 01/23)
January 30: New Moon at 9:59 UT (or, 3:59 a. m. on 01/30)
January 31: Mercury at greatest eastern elongation
January 8: First Quarter Moon at 3:39 UT (or, 9:39 p. m. on 01/07)
January 16: Full Moon at 4:52 UT (or, 10:52 p. m. on 01/15)
January 24: Last Quarter Moon at 5:19 UT (or, 11:19 p. m. on 01/23)
January 30: New Moon at 9:59 UT (or, 3:59 a. m. on 01/30)
January 31: Mercury at greatest eastern elongation
Sky Roundup for December
Astronomical highlights for the month of December 2013
The Night Before Christmas
Since 2009, Roy Kaelin’s installment of Sky Roundup for December has started with his parody of "A Visit of St. Nicholas" and that little tradition continues this year. With apologies to Clement Clark Moore
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
Since 2009, Roy Kaelin’s installment of Sky Roundup for December has started with his parody of "A Visit of St. Nicholas" and that little tradition continues this year. With apologies to Clement Clark Moore
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
Sky Roundup Almanac for December 2013
December 03: New Moon at 00:22 UT (or 6:22 p.m. CST on 12/02)
December 09: First Quarter Moon at 15:12 UT (or 9:12 p.m. CST on 12/09)
December 17: Full Moon at 9:28 UT (or 3:28 a.m. CST on 11/17); peak of Leonid meteor shower
December 21: Winter solstice in Northern Hemisphere at 17:11 UT (or 11:11 a.m. on 12/21)
December 25: Last Quarter at 13:48 UT (or 7:48 a.m. CST on 11/25)
December 09: First Quarter Moon at 15:12 UT (or 9:12 p.m. CST on 12/09)
December 17: Full Moon at 9:28 UT (or 3:28 a.m. CST on 11/17); peak of Leonid meteor shower
December 21: Winter solstice in Northern Hemisphere at 17:11 UT (or 11:11 a.m. on 12/21)
December 25: Last Quarter at 13:48 UT (or 7:48 a.m. CST on 11/25)
Sky Roundup for November
Astronomical highlights for the month of November 2013
Thankful for Dark Skies
Now that Daylight Saving Time ends (during the first weekend of November), night will seem to descend swiftly, so the binoculars and telescopes can come out all the quicker than they might’ve just evenings earlier. Here’s a quick rundown of the sights in the sky to be thankful to see this month.
Giant Jupiter rises by midnight at the start of the month and stays in Gemini (the Twins) all month long. And, like last month, Mars appears in the pre-dawn sky, but moves from Leo (the Lion) into Virgo (the Maiden).
By mid-month, brilliant white Venus spends all month moving through Sagittarius (the Archer). The pretty planet reaches its greatest eastern elongation, that is, its greatest angular distance east of the Sun as seen from Earth, at the start of the month. But look for this apparition in the western sky after sundown. Since Venus appears east of the Sun, this is called an eastern elongation.
Earth’s cosmic companion, the Moon, will cast its shadow earthward on Nov. 3rd with a unique hybrid solar eclipse. The Moon will blot out the Sun, but not fully, as its shadow races across Earth’s surface. Its path of totality, that is, where the solar eclipse can be seen on Earth, runs mostly over open ocean and through central Africa but is not visible in the American Midwest.
The solar eclipse is called a hybrid, since the Moon’s silhouette will be seen totally blotting out the Sun along part of its path of totality, but not as much along the rest of its path; along part of that path, a ring, or annulus, of sunlight will be visible around the Moon, which then makes for an annular eclipse. So, the path of totality shows two types of solar eclipses, hence the hybrid name.
When the Moon’s full this month, it is known as the Beaver Moon, since, by American Indian tradition, November was the time to set beaver traps before swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Owing to the seasonal weather, our lunar neighbor is also called the Frost Moon.
And, if the weather cooperates and stays clear at the middle of the month, it may be possible to glimpse the Leonid meteor shower well after midnight; unfortunately, the light of that full Frost Moon may be too bright to see many meteors streaming from the radiant of the constellation Leo.
Still, it’ll be grand just the same to be out and about among the night-sky wonders, which is something for which we can be thankful.
Giant Jupiter rises by midnight at the start of the month and stays in Gemini (the Twins) all month long. And, like last month, Mars appears in the pre-dawn sky, but moves from Leo (the Lion) into Virgo (the Maiden).
By mid-month, brilliant white Venus spends all month moving through Sagittarius (the Archer). The pretty planet reaches its greatest eastern elongation, that is, its greatest angular distance east of the Sun as seen from Earth, at the start of the month. But look for this apparition in the western sky after sundown. Since Venus appears east of the Sun, this is called an eastern elongation.
Earth’s cosmic companion, the Moon, will cast its shadow earthward on Nov. 3rd with a unique hybrid solar eclipse. The Moon will blot out the Sun, but not fully, as its shadow races across Earth’s surface. Its path of totality, that is, where the solar eclipse can be seen on Earth, runs mostly over open ocean and through central Africa but is not visible in the American Midwest.
The solar eclipse is called a hybrid, since the Moon’s silhouette will be seen totally blotting out the Sun along part of its path of totality, but not as much along the rest of its path; along part of that path, a ring, or annulus, of sunlight will be visible around the Moon, which then makes for an annular eclipse. So, the path of totality shows two types of solar eclipses, hence the hybrid name.
When the Moon’s full this month, it is known as the Beaver Moon, since, by American Indian tradition, November was the time to set beaver traps before swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Owing to the seasonal weather, our lunar neighbor is also called the Frost Moon.
And, if the weather cooperates and stays clear at the middle of the month, it may be possible to glimpse the Leonid meteor shower well after midnight; unfortunately, the light of that full Frost Moon may be too bright to see many meteors streaming from the radiant of the constellation Leo.
Still, it’ll be grand just the same to be out and about among the night-sky wonders, which is something for which we can be thankful.
Sky Roundup Almanac for November 2013
November 03: Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m.; set clocks back one hour; New Moon at 12:51 UT (or 6:51 a.m. CST on 11/03)
November 09: First Quarter Moon at 05:58 UT (or 11:58 p.m. CST on 11/09)
November 17: Full Moon at 15:16 UT (or 9:16 a.m. CST on 11/17); peak of Leonid meteor shower
November 25: Last Quarter at 19:29 UT (or 1:29 p.m. CST on 11/25)
November 09: First Quarter Moon at 05:58 UT (or 11:58 p.m. CST on 11/09)
November 17: Full Moon at 15:16 UT (or 9:16 a.m. CST on 11/17); peak of Leonid meteor shower
November 25: Last Quarter at 19:29 UT (or 1:29 p.m. CST on 11/25)
Sky Roundup for October
Astronomical highlights for the month of October 2013
Warm to the Fall
Slightly warmer weather than usual for this time of year, the start of Autumn beckons us to venture out under starry skies in October. Not unpredictable or uncommon, the warm evening temperatures start their seasonal dance with colder air from the north; so, we get summer-like evenings for a few nights and then,
on other evenings, a reminder that Winter may soon be here.
So, let’s linger for a night or two and see what this month brings us.
The seasonal constellations of Summer hang low to the west by sunset; they’re ready to retire till next year’s season. The patterns of Autumn rise to ride high across the heavens, bringing us new starry splendors for nightly gazing.
Among the planets, mighty, majestic Jupiter hangs with the mythic brothers immortalized as Gemini (the Twins) all month long. Also throughout the month, pale orangey Mars pals with Leo (the Lion) in the pre-dawn sky.
By mid-month, brilliant white Venus speeds out of Libra (the Scales) and is well entrenched in Scorpius by mid-month; by month’s end, it is sidling past Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Handler) and then headed toward Sagittarius (the Archer).
Earth’s nearby neighbor, the Moon, will be at its Full phase for this month’s Hunter’s Moon, which is the first Full Moon just after the autumnal equinox. Traditionally, the light of the Hunter’s Moon allowed local folks the light at night to track game after sunset so as to add meat to the coming Winter’s larder.
A little warmth to start the month across the Midwest will soon give way to the traditional weather to which we’re accustomed in the Fall; but, we should look to take advantage of every clear night, warm or not, to see the starry sights.
on other evenings, a reminder that Winter may soon be here.
So, let’s linger for a night or two and see what this month brings us.
The seasonal constellations of Summer hang low to the west by sunset; they’re ready to retire till next year’s season. The patterns of Autumn rise to ride high across the heavens, bringing us new starry splendors for nightly gazing.
Among the planets, mighty, majestic Jupiter hangs with the mythic brothers immortalized as Gemini (the Twins) all month long. Also throughout the month, pale orangey Mars pals with Leo (the Lion) in the pre-dawn sky.
By mid-month, brilliant white Venus speeds out of Libra (the Scales) and is well entrenched in Scorpius by mid-month; by month’s end, it is sidling past Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Handler) and then headed toward Sagittarius (the Archer).
Earth’s nearby neighbor, the Moon, will be at its Full phase for this month’s Hunter’s Moon, which is the first Full Moon just after the autumnal equinox. Traditionally, the light of the Hunter’s Moon allowed local folks the light at night to track game after sunset so as to add meat to the coming Winter’s larder.
A little warmth to start the month across the Midwest will soon give way to the traditional weather to which we’re accustomed in the Fall; but, we should look to take advantage of every clear night, warm or not, to see the starry sights.
Sky Roundup Almanac for October 2013
October 04: New Moon at 02:35 UT (or 7:35 p.m. CDT on 10/04)
October 11: First Quarter Moon at 23:03 UT (or 6:03 p.m. CDT on 10/11)
October 18: Full Moon at 23:38 UT (or 6:38 p.m. CDT on 10/18)
October 26: Last Quarter at 23:41 UT (or 6:41 p.m. CDT on 10/26)
October 11: First Quarter Moon at 23:03 UT (or 6:03 p.m. CDT on 10/11)
October 18: Full Moon at 23:38 UT (or 6:38 p.m. CDT on 10/18)
October 26: Last Quarter at 23:41 UT (or 6:41 p.m. CDT on 10/26)
Sky Roundup for September
Astronomical highlights for the month of September 2013
Summer's End, Fall's Start
The Labor Day weekend may mark the unofficial end of the season, but there’s still three weeks of Summer left on the astronomical calendar! It’ll feel like Autumn soon enough, if an occasional stiff wind blows through while you’re out observing at night; but, that simply should be a welcome sign that a new season of constellations and planetary line-ups will greet your eyes in the coming months. Time to see what’s up in the night sky that heralds the transition from Summer to Fall.
Bright Jupiter continues to hang in the morning sky in the constellation of Gemini (the Twins), and, links up with pale orange Mars in the morning sky before sunrise. (See Chart 1.) The pair of planets is joined by the waning crescent Moon at the start of the month. By month’s end, the same trio are present, though Jupiter appears higher in the sky and Mars lower in the sky before sunrise with another waning crescent Moon.
By mid-month, brilliant Venus continues to move through Virgo (the Maiden); by mid-month, the hot, speedy, whitish planet sidles up to distant, slow, pale Saturn. The two planets are in conjunction on Sept. 16, low in the western sky, just after sunset. (See Chart 2.) A good binocular should capture the pretty pair in the same field of view.
Bright Jupiter continues to hang in the morning sky in the constellation of Gemini (the Twins), and, links up with pale orange Mars in the morning sky before sunrise. (See Chart 1.) The pair of planets is joined by the waning crescent Moon at the start of the month. By month’s end, the same trio are present, though Jupiter appears higher in the sky and Mars lower in the sky before sunrise with another waning crescent Moon.
By mid-month, brilliant Venus continues to move through Virgo (the Maiden); by mid-month, the hot, speedy, whitish planet sidles up to distant, slow, pale Saturn. The two planets are in conjunction on Sept. 16, low in the western sky, just after sunset. (See Chart 2.) A good binocular should capture the pretty pair in the same field of view.
Earth’s cosmic companion, the Moon, will be at its Full phase for this month’s Harvest Moon, which is the Full Moon closest to the autumn equinox. If the Full Moon occurred late in this month, then it would be known as the Full Fruit or Barley Moon. Traditionally, the light of the Harvest Moon allowed farmers a little extra light after sunset to work late.
We are well past the peak of Summer as the amount of daily sunlight shortens with every passing day till Winter. The dark of night finds us sooner than it did just mere weeks ago. But with Summer at an end and Autumn just starting, one can fall into a new schedule of observing, with more night hours to see the sky.
We are well past the peak of Summer as the amount of daily sunlight shortens with every passing day till Winter. The dark of night finds us sooner than it did just mere weeks ago. But with Summer at an end and Autumn just starting, one can fall into a new schedule of observing, with more night hours to see the sky.
Sky Roundup Almanac for September 2013
September 05: New Moon at 11:37 UT (or 6:37 a.m. CDT on 09/05)
September 12: First Quarter Moon at 17:09 UT (or 12:09 a.m. CDT on 9/12)
September 16: Conjunction of Venus and Saturn, western sky after sunset
September 19: Full Moon at 11:13 UT (or 6:13 a.m. CDT on 9/19)
September 22: Autumnal Equinox, the start of Fall at 20:44 UT (or 3:44 p.m. CDT)
September 26: Last Quarter at 3:56 UT (or 10:56 p.m. CDT on 9/25)
September 12: First Quarter Moon at 17:09 UT (or 12:09 a.m. CDT on 9/12)
September 16: Conjunction of Venus and Saturn, western sky after sunset
September 19: Full Moon at 11:13 UT (or 6:13 a.m. CDT on 9/19)
September 22: Autumnal Equinox, the start of Fall at 20:44 UT (or 3:44 p.m. CDT)
September 26: Last Quarter at 3:56 UT (or 10:56 p.m. CDT on 9/25)
Sky Roundup for August
Astronomical highlights for the month of August 2013
Lazy, Hazy, Crazy
The month of August gives us a little more time to savor Summer before the school year starts and the season ends unofficially by the Labor Day weekend. It’s the typical, relaxing days of the Summer season. But no one is idle in the realm of amateur astronomy. This is the ideal time to be out-of-doors and observing on most any clear night. Star parties are in full swing (as one can see here), and, if the weather isn’t too humid or sultry, several fine apparitions are on tap for this month.
Bright Jupiter hangs in the morning sky in the constellation of Gemini (the Twins), and, like last month, joins with little Mercury and orangey Mars in the morning sky before sunrise. (See Chart 1.) This trio stays neatly visible till just before mid-month, after which Mercury drops from view and is lost in the glare of the Sun.
By mid-month, brilliant Venus has moved eastward out of Leo (the Lion) and joins pale Saturn in Virgo in the western sky in evening twilight and stays there through the end of the month. (See Chart 2.) By the way, by the middle of next month, the two planets will be in conjunction low in the western sky, which ought to make for a fine sight in a binocular.
And, our trusty nearby neighbor, the Moon, historically known by native peoples in August as the Full Sturgeon Moon, due to the abundance of sturgeon (a large fish of the Great Lakes that were often caught during this month), shines through the humidity of these Summer nights. It’s known also as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze; also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon. On the morning of Aug. 1st, the waning crescent Moon passes north of the bright, ruddy star Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri) in the eastern sky before dawn. (See Chart 3.)
Bright Jupiter hangs in the morning sky in the constellation of Gemini (the Twins), and, like last month, joins with little Mercury and orangey Mars in the morning sky before sunrise. (See Chart 1.) This trio stays neatly visible till just before mid-month, after which Mercury drops from view and is lost in the glare of the Sun.
By mid-month, brilliant Venus has moved eastward out of Leo (the Lion) and joins pale Saturn in Virgo in the western sky in evening twilight and stays there through the end of the month. (See Chart 2.) By the way, by the middle of next month, the two planets will be in conjunction low in the western sky, which ought to make for a fine sight in a binocular.
And, our trusty nearby neighbor, the Moon, historically known by native peoples in August as the Full Sturgeon Moon, due to the abundance of sturgeon (a large fish of the Great Lakes that were often caught during this month), shines through the humidity of these Summer nights. It’s known also as the Full Red Moon because, as the Moon rises, it appears reddish through any sultry haze; also called the Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon. On the morning of Aug. 1st, the waning crescent Moon passes north of the bright, ruddy star Aldebaran (Alpha Tauri) in the eastern sky before dawn. (See Chart 3.)
And if it’s August, then the middle of this month must be that time for the best meteor shower of the year. The Perseid meteor shower peaks on Aug. 12-13, and, with just a waxing crescent Moon, whose light will not interfere with observations that evening, it may be possible to view 60 to 100 meteors per hour!
This is an especially fine shower, completely safe to watch of course, that is fun for the whole family and the neighborhood, too. One can (and perhaps should!) organize a field trip to a safe spot in a nearby rural area, away from city lights, to take in this annual spectacle in its best possible viewing. The Perseids, so named since they appear to radiate from the vicinity of the constellation Perseus, are remnant bits of Comet Swift-Tuttle, which, in its orbit around the Sun, leaves a stream of dusty debris through which our home planet passes every year. For a visual explanation of this annual event, look here for a recent ScienceCast, produced and issued by NASA, about the Perseid meteor shower.
If you decide to capture this apparition with a digital camera, then the Perseids offer that chance against the backdrop of a clear night sky. Depending on the camera model, its instructions usually list how to take a time-lapse. If not, then look here for the set-up and give it a try with your camera mounted on a sturdy tripod; remember to open the lens wider and set the shutter speed slower than the instructions allow.
The chart (above) shows a facsimile of how a time-lapse of the Perseids can look, if correctly done after midnight, and, well after the meteor shower's radiant rises above your local horizon when more meteors can be seen. (See Chart 4.)
We know this season won’t always be here, so while they’re upon us, enjoy these lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer.
This is an especially fine shower, completely safe to watch of course, that is fun for the whole family and the neighborhood, too. One can (and perhaps should!) organize a field trip to a safe spot in a nearby rural area, away from city lights, to take in this annual spectacle in its best possible viewing. The Perseids, so named since they appear to radiate from the vicinity of the constellation Perseus, are remnant bits of Comet Swift-Tuttle, which, in its orbit around the Sun, leaves a stream of dusty debris through which our home planet passes every year. For a visual explanation of this annual event, look here for a recent ScienceCast, produced and issued by NASA, about the Perseid meteor shower.
If you decide to capture this apparition with a digital camera, then the Perseids offer that chance against the backdrop of a clear night sky. Depending on the camera model, its instructions usually list how to take a time-lapse. If not, then look here for the set-up and give it a try with your camera mounted on a sturdy tripod; remember to open the lens wider and set the shutter speed slower than the instructions allow.
The chart (above) shows a facsimile of how a time-lapse of the Perseids can look, if correctly done after midnight, and, well after the meteor shower's radiant rises above your local horizon when more meteors can be seen. (See Chart 4.)
We know this season won’t always be here, so while they’re upon us, enjoy these lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer.
Sky Roundup Almanac for August 2013
August 06: New Moon at 21:51 UT (or 4:51 p.m. CDT on 08/06)
August 12: Peak of Perseids meteor shower (at 18:00 UT)
August 14: First Quarter Moon at 10:57 UT (or 5:57 a.m. CDT on 8/14)
August 20: Full Moon at 1:45 UT (or 8:45 p.m. CDT on 8/20)
August 28: Last Quarter Moon at 9:36 UT (or 4:36 a.m. CDT on 8/28)
August 12: Peak of Perseids meteor shower (at 18:00 UT)
August 14: First Quarter Moon at 10:57 UT (or 5:57 a.m. CDT on 8/14)
August 20: Full Moon at 1:45 UT (or 8:45 p.m. CDT on 8/20)
August 28: Last Quarter Moon at 9:36 UT (or 4:36 a.m. CDT on 8/28)
Sky Roundup for July
Astronomical highlights for the month of July 2013
Independence from Days
Of course every year, for the last 237, we the people have celebrated our nation’s declaration of liberty on the calendar date of July 4th. And it is a worthy celebration on that date to reflect on our freedoms. It is more accurate to recognize that calendar date as Independence Day, which recounts our nation’s struggle against tyranny, and, as a defining historical moment that established a sovereign republic of representative government. Yes, we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It might be a stretch to link any semblance of a celebration of national independence to late-night astronomy, but it is no departure from reality to recognize that our freedom to speak and worship and assemble and discuss, those treasured things that add to life and allow us liberty, also incline us to put forth the time and effort to pursue those things that bring us enjoyment and, yes, even happiness.
One’s own approach to enjoy the night sky may often find one out-of-doors early in the evening, up just before dawn, or, for marathon observing sessions, all night long. We might even spend so much time under the stars, and not under our one home star, the Sun, that we don’t connect to daylight too readily, and sleep in to re-balance the happy way we deprived ourselves of restful sleep the night before.
Unless one doesn’t enjoy safely observing the Sun at all in the daytime, you could find yourself with the independent lifestyle of a true night owl. So, let’s see what we’re likely to encounter in the night sky of July.
Jupiter has moved from the evening sky, where it had lingered for the last several months, and emerges into the morning sky before sunrise to pair with Mars, which had been lost in the glare of the Sun for some time. The two continue to rise ahead of the Sun all month long. By month’s end, the two superior planets, that is, those beyond Earth's orbit, link up with the inferior, or inner, planet Mercury as it moves into the morning sky for a nice trio line-up.
Venus emerges into evening twilight stationed just above the horizon after sunset and moves through M44 (the “Beehive” or Praesepe) in Cancer (the Crab) on July 3rd. Though not very high in the sky at sunset, this apparition might be glimpsed fairly well with a good binocular and an uncluttered horizon. By month’s end, Venus has moved into Leo (the Lion).
Brightly ringed Saturn remains between Virgo (the Maiden) and Libra (the Scales) in the evening sky and low to the west-southwest all month long by 10 p.m. local time.
And, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, historically known by native peoples in July as the Full Buck Moon or the Full Thunder Moon, is always a treat to explore with a good binocular or modest telescope. The waxing gibbous Moon is in conjunction with the star Spica, aka Alpha Virginis, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden); from the vantage of the Hawai’ian Islands, though, on July 16th that bright star is occulted, hidden, by the bulk of the Moon.
If you’re going to give up some daylight during the longest days of the year, then make it worthwhile and pursue your favorite nightly celestial wonders. Stay happy as a truly independent observer.
It might be a stretch to link any semblance of a celebration of national independence to late-night astronomy, but it is no departure from reality to recognize that our freedom to speak and worship and assemble and discuss, those treasured things that add to life and allow us liberty, also incline us to put forth the time and effort to pursue those things that bring us enjoyment and, yes, even happiness.
One’s own approach to enjoy the night sky may often find one out-of-doors early in the evening, up just before dawn, or, for marathon observing sessions, all night long. We might even spend so much time under the stars, and not under our one home star, the Sun, that we don’t connect to daylight too readily, and sleep in to re-balance the happy way we deprived ourselves of restful sleep the night before.
Unless one doesn’t enjoy safely observing the Sun at all in the daytime, you could find yourself with the independent lifestyle of a true night owl. So, let’s see what we’re likely to encounter in the night sky of July.
Jupiter has moved from the evening sky, where it had lingered for the last several months, and emerges into the morning sky before sunrise to pair with Mars, which had been lost in the glare of the Sun for some time. The two continue to rise ahead of the Sun all month long. By month’s end, the two superior planets, that is, those beyond Earth's orbit, link up with the inferior, or inner, planet Mercury as it moves into the morning sky for a nice trio line-up.
Venus emerges into evening twilight stationed just above the horizon after sunset and moves through M44 (the “Beehive” or Praesepe) in Cancer (the Crab) on July 3rd. Though not very high in the sky at sunset, this apparition might be glimpsed fairly well with a good binocular and an uncluttered horizon. By month’s end, Venus has moved into Leo (the Lion).
Brightly ringed Saturn remains between Virgo (the Maiden) and Libra (the Scales) in the evening sky and low to the west-southwest all month long by 10 p.m. local time.
And, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, historically known by native peoples in July as the Full Buck Moon or the Full Thunder Moon, is always a treat to explore with a good binocular or modest telescope. The waxing gibbous Moon is in conjunction with the star Spica, aka Alpha Virginis, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden); from the vantage of the Hawai’ian Islands, though, on July 16th that bright star is occulted, hidden, by the bulk of the Moon.
If you’re going to give up some daylight during the longest days of the year, then make it worthwhile and pursue your favorite nightly celestial wonders. Stay happy as a truly independent observer.
Sky Roundup Almanac for July 2013
July 03: Venus amid the stars of M44 (the “Beehive”) at sunset
July 08: New Moon at 2:14 a.m. CDT (or at 7:14 UT on 7/08)
July 15: First Quarter Moon at 10:18 p.m. CDT (or at 3:18 UT on 7/16)
July 16: Spica occulted by waxing gibbous Moon at 4:00 UT
July 22: Full Moon at 3:16 a.m. CDT (or at 8:16 UT on 7/22)
July 29: Last Quarter Moon at 12:43 p.m. CDT (or at 17:43 UT on 7/29)
July 31: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter in trio line-up before sunrise by 5:00 a.m. CDT (or at 10:00 UT)
July 08: New Moon at 2:14 a.m. CDT (or at 7:14 UT on 7/08)
July 15: First Quarter Moon at 10:18 p.m. CDT (or at 3:18 UT on 7/16)
July 16: Spica occulted by waxing gibbous Moon at 4:00 UT
July 22: Full Moon at 3:16 a.m. CDT (or at 8:16 UT on 7/22)
July 29: Last Quarter Moon at 12:43 p.m. CDT (or at 17:43 UT on 7/29)
July 31: Mercury, Mars, Jupiter in trio line-up before sunrise by 5:00 a.m. CDT (or at 10:00 UT)
Sky Roundup for June
Astronomical highlights for the month of June 2013
June Too Soon
Just when we thought the month of May resembled March in its opening, the current month of June starts off as if we were about to see July at our doorstep.
But, no, it is just the usual vagaries of Springtime weather. The welcome, warm regime of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is attempting to displace the lingering, cold regime of Winter; in the interim, we get unsettled weather, alternating hot and cold, which tests meteorologists’ mettle to forecast accurately, but gives unserious climatologists and partisan policymakers the mistaken notion that somehow climate is a-changing’ and somehow we’re to blame.
Rest assured that the season of Summer will officially be upon us later this month when the astronomical start of our warm season gets underway on June 21 at the Summer Solstice, even if it at times it may feel that way already. And we should welcome that change of season without the need for any undue concern about an imminent change in climate already afoot.
Mother Nature cares not for our concern about weather or climate, and she carries on whether or not we’re here. As far as she’s concerned, we’re simply along for the ride. Oh, yes, we can the make the ride awfully bumpy with our own foolishness, but, in the meantime, enjoy the journey wherever it leads.
And for this month, the sights of the nights in June lead us soon to appreciate the skies of early Summer.
Hot little Mercury stays in the glare of the Sun in the western sky at sunset by mid-month; but, like last month, remains too close to our home star to discern easily. Still paired with the brightest planet, Venus, the closest planet to the Sun lingers just above the horizon after sunset.
Beautifully ringed Saturn continues to stay wedged between Virgo (the Maiden) and Libra (the Scales) in the morning sky and low to the west-southwest all month long by midnight, while small, reddish Mars by month’s clings close to the Sun in morning twilight just before sunrise, making it difficult to see.
And, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, looks to June as the Strawberry Moon this month. Worth looking at no matter the time of year.
Tune into June soon and warm up to a few fine sights all month long.
But, no, it is just the usual vagaries of Springtime weather. The welcome, warm regime of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is attempting to displace the lingering, cold regime of Winter; in the interim, we get unsettled weather, alternating hot and cold, which tests meteorologists’ mettle to forecast accurately, but gives unserious climatologists and partisan policymakers the mistaken notion that somehow climate is a-changing’ and somehow we’re to blame.
Rest assured that the season of Summer will officially be upon us later this month when the astronomical start of our warm season gets underway on June 21 at the Summer Solstice, even if it at times it may feel that way already. And we should welcome that change of season without the need for any undue concern about an imminent change in climate already afoot.
Mother Nature cares not for our concern about weather or climate, and she carries on whether or not we’re here. As far as she’s concerned, we’re simply along for the ride. Oh, yes, we can the make the ride awfully bumpy with our own foolishness, but, in the meantime, enjoy the journey wherever it leads.
And for this month, the sights of the nights in June lead us soon to appreciate the skies of early Summer.
Hot little Mercury stays in the glare of the Sun in the western sky at sunset by mid-month; but, like last month, remains too close to our home star to discern easily. Still paired with the brightest planet, Venus, the closest planet to the Sun lingers just above the horizon after sunset.
Beautifully ringed Saturn continues to stay wedged between Virgo (the Maiden) and Libra (the Scales) in the morning sky and low to the west-southwest all month long by midnight, while small, reddish Mars by month’s clings close to the Sun in morning twilight just before sunrise, making it difficult to see.
And, our nearest celestial neighbor, the Moon, looks to June as the Strawberry Moon this month. Worth looking at no matter the time of year.
Tune into June soon and warm up to a few fine sights all month long.
Sky Roundup Almanac for June 2013
June 08: New Moon at 10:56 a.m. CDT (or at 15:56 UT on 6/08)
June 16: First Quarter Moon at 12:24 p.m. CDT (or at 17:24 UT on 6/16)
June 21: Summer Solstice at 12:04 a.m. (or at 5:04 UT on 6/21)
June 23: Full Moon at 6:32 a.m. CDT (or at 11:32 UT on 6/23)
June 29: Last Quarter at 11:53 p.m. CDT (or at 4:53 UT on 6/30)
June 16: First Quarter Moon at 12:24 p.m. CDT (or at 17:24 UT on 6/16)
June 21: Summer Solstice at 12:04 a.m. (or at 5:04 UT on 6/21)
June 23: Full Moon at 6:32 a.m. CDT (or at 11:32 UT on 6/23)
June 29: Last Quarter at 11:53 p.m. CDT (or at 4:53 UT on 6/30)
Sky Roundup for May
Astronomical highlights for the month of May 2013
May Flowers
A few days of unseasonal cold and snow linger across the Midwest as the month of May strives to unfold into Spring like a hesitant flower.
Still, a few fine sights bud into view this month across the night sky. The small, hot world of Mercury returns to the glare of the Sun and swings back to the western sky at sunset by mid-month; but, it is still too close to our home star for easy viewing until May 27th and 28th when it bunches with the brightest planet, Venus, and biggest planet, Jupiter, just above the horizon and just after sunset. At month’s end, three planets lined up, like several blooms planted in a garden row, ought to make for a pleasing sight with a binocular or eyes alone.
Wonderfully ringed Saturn straddles the boundary between Virgo (the Maiden) and Libra (the Scales) in the morning sky and low to the west-southwest all month long before sunrise, while cold, reddish Mars by month’s end emerges from behind the Sun into morning twilight before sunrise.
And, an extra phase of the Moon slips into this month; that is, our nearest celestial neighbor sports two Last Quarter phases, one at the beginning and one at the end of May, to complete the Full Flower Moon this month.
Get past the cool start to Spring this year and find a few celestial wonders sprouting before your very eyes.
Still, a few fine sights bud into view this month across the night sky. The small, hot world of Mercury returns to the glare of the Sun and swings back to the western sky at sunset by mid-month; but, it is still too close to our home star for easy viewing until May 27th and 28th when it bunches with the brightest planet, Venus, and biggest planet, Jupiter, just above the horizon and just after sunset. At month’s end, three planets lined up, like several blooms planted in a garden row, ought to make for a pleasing sight with a binocular or eyes alone.
Wonderfully ringed Saturn straddles the boundary between Virgo (the Maiden) and Libra (the Scales) in the morning sky and low to the west-southwest all month long before sunrise, while cold, reddish Mars by month’s end emerges from behind the Sun into morning twilight before sunrise.
And, an extra phase of the Moon slips into this month; that is, our nearest celestial neighbor sports two Last Quarter phases, one at the beginning and one at the end of May, to complete the Full Flower Moon this month.
Get past the cool start to Spring this year and find a few celestial wonders sprouting before your very eyes.
Sky Roundup Almanac for May 2013
May 02: Last Quarter Moon at 6:14 a.m. CDT (or at 11:14 Universal Time on 5/2)
May 09: New Moon at 7:28 p.m. CDT (or at 00:28 UT on 5/10)
May 17: First Quarter Moon at 11:34 p.m. CDT (or at 4:34 UT on 5/18)
May 24: Full Moon at 11:25 p.m. CDT (or at 4:25 UT on 5/25)
May 31: Last Quarter at 1:58 p.m. CDT (or at 18:58 UT on 5/31)
May 09: New Moon at 7:28 p.m. CDT (or at 00:28 UT on 5/10)
May 17: First Quarter Moon at 11:34 p.m. CDT (or at 4:34 UT on 5/18)
May 24: Full Moon at 11:25 p.m. CDT (or at 4:25 UT on 5/25)
May 31: Last Quarter at 1:58 p.m. CDT (or at 18:58 UT on 5/31)
Sky Roundup for April
Astronomical highlights for the month of April 2013
Spring into April Skies
Now that the season of Spring appears to be gradually opening up around us, one can perhaps begin to feel as if the skies may become inviting once again, so that we can stay out and look ahead to less chilly weather.
The buzz in astronomical circles has been the appearance of Comet PanSTARRS this past March, and there’s still a chance to get a glimpse of this apparition in early April. Look for it either after sunset in the northwest or before sunrise in the northeast. The comet will appear to pass near the Andromeda Galaxy, also known as M31, in which either clear twilight sky, evening or morning, you’re able to view it. With a bright Moon not sharing the sky with the comet, a good binocular may reveal it as you scan the treetops.
Unfortunately, just like last month and all this month, both Mars and Venus are still lost in the glare of the Sun. Pale-white Saturn has passed into Libra (the Scales) and pairs with the Moon at its Full phase, as the Full Pink Moon or the Grass Moon or the Egg Moon, on April 25th. The cold, distant planet’s widening rings make a splendid sight in a modest or large telescope.
Mercury peeps above the eastern horizon this month in morning twilight before sunrise as it has rounded the Sun from its evening appearance at sunset last month.
Bright Jupiter keeps pace with the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) throughout the night and all month long, near the Moon on April 14th, and setting just after midnight by month’s end.
Look for the best time this month to venture out when clouds part and the night sky springs into view.
The buzz in astronomical circles has been the appearance of Comet PanSTARRS this past March, and there’s still a chance to get a glimpse of this apparition in early April. Look for it either after sunset in the northwest or before sunrise in the northeast. The comet will appear to pass near the Andromeda Galaxy, also known as M31, in which either clear twilight sky, evening or morning, you’re able to view it. With a bright Moon not sharing the sky with the comet, a good binocular may reveal it as you scan the treetops.
Unfortunately, just like last month and all this month, both Mars and Venus are still lost in the glare of the Sun. Pale-white Saturn has passed into Libra (the Scales) and pairs with the Moon at its Full phase, as the Full Pink Moon or the Grass Moon or the Egg Moon, on April 25th. The cold, distant planet’s widening rings make a splendid sight in a modest or large telescope.
Mercury peeps above the eastern horizon this month in morning twilight before sunrise as it has rounded the Sun from its evening appearance at sunset last month.
Bright Jupiter keeps pace with the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) throughout the night and all month long, near the Moon on April 14th, and setting just after midnight by month’s end.
Look for the best time this month to venture out when clouds part and the night sky springs into view.
Sky Roundup Almanac for April 2013
April 02: Last Quarter Moon at 11:37 p.m. CDT (or at 4:37 Universal Time on 4/3)
April 03: Look for Comet PanSTARRS before dawn in NE or after sunset in NW
April 10: New Moon at 9:36 a.m. CDT (or at 4:36 UT on 4/10)
April 14: Jupiter in vicinity of waxing Moon in Taurus by midnight
April 18: First Quarter Moon at 7:32 a.m. CDT (or at 12:32 UT on 4/18)
April 22: Lyrid meteors peak early this morning before dawn
April 25: Full Moon at 2:58 p.m. CDT (or at 19:58 UT on 4/25)
April 03: Look for Comet PanSTARRS before dawn in NE or after sunset in NW
April 10: New Moon at 9:36 a.m. CDT (or at 4:36 UT on 4/10)
April 14: Jupiter in vicinity of waxing Moon in Taurus by midnight
April 18: First Quarter Moon at 7:32 a.m. CDT (or at 12:32 UT on 4/18)
April 22: Lyrid meteors peak early this morning before dawn
April 25: Full Moon at 2:58 p.m. CDT (or at 19:58 UT on 4/25)
Sky Roundup for March
Astronomical highlights for the month of March 2013
March Across the Sky
This month offers a parade of celestial sights worth marching outside to see.
Unfortunately, all month long, both Mars and Venus are lost in the glare of the Sun. But pale Saturn with its glorious rings pairs with the waning gibbous Moon on March 2nd in the southwestern sky before sunrise. Tiny hot Mercury puts in an appearance at month’s end barely above the horizon in evening twilight.
Bright Jupiter still strides majestically with the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) throughout the night and all month long, heading to the western horizon by month’s end.
Also, a rare delight this month: a comet parades across the twilight western sky. Comet PanSTARRS, named after the observatory and telescope that discovered it, will strut across the western sky throughout the month of March. One will likely need a binocular to find the cosmic interloper as it parallels the western horizon just after sunset. It is likely to wend its way close enough to Earth to make it a visible treat in the heavens, especially on the evening of March 12th-13th when the comet sidles within a half-degree of Uranus. The comet should remain in our sky at an increasing elevation through April before it begins to fade from view.
(Short for Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, PanSTARRS sits atop Mount Haleakala in Hawai’i, scanning for celestial rogues like asteroids and comets. Learn more about it here. For those in various parts of the Southern Hemisphere, two comets are parading across the evening twilight skies. Not only Comet PanSTARRS, but Comet Lemmon as well. See both captured in the same frame here!)
Unfortunately, all month long, both Mars and Venus are lost in the glare of the Sun. But pale Saturn with its glorious rings pairs with the waning gibbous Moon on March 2nd in the southwestern sky before sunrise. Tiny hot Mercury puts in an appearance at month’s end barely above the horizon in evening twilight.
Bright Jupiter still strides majestically with the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) throughout the night and all month long, heading to the western horizon by month’s end.
Also, a rare delight this month: a comet parades across the twilight western sky. Comet PanSTARRS, named after the observatory and telescope that discovered it, will strut across the western sky throughout the month of March. One will likely need a binocular to find the cosmic interloper as it parallels the western horizon just after sunset. It is likely to wend its way close enough to Earth to make it a visible treat in the heavens, especially on the evening of March 12th-13th when the comet sidles within a half-degree of Uranus. The comet should remain in our sky at an increasing elevation through April before it begins to fade from view.
(Short for Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System, PanSTARRS sits atop Mount Haleakala in Hawai’i, scanning for celestial rogues like asteroids and comets. Learn more about it here. For those in various parts of the Southern Hemisphere, two comets are parading across the evening twilight skies. Not only Comet PanSTARRS, but Comet Lemmon as well. See both captured in the same frame here!)
Besides comets and planets to gaze at, one will need to gaze at the face of a clock at least once this month to make certain one is on time for the change of seasons. That is, be sure to set your clocks one hour ahead for Daylight Saving Time, which starts on March 10th so you don’t miss the astronomical start of Spring, the Vernal Equinox, which arrives on March 20th at 11:02 UTC for us in the Midwest. What time is that, you ask?
In astronomical parlance, the time of the season’s beginning, or any celestial event, is expressed in Coordinated Universal Time (abbreviated UTC), a 24-hour clock time (aka Zulu time) reckoned from Greenwich, England.
In astronomical parlance, the time of the season’s beginning, or any celestial event, is expressed in Coordinated Universal Time (abbreviated UTC), a 24-hour clock time (aka Zulu time) reckoned from Greenwich, England.
To find one’s local time from UTC time, one must know one’s time zone, namely, the difference in hours from local time in Greenwich. For example, in the Central USA time zone, which is six hours behind local time at Greenwich, one subtracts six hours from UTC time to find one’s own local standard time, five hours from UTC time for local Daylight Saving Time. So, for us in the Midwest Spring begins at 6:02 a.m.
And not a moment too soon. So, march forth into the night and watch the parade of this month’s celestial splendors!
And not a moment too soon. So, march forth into the night and watch the parade of this month’s celestial splendors!
Sky Roundup Almanac for March 2013
March 4: Last Quarter Moon
March 11: New Moon
March 12: Comet PanSTARRS one-half degree from Uranus
March 19: First Quarter Moon
March 20: Vernal Equinox, the astronomical start of Spring, arrives at 11:02 UTC
March 27: Full Moon
March 11: New Moon
March 12: Comet PanSTARRS one-half degree from Uranus
March 19: First Quarter Moon
March 20: Vernal Equinox, the astronomical start of Spring, arrives at 11:02 UTC
March 27: Full Moon
Sky Roundup for February
Astronomical highlights for the month of February 2013
Let the Good Times Roll
Struggling to move beyond sour news and distressing headlines, these trying times call for some sort of celebration to buoy our spirits through the biting cold and dreary skies that so often typifies the month of February.
Across the Midwest, we do not share the generally balmy temperatures of our neighbors across the South. For example, revelers in New Orleans let it all hang out at Mardi Gras, while Midwesterners still shiver keeping it all bundled up.
If we stay bundled up long enough, we can go outside and glimpse a few of our planetary neighbors, weather permitting.
At the start of this month, pale Saturn shows off its rings and continues to linger in Libra (the Scales) in southeastern skies before sunrise, while Mercury is seen very close to the horizon after sunset and Venus is lost to the glare of the Sun all month.
Bright Jupiter stays in the vicinity of the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) throughout the night and all month long, heading to the western horizon by midnight at mid-month, while Mars rides low in the west-southwest after sunset, and, like the inferior planets, disappears into the Sun’s glare toward the end of the month.
Owing to the wintry weather conditions that can grip the landscape during February, this month’s Moon is known as the Full Snow Moon, or the Full Hunger Moon, according to American Indian folklore.
Those who celebrate Fat Tuesday this month down South certainly won’t look as if they have a full hunger problem, though a fair number of us in the North this month already have a full snow problem.
As you find yourself indoors much of this month because of cloudy skies and cold weather, take time to brush up on your stars and constellations, and, find your best way to celebrate the little things, knowing that this is the shortest month of the year and that, astronomically speaking, Spring is only a month away.
Across the Midwest, we do not share the generally balmy temperatures of our neighbors across the South. For example, revelers in New Orleans let it all hang out at Mardi Gras, while Midwesterners still shiver keeping it all bundled up.
If we stay bundled up long enough, we can go outside and glimpse a few of our planetary neighbors, weather permitting.
At the start of this month, pale Saturn shows off its rings and continues to linger in Libra (the Scales) in southeastern skies before sunrise, while Mercury is seen very close to the horizon after sunset and Venus is lost to the glare of the Sun all month.
Bright Jupiter stays in the vicinity of the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) throughout the night and all month long, heading to the western horizon by midnight at mid-month, while Mars rides low in the west-southwest after sunset, and, like the inferior planets, disappears into the Sun’s glare toward the end of the month.
Owing to the wintry weather conditions that can grip the landscape during February, this month’s Moon is known as the Full Snow Moon, or the Full Hunger Moon, according to American Indian folklore.
Those who celebrate Fat Tuesday this month down South certainly won’t look as if they have a full hunger problem, though a fair number of us in the North this month already have a full snow problem.
As you find yourself indoors much of this month because of cloudy skies and cold weather, take time to brush up on your stars and constellations, and, find your best way to celebrate the little things, knowing that this is the shortest month of the year and that, astronomically speaking, Spring is only a month away.
UPDATE: It came from outer space! On February 15, 2013, a bright meteor (story and videos here) streaked across the daytime sky over Russia and evidently left a hole in the winter ice covering a reservoir (photo of hole here). Known technically as a bolide, that is, a meteor that breaks apart in the air with a loud bang, the brilliant fireball appears not to have struck any major urban areas, though damage is extensive from the shock-wave generated by the high-speed cosmic visitor. Fragments of the meteorite, the name for a meteor that has actually crash-landed, are being sought (as stated here).
Sky Roundup Almanac for February 2013
February 3: Last Quarter Moon
February 10: New Moon
February 17: First Quarter Moon
February 25: Full Moon
February 10: New Moon
February 17: First Quarter Moon
February 25: Full Moon
Sky Roundup for January
Astronomical highlights for the month of January 2013
The Nights After Christmas
With the major rush of holidays behind us for now, we need to take stock and find out what we really want to view again in the night sky. Certainly the hype surrounding the Mayan calendar was enough of a distraction, not to mention any wailing or gnashing of teeth that may have occurred among the uninformed, but the real calendar shows us that there are serious things worth making noise about in the night sky in the coming months.
For this month, we start the New Year with the planets placed around the sky.
At the start of this month, Saturn lingers in Libra (the Scales) in pre-dawn southeastern skies, while Mercury and Venus remain tight in morning twilight at the beginning of the month, but drop into the glare of the Sun and from our vantage on Earth starting by mid-month.
Bright Jupiter stays in the vicinity of the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) throughout the night and all month long, while Mars in evening twilight moves from Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) at the start of the month and into Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) by the end of the month.
Catch the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower on January 3rd. This is an old name for an area of the sky just off the handle of the Big Dipper. A relatively high rate of meteors per hour may be seen high in the sky before dawn; unfortunately, the light of the waning gibbous Moon may wash out the fainter meteors.
By the way, that same Moon, when full this month on January 26th, is known as the Full Wolf Moon, according to American Indian folklore. And that's certainly worth a howl.
Time to start the New Year, so let us wander out-of-doors and lose ourselves in the crisp beauty of a clear, cold, night sky.
For this month, we start the New Year with the planets placed around the sky.
At the start of this month, Saturn lingers in Libra (the Scales) in pre-dawn southeastern skies, while Mercury and Venus remain tight in morning twilight at the beginning of the month, but drop into the glare of the Sun and from our vantage on Earth starting by mid-month.
Bright Jupiter stays in the vicinity of the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) throughout the night and all month long, while Mars in evening twilight moves from Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) at the start of the month and into Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) by the end of the month.
Catch the peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower on January 3rd. This is an old name for an area of the sky just off the handle of the Big Dipper. A relatively high rate of meteors per hour may be seen high in the sky before dawn; unfortunately, the light of the waning gibbous Moon may wash out the fainter meteors.
By the way, that same Moon, when full this month on January 26th, is known as the Full Wolf Moon, according to American Indian folklore. And that's certainly worth a howl.
Time to start the New Year, so let us wander out-of-doors and lose ourselves in the crisp beauty of a clear, cold, night sky.
Sky Roundup Almanac for January 2013
January 3: Peak of the Quadrantid meteor shower
January 4: Last Quarter Moon
January 11: New Moon
January 18: First Quarter Moon
January 26: Full Moon
January 4: Last Quarter Moon
January 11: New Moon
January 18: First Quarter Moon
January 26: Full Moon
Sky Roundup for December
Astronomical highlights for the month of December 2012
The Night Before Christmas
Since 2009, Roy Kaelin’s installment of Sky Roundup for December has started with his parody of “A Visit of St. Nicholas” and that little tradition continues this year. —With apologies to Clement Clark Moore
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
Merry Christmas to All
Every year seems to be one of those years, where we take stock of the events over the past twelve months. Such things we never thought could happen, certainly they did; and things we wished might’ve happened, sadly they did not. We can remain wistful and pining for what might have been, or we can become depressed over what may yet come, but we mustn’t give in and descend to the depths of despair. There is always a chance to start anew.
Every year comes with its fun and frolic or with its fears and foibles. On a grander scale, every time in which humans have lived has seemed a perilous one, like none other in history. So it is with our time, too. And this past year has been no exception. For example, with the added hype of a date chosen to coincide with the reset of an old system of timekeeping, all manner of mystery and of scholarly skepticism has surrounded the end of the Mayan calendar and its significance to the peoples on our home planet.
For the readers of Sky Roundup, you can expect that next month’s installment will occur right here, ready to welcome the New Year. There is no good reason to give in to the hype; to do that only lets one sink into an abyss of darkness and superstition, to devolve to a world of gloom and doom. But for those who really want to assign preternatural meaning to the Winter Solstice, you'll just have to see whether its date this year opens up some great cosmic portal.
As for the end of the world, at least as we know it, no one knows the hour or the day. Not even the Mayans, who, by the way, were not predicting the end of the world; rather, their calendar merely counted down to its own end of days. And then all would start anew.
And that’s how we should look ahead to the fun, frolic, fears, and foibles of our own time. Yes, times are perilous, as they always have been, and always will be. But we should know that all can and will again start anew. This Earth will pass through its usual seasons---there will be change, not all of it good, to be sure---but the people in this land will see it grow verdant again after a bitter winter. How long that winter lasts depends on whether we give in to its gloom and doom.
Let’s not devolve to that former world of darkness and superstition; there is much to do, even as the bitter winter descends on us. Look ahead to that verdant time and keep a buoyant spirit till the season changes. And, as you move through this season, keep lively with the touchstones of the holidays, namely, family and friends, hearth and home.
Every year comes with its fun and frolic or with its fears and foibles. On a grander scale, every time in which humans have lived has seemed a perilous one, like none other in history. So it is with our time, too. And this past year has been no exception. For example, with the added hype of a date chosen to coincide with the reset of an old system of timekeeping, all manner of mystery and of scholarly skepticism has surrounded the end of the Mayan calendar and its significance to the peoples on our home planet.
For the readers of Sky Roundup, you can expect that next month’s installment will occur right here, ready to welcome the New Year. There is no good reason to give in to the hype; to do that only lets one sink into an abyss of darkness and superstition, to devolve to a world of gloom and doom. But for those who really want to assign preternatural meaning to the Winter Solstice, you'll just have to see whether its date this year opens up some great cosmic portal.
As for the end of the world, at least as we know it, no one knows the hour or the day. Not even the Mayans, who, by the way, were not predicting the end of the world; rather, their calendar merely counted down to its own end of days. And then all would start anew.
And that’s how we should look ahead to the fun, frolic, fears, and foibles of our own time. Yes, times are perilous, as they always have been, and always will be. But we should know that all can and will again start anew. This Earth will pass through its usual seasons---there will be change, not all of it good, to be sure---but the people in this land will see it grow verdant again after a bitter winter. How long that winter lasts depends on whether we give in to its gloom and doom.
Let’s not devolve to that former world of darkness and superstition; there is much to do, even as the bitter winter descends on us. Look ahead to that verdant time and keep a buoyant spirit till the season changes. And, as you move through this season, keep lively with the touchstones of the holidays, namely, family and friends, hearth and home.
In addition, keep lively with the touchstones of the night sky, namely, Earth's celestial neighbors this month.
At the start of this month, a nice line-up of planets greets the pre-dawn twilight. Mercury, Venus, and Saturn angle up from the southeast horizon through the constellation of Libra (the Scales) and Virgo (the Maiden). Mercury reaches its farthest Sun-centered latitude from our vantage on Earth. (See Chart 1.) By mid-month, Mercury and Venus tighten as they appear in morning twilight (see Chart 2); by month’s end, Mercury plunges back into the glare of the Sun with Venus following suit.
Bright Jupiter stays in the vicinity of the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) all month long, while Mars sidles past the Teapot asterism in Sagittarius (the Archer) in the southwest sky just after sunset early in the month (see Chart 3), and then moves into Capricornus by New Year’s Eve.
Where the Moon shines on the breast of new-fallen snow, the landscape will certainly appear bright. Look up in the sky for Earth’s nearest and brightest neighbor, known as the Yule Moon or the Cold Moon or the Full Long Nights Moon this month, as it skims past Jupiter on the evening of Christmas Day. (See Chart 4.)
Finally, if you want to take advantage of observing on a clear, moonless night, catch the peak of the Geminid meteor shower from December 13th through the 14th. You may see strays before and after those dates as well. The Geminids are likely to be best seen late on the 13th through the wee hours of the morning of the 14th, appearing to radiate from the constellation Gemini (the Twins). Just go out and look up.
Bright Jupiter stays in the vicinity of the bright star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) all month long, while Mars sidles past the Teapot asterism in Sagittarius (the Archer) in the southwest sky just after sunset early in the month (see Chart 3), and then moves into Capricornus by New Year’s Eve.
Where the Moon shines on the breast of new-fallen snow, the landscape will certainly appear bright. Look up in the sky for Earth’s nearest and brightest neighbor, known as the Yule Moon or the Cold Moon or the Full Long Nights Moon this month, as it skims past Jupiter on the evening of Christmas Day. (See Chart 4.)
Finally, if you want to take advantage of observing on a clear, moonless night, catch the peak of the Geminid meteor shower from December 13th through the 14th. You may see strays before and after those dates as well. The Geminids are likely to be best seen late on the 13th through the wee hours of the morning of the 14th, appearing to radiate from the constellation Gemini (the Twins). Just go out and look up.
As you have the need or occasion to seek something beyond yourself this holiday season, choose a clear night, bundle up well, go outside, and look to the heavens. Find a favorite bright star and make it a guiding light, another holiday touchstone, that you’ll look to throughout this season. Return to it, gaze at it, ponder its distance or what makes it shine, use it to put into perspective your own time here on this Earth.
That guiding light, and your better outlook because of it, will outdo the gloom and doom to help you shine anew.
Thank you for your continuing readership this past year. Merry Christmas to all!
That guiding light, and your better outlook because of it, will outdo the gloom and doom to help you shine anew.
Thank you for your continuing readership this past year. Merry Christmas to all!
Sky Roundup Almanac for December 2012
December 6: Last Quarter Moon
December 13: New Moon; peak of the Geminid meteor shower
December 19: First Quarter Moon
December 21: Winter Solstice, 5:12 a.m. CST (Please note: Not the end of the world!)
December 25: Jupiter within ½° of waxing gibbous Moon
December 28: Full Moon
December 13: New Moon; peak of the Geminid meteor shower
December 19: First Quarter Moon
December 21: Winter Solstice, 5:12 a.m. CST (Please note: Not the end of the world!)
December 25: Jupiter within ½° of waxing gibbous Moon
December 28: Full Moon
Sky Roundup for November
Astronomical highlights for the month of November 2012
Thankful Heading
Every month, this column endeavors to bring to you just a sampling of the many splendors to be found in the night sky for most locations across the Midwest, especially as seen from the Great Lakes region. That encompasses a fairly wide swath of the United States. The positions and conjunctions of planets, interesting apparitions involving the Moon, stellar and galactic marvels, atmospheric phenomena, and occasional nuggets of folklore and astronomical history comprise much of the information conveyed by this monthly installment.
No matter the vagaries of daily life, observing celestial wonders across the night sky offers its own satisfying reward at the end of a long day. Simply opening up one’s gaze to the heavens at night presents an experience for which one can be thankful. No obligation to view what others may select. Be daring, be original. Choose a few things to look at and head in your own direction all night long.
Though a binocular or a small telescope can enhance the pleasure of viewing the heavens, no fancy equipment is required. Eyes alone often serve as the best viewer on a clear night. Scanning for meteors or spying the zodiacal light only entails that one slip outside at just the right time of night or year and for just a little while.
Of course, any good magnification one can bring to one’s observations just makes them all the more enjoyable. Snapping pictures with a camera or patiently sketching at the eyepiece both bring the reward of capturing an actual view and making a record of your experience. Your own method of record-keeping can be tailored to the time you have and the detail you seek to acquire. Some good guidelines and procedures are offered free of charge by the Astronomical League at this link for the page at its website that has links to useful observing tools.
Now let’s see where we can head this month.
Like last month and throughout November, brilliant Venus and bright Jupiter continue to rule the sky before sunrise. By morning twilight every morning this month, Venus rises later and later, eventually dropping toward the Sun, as seen from our vantage. Mighty, whitish Jupiter slowly marches majestically past the fairly bright, orangey star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) all through the month, and, at the start of the month, the largest planet appears close to the waning gibbous Moon low in the east before midnight. (See Chart 1.)
Venus maintains its plunge toward the eastern horizon in the pre-dawn sky and meets the waning crescent Moon on November 11 (see Chart 2).
Distant pale Saturn stays in the Sun’s glare for the first half of this month, then emerges into morning twilight, rising ahead of our home star by mid-month. Similar to the September trio of Mars-Saturn-Spica that set with Virgo (the Maiden) after sundown, a new November trio of Venus-Saturn-Spica join the chaste goddess of the harvest and her ear of wheat, rising before sunup. A stunning conjunction of Saturn and Venus are visible before sunrise by November 27th. (See Chart 3.)
A good telescope at the correct, comfortable magnification ought to show both planets in some detail, with many-mooned Saturn and its rings tilted at a decent angle (see Chart 4 for a close-up) and brilliant Venus at its gibbous phase (see Chart 5 for its magnified view).
By month’s end, that world closest to the Sun, Mercury, in Libra (the Scales), also joins the frame of planets in the pre-dawn sky, though a clear, unobstructed horizon and decent magnification are needed to see it well. (See Chart 3 again.)
No matter the vagaries of daily life, observing celestial wonders across the night sky offers its own satisfying reward at the end of a long day. Simply opening up one’s gaze to the heavens at night presents an experience for which one can be thankful. No obligation to view what others may select. Be daring, be original. Choose a few things to look at and head in your own direction all night long.
Though a binocular or a small telescope can enhance the pleasure of viewing the heavens, no fancy equipment is required. Eyes alone often serve as the best viewer on a clear night. Scanning for meteors or spying the zodiacal light only entails that one slip outside at just the right time of night or year and for just a little while.
Of course, any good magnification one can bring to one’s observations just makes them all the more enjoyable. Snapping pictures with a camera or patiently sketching at the eyepiece both bring the reward of capturing an actual view and making a record of your experience. Your own method of record-keeping can be tailored to the time you have and the detail you seek to acquire. Some good guidelines and procedures are offered free of charge by the Astronomical League at this link for the page at its website that has links to useful observing tools.
Now let’s see where we can head this month.
Like last month and throughout November, brilliant Venus and bright Jupiter continue to rule the sky before sunrise. By morning twilight every morning this month, Venus rises later and later, eventually dropping toward the Sun, as seen from our vantage. Mighty, whitish Jupiter slowly marches majestically past the fairly bright, orangey star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull) all through the month, and, at the start of the month, the largest planet appears close to the waning gibbous Moon low in the east before midnight. (See Chart 1.)
Venus maintains its plunge toward the eastern horizon in the pre-dawn sky and meets the waning crescent Moon on November 11 (see Chart 2).
Distant pale Saturn stays in the Sun’s glare for the first half of this month, then emerges into morning twilight, rising ahead of our home star by mid-month. Similar to the September trio of Mars-Saturn-Spica that set with Virgo (the Maiden) after sundown, a new November trio of Venus-Saturn-Spica join the chaste goddess of the harvest and her ear of wheat, rising before sunup. A stunning conjunction of Saturn and Venus are visible before sunrise by November 27th. (See Chart 3.)
A good telescope at the correct, comfortable magnification ought to show both planets in some detail, with many-mooned Saturn and its rings tilted at a decent angle (see Chart 4 for a close-up) and brilliant Venus at its gibbous phase (see Chart 5 for its magnified view).
By month’s end, that world closest to the Sun, Mercury, in Libra (the Scales), also joins the frame of planets in the pre-dawn sky, though a clear, unobstructed horizon and decent magnification are needed to see it well. (See Chart 3 again.)
By mid-month, the cold, Red Planet Mars has moved from the vicinity of Antares, known as the “rival of Mars,” the brightest star in Scorpius (the Scorpion), and heads toward the asterism of the Teapot in Sagittarius (the Archer) by month’s end (see Chart 6), where the waxing crescent Moon slides past by November 16th after an early sunset.
This month’s lunar neighbor is known as the Beaver Moon, since, in early American times during November, one might set beaver traps before swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs, and because beavers are active just before winter; its appearance was also known as the Frost Moon.
If it’s thankfully not too cloudy around the middle of the month, one might venture out to glimpse the Leonid meteor shower, an annual phenomenon that arrives in our skies for a few nights around November 17th. Appearing to emanate from the constellation of Leo (the Lion) well after midnight, the meteors will head out of the star pattern as quick streaks of light. (See Chart 7, showing Leo’s brightest star Regulus for orientation.)
This is a good month to be thankful for many things, including the chance to head outside and glimpse the many marvels of the night sky. By the way, when you get back inside and head to bed on November 4th, be sure to set your clock back one hour to go back to standard time and thankfully get back that hour of sleep you lost last Spring.
This month’s lunar neighbor is known as the Beaver Moon, since, in early American times during November, one might set beaver traps before swamps froze, to ensure a supply of warm winter furs, and because beavers are active just before winter; its appearance was also known as the Frost Moon.
If it’s thankfully not too cloudy around the middle of the month, one might venture out to glimpse the Leonid meteor shower, an annual phenomenon that arrives in our skies for a few nights around November 17th. Appearing to emanate from the constellation of Leo (the Lion) well after midnight, the meteors will head out of the star pattern as quick streaks of light. (See Chart 7, showing Leo’s brightest star Regulus for orientation.)
This is a good month to be thankful for many things, including the chance to head outside and glimpse the many marvels of the night sky. By the way, when you get back inside and head to bed on November 4th, be sure to set your clock back one hour to go back to standard time and thankfully get back that hour of sleep you lost last Spring.
Sky Roundup Almanac for November 2012
November 4: By 2 a.m., set clocks back one hour to end Daylight Saving Time and go back to Standard Time
November 6: Last Quarter Moon
November 13: New Moon
November 17: Leonid meteor shower
November 20: First Quarter Moon
November 27: Conjunction of Venus and Saturn
November 28: Full Moon
November 6: Last Quarter Moon
November 13: New Moon
November 17: Leonid meteor shower
November 20: First Quarter Moon
November 27: Conjunction of Venus and Saturn
November 28: Full Moon
Sky Roundup for October
Astronomical highlights for the month of October 2012
October Hunting
The night air gets brisk, but the hunt for our night-sky favorites goes on all month.
Throughout this month, brilliant Venus and bright Jupiter still dominate the sky before sunrise. On October 2nd and 3rd, Venus passes close to the bright star Regulus in Leo (the Lion). At low magnification, a good binocular or small telescope can show them together clearly in the same field of view. (See Chart 1.)
In morning twilight, Venus hangs in the eastern sky with the waning crescent Moon on October 12 (see Chart 2) while Jupiter is poised in the west between the horns of Taurus (the Bull) by the end of the month (see Chart 3).
Distant pale Saturn is in conjunction with the Sun and becomes lost in its glare for this month. Hot little Mercury is difficult to see, too, for the same reason, but becomes just visible in evening twilight by month’s end in Scorpius (the Scorpion).
Late in the month, the Red Planet Mars stand just north of Antares, known as the “rival of Mars,” the brightest star in Scorpius. Both make an orangey pair in evening twilight, close to the horizon, just after sunset. (See Chart 4.)
Throughout this month, brilliant Venus and bright Jupiter still dominate the sky before sunrise. On October 2nd and 3rd, Venus passes close to the bright star Regulus in Leo (the Lion). At low magnification, a good binocular or small telescope can show them together clearly in the same field of view. (See Chart 1.)
In morning twilight, Venus hangs in the eastern sky with the waning crescent Moon on October 12 (see Chart 2) while Jupiter is poised in the west between the horns of Taurus (the Bull) by the end of the month (see Chart 3).
Distant pale Saturn is in conjunction with the Sun and becomes lost in its glare for this month. Hot little Mercury is difficult to see, too, for the same reason, but becomes just visible in evening twilight by month’s end in Scorpius (the Scorpion).
Late in the month, the Red Planet Mars stand just north of Antares, known as the “rival of Mars,” the brightest star in Scorpius. Both make an orangey pair in evening twilight, close to the horizon, just after sunset. (See Chart 4.)
The Hunter’s Moon puts in its appearance near the end of the month. This is the Full Moon after the traditional Harvest Moon in September; but, recall that last month’s Full Moon occurred late in the month, nearly a week after the autumnal equinox, and so was known as the Full Fruit or Barley Moon.
Grab a scope or a good binocular and scout about the night sky all month long.
Grab a scope or a good binocular and scout about the night sky all month long.
Sky Roundup Almanac for October 2012
October 3: Venus and Regulus close together
October 8: Last Quarter Moon
October 15: New Moon
October 21: First Quarter Moon
October 29: Full Moon
October 8: Last Quarter Moon
October 15: New Moon
October 21: First Quarter Moon
October 29: Full Moon
Sky Roundup for September
Astronomical highlights for the month of September 2012
Fall into September
This month carries us from Summer to Autumn, a transition that often is popularly heralded as Labor Day, but which occurs astronomically this year on September 22nd at 9:49 a.m. CDT.
At this month’s start, just like last month, you can still observe brilliant Venus and bright Jupiter above the horizon in the eastern sky before sunrise. Bright white Jupiter pairs with the orangey glow of the star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull). (See Chart 1.) The two bright planets appear to move farther apart in morning twilight as the month progresses.
Last month’s trio of Mars, Saturn, and Spica start to move apart in Virgo (the Maiden) as they head early to the western horizon just after sunset. But by mid-month, Mars has quickly moved into Libra (the Scales) and sidles up to that constellation’s brightest star with the fun name of Zubenelgenubi. (See Chart 2.) By month’s end, the Red Planet heads toward the bright star Antares in neighboring Scorpius, where it will appear next month in conjunction as a neat orangey pair to look for in the pre-dawn sky.
Just like last month, mid-month in September also shows the faraway planet Uranus nearly due south by midnight (see Chart 3, where red tick marks show its location). Uranus reaches opposition this month on the 29th, which means that the Earth is between the planet and the Sun, placing that world at its best for observing. Even more distant Neptune is visible in the same large swath of southern sky (see Chart 4, where red tick marks show its location). And, as in August, both planets in September continue to rise earlier each evening and both of these faraway worlds require a large telescope to glimpse them distinctly.
At this month’s start, just like last month, you can still observe brilliant Venus and bright Jupiter above the horizon in the eastern sky before sunrise. Bright white Jupiter pairs with the orangey glow of the star Aldebaran in Taurus (the Bull). (See Chart 1.) The two bright planets appear to move farther apart in morning twilight as the month progresses.
Last month’s trio of Mars, Saturn, and Spica start to move apart in Virgo (the Maiden) as they head early to the western horizon just after sunset. But by mid-month, Mars has quickly moved into Libra (the Scales) and sidles up to that constellation’s brightest star with the fun name of Zubenelgenubi. (See Chart 2.) By month’s end, the Red Planet heads toward the bright star Antares in neighboring Scorpius, where it will appear next month in conjunction as a neat orangey pair to look for in the pre-dawn sky.
Just like last month, mid-month in September also shows the faraway planet Uranus nearly due south by midnight (see Chart 3, where red tick marks show its location). Uranus reaches opposition this month on the 29th, which means that the Earth is between the planet and the Sun, placing that world at its best for observing. Even more distant Neptune is visible in the same large swath of southern sky (see Chart 4, where red tick marks show its location). And, as in August, both planets in September continue to rise earlier each evening and both of these faraway worlds require a large telescope to glimpse them distinctly.
The Moon goes through its usual phases, but September’s Full Moon occurs late in the month, nearly a week after the autumnal equinox; so, instead of being known as the Harvest Moon, it’s known as the Full Fruit or Barley Moon in American Indian lore.
One wonderful feature worth rising to see later this month is the zodiacal light. It is best seen for about two weeks in Spring after sunset and in Autumn before sunrise. Starting by mid-month, one should be able to see the wedge of the so-called “false dawn” stretching up at an angle from the eastern horizon. In rural areas, it is unmistakable in its appearance about an hour before sunup. Too, with a digital camera and a normal camera lens, it’s easy to snap an image of it.
It’s the month that signals the end of Summer and the start of Autumn. Plenty to see and to fall into this month.
One wonderful feature worth rising to see later this month is the zodiacal light. It is best seen for about two weeks in Spring after sunset and in Autumn before sunrise. Starting by mid-month, one should be able to see the wedge of the so-called “false dawn” stretching up at an angle from the eastern horizon. In rural areas, it is unmistakable in its appearance about an hour before sunup. Too, with a digital camera and a normal camera lens, it’s easy to snap an image of it.
It’s the month that signals the end of Summer and the start of Autumn. Plenty to see and to fall into this month.
Sky Roundup Almanac for September 2012
September 8: Last Quarter Moon
September 16: New Moon
September 22: Autumnal Equinox, the first day of Fall, at 9:49 a.m. CDT
September 23: First Quarter Moon
September 30: Full Moon
September 16: New Moon
September 22: Autumnal Equinox, the first day of Fall, at 9:49 a.m. CDT
September 23: First Quarter Moon
September 30: Full Moon
Sky Roundup for August
Astronomical highlights for the month of August 2012
Full Moons and Mighty Meteors
This month is just packed with night after night of summer delights.
Right at the start of the month, one can go out before sunrise and catch brilliant Venus and bright Jupiter above the horizon in the eastern sky in morning twilight. (See Chart 1.) Then turn around and you can glimpse the Moon, low in the western sky before dawn. It'll be in its full phase later that same day, making it the first Full Moon of the month. That’s right, the first Full Moon. This is a month for two full moons. The next one occurs on August 31st.
As popularly known, the second Full Moon in a single month is called a “blue moon,” apparently to signify its rarity of occurrence. However, more accurately, a blue moon refers to the third full moon in a season of four full moons.
A fine trio of Mars, Saturn, and Spica move together in Virgo (the Maiden) all month long. By mid-month, the three are in conjunction, rising straight up from the western horizon just after sunset on August 13th. (See Chart 2.) This sight ought to look great in binoculars or a small telescope, and, will offer a decent chance to compose a fine shot for film and digital cameras alike.
Every clear night this month offers a splendid view of the summer’s best Messier objects. The clusters and nebulae, first catalogued and published over 235 years ago by French astronomer Charles Messier, sparkle across the sky from late evening to the wee hours of the morning after midnight. Within that general span of time, the best of Messier’s objects are fairly high in the sky as one faces the constellations of Scutum (the Shield), Sagittarius (the Archer) and Scorpius (the Scorpion) in the south. (See Chart 3.)
Mid-month also shows the faraway planet Uranus in the east-southeast sky by midnight (see Chart 4) and even more distant Neptune (see Chart 5). Both planets continue to rise earlier each evening and both of these faraway worlds requires a large telescope to glimpse them distinctly.
Right at the start of the month, one can go out before sunrise and catch brilliant Venus and bright Jupiter above the horizon in the eastern sky in morning twilight. (See Chart 1.) Then turn around and you can glimpse the Moon, low in the western sky before dawn. It'll be in its full phase later that same day, making it the first Full Moon of the month. That’s right, the first Full Moon. This is a month for two full moons. The next one occurs on August 31st.
As popularly known, the second Full Moon in a single month is called a “blue moon,” apparently to signify its rarity of occurrence. However, more accurately, a blue moon refers to the third full moon in a season of four full moons.
A fine trio of Mars, Saturn, and Spica move together in Virgo (the Maiden) all month long. By mid-month, the three are in conjunction, rising straight up from the western horizon just after sunset on August 13th. (See Chart 2.) This sight ought to look great in binoculars or a small telescope, and, will offer a decent chance to compose a fine shot for film and digital cameras alike.
Every clear night this month offers a splendid view of the summer’s best Messier objects. The clusters and nebulae, first catalogued and published over 235 years ago by French astronomer Charles Messier, sparkle across the sky from late evening to the wee hours of the morning after midnight. Within that general span of time, the best of Messier’s objects are fairly high in the sky as one faces the constellations of Scutum (the Shield), Sagittarius (the Archer) and Scorpius (the Scorpion) in the south. (See Chart 3.)
Mid-month also shows the faraway planet Uranus in the east-southeast sky by midnight (see Chart 4) and even more distant Neptune (see Chart 5). Both planets continue to rise earlier each evening and both of these faraway worlds requires a large telescope to glimpse them distinctly.
Since the Moon’s phase appears as a waning crescent by mid-August, it will rise well after midnight; so, the night sky may well be set for the annual Perseid meteor shower. Without the bright light of the Moon flooding the late evening sky, this famous shower of sparkling meteors, long smoky trains, and occasional fireballs may provide a rewarding sight for a relaxing summer night’s skywatching.
Many folks seem to take off the month of August for vacations to faraway locales or to getaways in search of peace and quiet. But all month long you can enjoy your own escape to places light-years from everywhere and find that solitude just outside and up in the night sky.
Many folks seem to take off the month of August for vacations to faraway locales or to getaways in search of peace and quiet. But all month long you can enjoy your own escape to places light-years from everywhere and find that solitude just outside and up in the night sky.
Sky Roundup Almanac for August 2012
August 1: Full Moon
August 9: Last Quarter Moon
August 12: Peak of Perseid meteor shower
August 17: New Moon
August 24: First Quarter Moon
August 31: Full Moon
August 9: Last Quarter Moon
August 12: Peak of Perseid meteor shower
August 17: New Moon
August 24: First Quarter Moon
August 31: Full Moon
Sky Roundup for July
Astronomical highlights for the month of July 2012
Red, White, Blue
Not only is it a patriotic month and a time for parades and waving the colors, but the sky coincidentally celebrates with its own hint of partisan hues and supporting fireworks.
More pink than red in appearance, small, hot Mercury, known as an inferior planet due to its proximity to the Sun from our vantage, remains from last month in evening twilight in the western sky after sunset while huge Jupiter has emerged fully into morning twilight but with the other inferior planet, brilliant Venus. On the morning of July 4th both Venus and Jupiter align with reddish Aldebaran to stand straight up from the eastern horizon. Certainly not an inferior sight to view. (See Chart 1.) A few days later on July 9th, bright white Venus parades close to rosy Aldebaran, both of which can be glimpsed in a binocular or small telescope. (See Chart 2.)
The waning crescent Moon, the asteroid Vesta, and dwarf planet Ceres rally with Jupiter and Venus in the constellation Taurus (the Bull) with its brightest star Aldebaran at midmonth in the eastern sky before dawn. (See Chart 3 for the approximate location of Vesta. See Chart 4 for the location of Ceres. Each appears as a white speck in binoculars or small scopes.)
Still a pinkish orange dot, the red planet Mars marches squarely into Virgo (the Maiden) to join the pale planet Saturn. By month’s end, the ruddy one and the pale one parade slowly closer together with the waxing crescent Moon and low in the western sky by 10 p.m. (See Chart 5.)
Mid-month also shows the distant planet Neptune nearly due south well after midnight. The faraway world requires a large telescope to glimpse it as a distinctly bluish dot. (See Chart 6.)
To cap off the month, and in the same part of the sky where finds watery blue Neptune, the Delta Aquarid meteor shower puts on a show for us summertime observers.
Nature’s own fireworks grace the sky as faint meteors of medium speed appear to shoot from the part of the sky north of the medium-bright star, Fomalhaut, between the constellations Piscis Austrinus (the Southern Fishes) and Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). On July 28-29 is the expected peak of these fiery high-altitude fireworks, with some of the better viewing of the faint, bluish white trains from midnight till dawn.
More pink than red in appearance, small, hot Mercury, known as an inferior planet due to its proximity to the Sun from our vantage, remains from last month in evening twilight in the western sky after sunset while huge Jupiter has emerged fully into morning twilight but with the other inferior planet, brilliant Venus. On the morning of July 4th both Venus and Jupiter align with reddish Aldebaran to stand straight up from the eastern horizon. Certainly not an inferior sight to view. (See Chart 1.) A few days later on July 9th, bright white Venus parades close to rosy Aldebaran, both of which can be glimpsed in a binocular or small telescope. (See Chart 2.)
The waning crescent Moon, the asteroid Vesta, and dwarf planet Ceres rally with Jupiter and Venus in the constellation Taurus (the Bull) with its brightest star Aldebaran at midmonth in the eastern sky before dawn. (See Chart 3 for the approximate location of Vesta. See Chart 4 for the location of Ceres. Each appears as a white speck in binoculars or small scopes.)
Still a pinkish orange dot, the red planet Mars marches squarely into Virgo (the Maiden) to join the pale planet Saturn. By month’s end, the ruddy one and the pale one parade slowly closer together with the waxing crescent Moon and low in the western sky by 10 p.m. (See Chart 5.)
Mid-month also shows the distant planet Neptune nearly due south well after midnight. The faraway world requires a large telescope to glimpse it as a distinctly bluish dot. (See Chart 6.)
To cap off the month, and in the same part of the sky where finds watery blue Neptune, the Delta Aquarid meteor shower puts on a show for us summertime observers.
Nature’s own fireworks grace the sky as faint meteors of medium speed appear to shoot from the part of the sky north of the medium-bright star, Fomalhaut, between the constellations Piscis Austrinus (the Southern Fishes) and Aquarius (the Water-Bearer). On July 28-29 is the expected peak of these fiery high-altitude fireworks, with some of the better viewing of the faint, bluish white trains from midnight till dawn.
Red, white, and blue colors, though subtle as they appear in the night sky, mark the month of July and make it worthwhile to command attention and watch awhile.
Sky Roundup Almanac for July 2012
July 3: Full Moon
July 10: Last Quarter Moon
July 18: New Moon
July 26: First Quarter Moon
July 29: Peak of Delta Aquarid meteor shower
July 10: Last Quarter Moon
July 18: New Moon
July 26: First Quarter Moon
July 29: Peak of Delta Aquarid meteor shower
Sky Roundup for June
Astronomical highlights for the month of June 2012
In Transit
Most astronomy blogs and websites this month are likely geared up for a rare spectacle in the daytime sky. On Tuesday, June 5th, the planet Venus will move across the face of the Sun as seen from our vantage on Earth. In astronomical parlance, it’s known as a transit. And it's well worth the effort to transit to a suitable place to see it.
It’s a twice-in-a-lifetime event, an unusual one that happens in pairs, not to be missed. That is, it’s happened once before, eight years ago, and is on schedule to happen again this year. There won’t be another pair of transits within our lifetime. The last time this event occurred was in 2004, when the hot, cloudy planet skimmed the lower half of the Sun’s disk. The transit was already in progress by dawn, for those of us in the Midwest. This time in 2012 the planet can be glimpsed, but in late afternoon just before sunset.
Of course, it should go without saying that observing the Sun is undertaken with care and protection of the eyes. A glimpse through a welder’s glass might be sufficient, but a well equipped telescope with an appropriate solar filter is the best way to go. And it’s not too difficult to take digital photos directly through the eyepiece of one’s telescope.
For complete information on the transit of Venus, go to this link.
Venus passes in front of the Sun as we see it; so, let’s see how the other planets fare this month as they, too, continue in transit around the Sun.
Small Mercury and huge Jupiter remain lost in the glare of the Sun for most of the month, but both emerge into twilight by the latter half of the month. Mercury hangs in the western sky just after sunset as it moves into evening twilight while Jupiter rises ahead of the Sun and into morning twilight. It pairs with brilliant Venus for the last week of June for a dazzling pre-dawn apparition, reminiscent of the same pairing earlier this year before sunset. (See Chart 1.)
Still a pinkish orange dot, Mars remains with Leo (the Lion), heading to the west by midnight at the start of the month. (See Chart 2.) By month’s end, Mars reaches the vicinity of that same horizon two hours earlier.
It’s a twice-in-a-lifetime event, an unusual one that happens in pairs, not to be missed. That is, it’s happened once before, eight years ago, and is on schedule to happen again this year. There won’t be another pair of transits within our lifetime. The last time this event occurred was in 2004, when the hot, cloudy planet skimmed the lower half of the Sun’s disk. The transit was already in progress by dawn, for those of us in the Midwest. This time in 2012 the planet can be glimpsed, but in late afternoon just before sunset.
Of course, it should go without saying that observing the Sun is undertaken with care and protection of the eyes. A glimpse through a welder’s glass might be sufficient, but a well equipped telescope with an appropriate solar filter is the best way to go. And it’s not too difficult to take digital photos directly through the eyepiece of one’s telescope.
For complete information on the transit of Venus, go to this link.
Venus passes in front of the Sun as we see it; so, let’s see how the other planets fare this month as they, too, continue in transit around the Sun.
Small Mercury and huge Jupiter remain lost in the glare of the Sun for most of the month, but both emerge into twilight by the latter half of the month. Mercury hangs in the western sky just after sunset as it moves into evening twilight while Jupiter rises ahead of the Sun and into morning twilight. It pairs with brilliant Venus for the last week of June for a dazzling pre-dawn apparition, reminiscent of the same pairing earlier this year before sunset. (See Chart 1.)
Still a pinkish orange dot, Mars remains with Leo (the Lion), heading to the west by midnight at the start of the month. (See Chart 2.) By month’s end, Mars reaches the vicinity of that same horizon two hours earlier.
Wizened Saturn remains with the young maiden Virgo all month long, as its rings tilt our way for a splendid telescopic view any clear night. Both Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) have moved to the morning sky and rise ahead of the Sun. A sizable telescope still is needed to glimpse either one.
Right now we’re in transit from Spring to Summer, and the transit of Venus on rare display early in this month is a fine omen to remind us that though seasons change, the heavens still move subtly, beautifully, to a quiet rhythm all their own.
Right now we’re in transit from Spring to Summer, and the transit of Venus on rare display early in this month is a fine omen to remind us that though seasons change, the heavens still move subtly, beautifully, to a quiet rhythm all their own.
UPDATE: As of this writing for Sky Roundup, the transit of Venus has just passed, and, from this vantage, it was a spectacular sight! Truly an awesome astronomical event to witness. By the way, just for comparison, digital images from the times that the two transits were most recently viewed, namely, 2004 and 2012, are shown (below). The image on the left shows Venus at third contact in 2004; the image on the right, at second contact in 2012. Both images were taken with the same Brandon refractor and a digital camera, but, at different image scales, and subsequently cropped to fit here. (Photos by Roy Kaelin.)
Sky Roundup Almanac for June 2012
June 4: Full Moon
June 5: Transit of Venus
June 11: Last Quarter Moon
June 19: New Moon
June 26: First Quarter Moon
June 5: Transit of Venus
June 11: Last Quarter Moon
June 19: New Moon
June 26: First Quarter Moon
Sky Roundup for May
Astronomical highlights for the month of May 2012
We May Have a Good Time After All
The month of May arrives with Spring in full swing. April showers did their job and brought forth the May flowers. We managed to slip past the season of Winter without much snow or deep cold. That doesn’t say anything about trends in climate; rather, it’s one more season to skew average temperatures slightly upward for this calendar year.
Brilliant Venus slips through Auriga (the Charioteer) at the start of the month and drifts steadily closer to the Sun in evening twilight all month long, while massive Jupiter is already lost in the glare of the Sun by mid-month.
Small Mercury remains lost all month long, too, after it, like big Jupiter, slips into the glare of the Sun. A pinkish orange dot, Mars stays with Leo (the Lion), moving away from the fairly bright star Regulus in the eastern sky after sunset throughout May.
Stately Saturn, of course, still slowly courses though Virgo (the Maiden), appears to move north of the bright Spica, and remains visible all night long. Both Uranus and Neptune have moved to the morning sky and rise ahead of the Sun. A sizable telescope still is needed to glimpse either one.
Brilliant Venus slips through Auriga (the Charioteer) at the start of the month and drifts steadily closer to the Sun in evening twilight all month long, while massive Jupiter is already lost in the glare of the Sun by mid-month.
Small Mercury remains lost all month long, too, after it, like big Jupiter, slips into the glare of the Sun. A pinkish orange dot, Mars stays with Leo (the Lion), moving away from the fairly bright star Regulus in the eastern sky after sunset throughout May.
Stately Saturn, of course, still slowly courses though Virgo (the Maiden), appears to move north of the bright Spica, and remains visible all night long. Both Uranus and Neptune have moved to the morning sky and rise ahead of the Sun. A sizable telescope still is needed to glimpse either one.
The Moon puts in a big appearance, too. On May 5th, a so-called “Super Moon” will be visible. This simply means that the closest approach, or perigee, of the Moon to Earth coincides with its Full Moon phase, making the Moon appear marginally larger than usual. Still worth a look no matter its size or phase.
May’s flowers are all a'bloom. After the clouds have passed, it’s time once again to haul out the scopes and aim skyward. For a good time this month, look up.
May’s flowers are all a'bloom. After the clouds have passed, it’s time once again to haul out the scopes and aim skyward. For a good time this month, look up.
Sky Roundup Almanac for May 2012
May 5: Full Moon
May 12: Last Quarter Moon
May 20: New Moon
May 28: First Quarter Moon
May 12: Last Quarter Moon
May 20: New Moon
May 28: First Quarter Moon
Sky Roundup for April
Astronomical highlights for the month of April 2012
Don't Be a Fool
As part of the celebration of watching the Earth green with the start of Spring, this month starts with its own playfulness in the tradition of April Fool’s Day. But a month of worthwhile observing is no joke, though the unsettled weather may seem like Mother Nature is teasing all of us. Get out under the stars, between the April showers, and take wise stock of the skies above.
By month’s start, mighty Jupiter continues to slowly slide through Aries (the Ram) and drifts into the early evening’s twilight through the latter half of the month. Brilliant Venus slides past the Pleiades in Taurus at the beginning of the month, passes north of the Hyades by mid-month (see Chart 1), and moves into Auriga by the end of the month.
Small, hot Mercury remains fairly lost in the glare of the Sun for most of the month, but does reach its greatest angular distance west of the Sun on April 18th, known as greatest elongation, emerging in the eastern sky at morning twilight by month’s end. (See Chart 2.)
Cold, orangey Mars remains in Leo (the Lion), rising earlier every evening throughout the month, appearing its highest in the sky this month, and gliding to the left of the bright star Regulus in the eastern sky after sunset throughout April.
Pale yellow Saturn, in Virgo (the Maiden), rising before midnight, stays in the vicinity of Spica, its brightest star, and is visible all night long. (See Chart 3.) A fair-sized telescope is needed to view Saturn in detail. A sample of that view for Saturn at mid-month, about 3 a.m., shows its famous rings and several of its many moons. (See Chart 4.)
Faraway Uranus is marginally higher in the morning sky than Mercury, but remains lost in the glare of the rising Sun. A sizable telescope would be needed to glimpse it. More distant Neptune emerges into morning twilight by the start of the month, and also remains as elusive as Uranus in morning twilight. (See Chart 5, where the red tick marks show Neptune’s
location.)
By month’s start, mighty Jupiter continues to slowly slide through Aries (the Ram) and drifts into the early evening’s twilight through the latter half of the month. Brilliant Venus slides past the Pleiades in Taurus at the beginning of the month, passes north of the Hyades by mid-month (see Chart 1), and moves into Auriga by the end of the month.
Small, hot Mercury remains fairly lost in the glare of the Sun for most of the month, but does reach its greatest angular distance west of the Sun on April 18th, known as greatest elongation, emerging in the eastern sky at morning twilight by month’s end. (See Chart 2.)
Cold, orangey Mars remains in Leo (the Lion), rising earlier every evening throughout the month, appearing its highest in the sky this month, and gliding to the left of the bright star Regulus in the eastern sky after sunset throughout April.
Pale yellow Saturn, in Virgo (the Maiden), rising before midnight, stays in the vicinity of Spica, its brightest star, and is visible all night long. (See Chart 3.) A fair-sized telescope is needed to view Saturn in detail. A sample of that view for Saturn at mid-month, about 3 a.m., shows its famous rings and several of its many moons. (See Chart 4.)
Faraway Uranus is marginally higher in the morning sky than Mercury, but remains lost in the glare of the rising Sun. A sizable telescope would be needed to glimpse it. More distant Neptune emerges into morning twilight by the start of the month, and also remains as elusive as Uranus in morning twilight. (See Chart 5, where the red tick marks show Neptune’s
location.)
Of course, in this month of April, even with its proverbial showers that bring May flowers, it’d be foolish to miss out on the wonders of the night sky.
Sky Roundup Almanac for April 2012
April 5: Full Moon
April 12: Last Quarter Moon
April 18: Mercury at greatest western elongation
April 20: New Moon
April 28: First Quarter Moon
April 12: Last Quarter Moon
April 18: Mercury at greatest western elongation
April 20: New Moon
April 28: First Quarter Moon
Sky Roundup for March
Astronomical highlights for the month of March 2012
March Forth
There’s a childhood joke, a playful pun, that goes like this: What’s the one date that gives a command? The answer: March 4th. That’s it; nothing more to it. It’s not high comedy, but it’s a good reminder how we should treat our sky gazing this month. The weather’s blustery, even violent with tornadoes, as a global regime of winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere eventually gets replaced by the rule of its opposite season of summer. Still, we should forge ahead undaunted on clear nights and work to get out as often as we can this month.
Here’s what will make it worthwhile:
A veritable line-up of our planetary neighbors starts the month of March. Just after sunset and moving up from the western horizon, the planets Mercury, Uranus, Venus and Jupiter make a pleasing sight. For those with telescopes large enough, two of the larger asteroids Ceres and Vesta can also be glimpsed. (See Chart 1. The fainter objects are found on the chart just to the left of the first letter of their name.)
Mercury hugs the horizon all month as it drifts back toward the glare of the setting Sun. More visible in their appearance, Venus and Jupiter pair nicely in evening twilight for a striking apparition. On March 13th the two bright planets dominate the evening sky in the west with their closest apparent approach to one another. (See Chart 2.)
By month’s end, Jupiter, still in Aries (the Ram), drifts toward the western horizon, but remains bright with brilliant Venus in evening twilight. By the way, at this time, too, Venus closes in on the Pleiades, making for a fine sight in binoculars.
On March 25th after sunset, a slim crescent Moon passes above Jupiter and then to the side of Venus on March 26th. (See Chart 3.)
Mars in Leo (the Lion), a fairly bright orange dot in the night sky, rises earlier every evening throughout the month and continues to drift toward the bright star Regulus in the eastern sky at sunset. This is an effect of playing catch-up (or retrograde motion) as the Earth overtakes Mars in its orbit around the Sun.
More significant is that Mars reaches opposition on March 3rd, which means the cold, dusty planet shines at its brightest. That is, in catching up to Mars, Earth now is poised between the Red Planet and the Sun, which means that Mars is not only its closest to Earth and appears bright but is seen rising as the Sun sets, hence the term opposition, for Mars appears opposite the Sun in the sky. (See Chart 4 for Mars at month’s end.)
Saturn, in Virgo (the Maiden), rising earlier every evening, slowly drifts to the side of Spica, its brightest star, but still remains in that constellation and visible all night till sunup. (See Chart 5 for Saturn at month’s end).
Distant Neptune remains lost in the glare of the Sun.
In this month, one can also boldly step out to attempt a Messier marathon. This is an annual ritual for many intrepid amateur astronomers, who seek to observe, in a single night, all of the nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters once catalogued by Parisian astronomer Charles Messier (pronounced mess-see-yay). A telescope, binoculars, and a set of star charts are required to make this a worthwhile endeavor.
Local astronomy clubs will likely host an observing site or post observing tips for members and public alike. One outfit that does a good job at organizing star parties is the Sangamon Astronomical Society, headquartered in central Illinois, which is hosting its own annual gathering. Details are found here.
Here’s what will make it worthwhile:
A veritable line-up of our planetary neighbors starts the month of March. Just after sunset and moving up from the western horizon, the planets Mercury, Uranus, Venus and Jupiter make a pleasing sight. For those with telescopes large enough, two of the larger asteroids Ceres and Vesta can also be glimpsed. (See Chart 1. The fainter objects are found on the chart just to the left of the first letter of their name.)
Mercury hugs the horizon all month as it drifts back toward the glare of the setting Sun. More visible in their appearance, Venus and Jupiter pair nicely in evening twilight for a striking apparition. On March 13th the two bright planets dominate the evening sky in the west with their closest apparent approach to one another. (See Chart 2.)
By month’s end, Jupiter, still in Aries (the Ram), drifts toward the western horizon, but remains bright with brilliant Venus in evening twilight. By the way, at this time, too, Venus closes in on the Pleiades, making for a fine sight in binoculars.
On March 25th after sunset, a slim crescent Moon passes above Jupiter and then to the side of Venus on March 26th. (See Chart 3.)
Mars in Leo (the Lion), a fairly bright orange dot in the night sky, rises earlier every evening throughout the month and continues to drift toward the bright star Regulus in the eastern sky at sunset. This is an effect of playing catch-up (or retrograde motion) as the Earth overtakes Mars in its orbit around the Sun.
More significant is that Mars reaches opposition on March 3rd, which means the cold, dusty planet shines at its brightest. That is, in catching up to Mars, Earth now is poised between the Red Planet and the Sun, which means that Mars is not only its closest to Earth and appears bright but is seen rising as the Sun sets, hence the term opposition, for Mars appears opposite the Sun in the sky. (See Chart 4 for Mars at month’s end.)
Saturn, in Virgo (the Maiden), rising earlier every evening, slowly drifts to the side of Spica, its brightest star, but still remains in that constellation and visible all night till sunup. (See Chart 5 for Saturn at month’s end).
Distant Neptune remains lost in the glare of the Sun.
In this month, one can also boldly step out to attempt a Messier marathon. This is an annual ritual for many intrepid amateur astronomers, who seek to observe, in a single night, all of the nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters once catalogued by Parisian astronomer Charles Messier (pronounced mess-see-yay). A telescope, binoculars, and a set of star charts are required to make this a worthwhile endeavor.
Local astronomy clubs will likely host an observing site or post observing tips for members and public alike. One outfit that does a good job at organizing star parties is the Sangamon Astronomical Society, headquartered in central Illinois, which is hosting its own annual gathering. Details are found here.
Celestial phenomena don’t wait to be observed, so march forth into the night and watch the skies.
Sky Roundup Almanac for March 2012
March 3: Mars at opposition.
March 7: Moon 9 degrees SSW of Mars.
March 8: Full Moon.
March 11: Daylight Saving Time in USA starts. Set clocks ahead one hour. Moon 6 degrees SSW of Saturn.
March 14: Last Quarter Moon.
March 16: Moon 1.5 degrees SSW of Pluto.
March 20: Vernal Equinox, first day of Spring, arrives at 12:14 a.m., CDT; Moon 5.5 degrees NNW of Neptune.
March 22: New Moon; Moon 1.5 degrees NNW of Mercury; Moon 5.2 degrees NNW of Uranus.
March 25: Moon 3 degrees N of Jupiter.
March 26: Moon 2 degrees SSE of Venus.
March 30: First Quarter Moon.
March 7: Moon 9 degrees SSW of Mars.
March 8: Full Moon.
March 11: Daylight Saving Time in USA starts. Set clocks ahead one hour. Moon 6 degrees SSW of Saturn.
March 14: Last Quarter Moon.
March 16: Moon 1.5 degrees SSW of Pluto.
March 20: Vernal Equinox, first day of Spring, arrives at 12:14 a.m., CDT; Moon 5.5 degrees NNW of Neptune.
March 22: New Moon; Moon 1.5 degrees NNW of Mercury; Moon 5.2 degrees NNW of Uranus.
March 25: Moon 3 degrees N of Jupiter.
March 26: Moon 2 degrees SSE of Venus.
March 30: First Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for February
Astronomical highlights for the month of February 2012
A Short Month Just a Little Longer
The month of February this year, a leap year, has 29 days, one more to let us see the winter sky. That extra day allows us to see all of the major phases (i.e., New, Full, First and Last Quarters) of the Moon. Had there been the usual 28 days of February, we’d just miss the First Quarter this month.
For American Indians, February's full Moon was called the Full Snow Moon, since the heaviest snow usually was known to fall during this month. It was also referred to as the Full Hunger Moon, due to harsh weather conditions, making hunting difficult.
Here’s a short rundown of the planets for this short month that’s just a little longer.
Mars in Leo (the Lion) appears as a brighter and bigger orange dot in the eastern sky as Earth in its orbit begins to catch up with the Red Planet in its own orbit. Where Mars appeared to be dropping out of Leo last month, the planet this month appears now to move slowly westward, that is, back into Leo and toward the bright star Regulus. This is an effect of playing catch-up. That is, as Earth catches up to Mars, the Red Planet seems to move backward (called retrograde motion) against the backdrop of stars in the night sky. (See Chart 1, below, for Mars at mid-month just after midnight.)
Opposite Mars is brilliant Venus still close to the western horizon this month. Moving amid the stars of Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) at the start of the month (see Chart 2, below), Venus appears against the backdrop of stars in Pisces (the Fishes) by the end of the month (see Chart 3, below). Note, too, that brightest planet begins to pair with the largest planet.
Jupiter now in Aries (the Ram), also rising earlier and earlier, can be found in the western sky all month long, setting before midnight (see Chart 3 again) and looking stunning when paired with Venus later in the month.
Saturn, in Virgo (the Maiden), remains parked in that constellation and is still visible in morning twilight before sunup. But, as with Mars, Saturn will exhibit retrograde motion, too, as Earth passes Saturn, making the Ringed Planet appear to drift westward back toward the star Spica (See Chart 4, below, at month’s end).
Still as in previous months, distant Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) is just visible before evening twilight in the western sky by mid-month. (See Chart 5.) Note that the tiny greenish dot of Uranus appears close to the brilliant large dot of Venus. (To find it in a telescope, use the red tick marks to show the location of Uranus close to Venus.) Also, note that the asteroid Ceres (now known as a dwarf planet) is also in the vicinity.
Distant Neptune is lost in the glare of the Sun.
For American Indians, February's full Moon was called the Full Snow Moon, since the heaviest snow usually was known to fall during this month. It was also referred to as the Full Hunger Moon, due to harsh weather conditions, making hunting difficult.
Here’s a short rundown of the planets for this short month that’s just a little longer.
Mars in Leo (the Lion) appears as a brighter and bigger orange dot in the eastern sky as Earth in its orbit begins to catch up with the Red Planet in its own orbit. Where Mars appeared to be dropping out of Leo last month, the planet this month appears now to move slowly westward, that is, back into Leo and toward the bright star Regulus. This is an effect of playing catch-up. That is, as Earth catches up to Mars, the Red Planet seems to move backward (called retrograde motion) against the backdrop of stars in the night sky. (See Chart 1, below, for Mars at mid-month just after midnight.)
Opposite Mars is brilliant Venus still close to the western horizon this month. Moving amid the stars of Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) at the start of the month (see Chart 2, below), Venus appears against the backdrop of stars in Pisces (the Fishes) by the end of the month (see Chart 3, below). Note, too, that brightest planet begins to pair with the largest planet.
Jupiter now in Aries (the Ram), also rising earlier and earlier, can be found in the western sky all month long, setting before midnight (see Chart 3 again) and looking stunning when paired with Venus later in the month.
Saturn, in Virgo (the Maiden), remains parked in that constellation and is still visible in morning twilight before sunup. But, as with Mars, Saturn will exhibit retrograde motion, too, as Earth passes Saturn, making the Ringed Planet appear to drift westward back toward the star Spica (See Chart 4, below, at month’s end).
Still as in previous months, distant Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) is just visible before evening twilight in the western sky by mid-month. (See Chart 5.) Note that the tiny greenish dot of Uranus appears close to the brilliant large dot of Venus. (To find it in a telescope, use the red tick marks to show the location of Uranus close to Venus.) Also, note that the asteroid Ceres (now known as a dwarf planet) is also in the vicinity.
Distant Neptune is lost in the glare of the Sun.
If it’s clear during the nights from February 23rd to 25th, be certain to look at the grouping of the waxing crescent Moon with both Jupiter and Venus in the western sky after sunset. It should be an eye-catching sight even without binoculars or telescopes. (See Chart 6 above.)
In this short month, get in an extra day to do some extra observing.
In this short month, get in an extra day to do some extra observing.
Sky Roundup Almanac for February 2012
February 7: Full Moon.
February 14: Last Quarter Moon.
February 21: New Moon.
February 29: First Quarter Moon.
February 14: Last Quarter Moon.
February 21: New Moon.
February 29: First Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for January
Astronomical highlights for the month of January 2012
Just Yet, Let's Not Shelve Twenty-Twelve
It’s over! We’re doomed! The end is nigh! The world will end in 2012!
So said the Mayans. And those gullible enough to follow the hype.
Oh, how the prognosticators have given us up for lost. Please, don’t believe it.
No one knows for certain when the world will end, not the day, not the hour, let alone the Mayans. And besides, their interpretation is not what’s been popularly told. Theirs was not an end to all, but an end to a long cycle in their calendar. For them, the end of that cycle was a time to anticipate the renewal of life and a new beginning.
More than anything for 2012, this is a genuine time for us, too, to start with a fresh set of eyes and a refreshed perspective for what can be, and not for what the imaginings of others may want us to believe. Don’t be hasty, don’t be anxious. There’s plenty enough to get nervous about when the real end-of-times comes, whenever that will be.
So, relax. Grab your binocular or telescope and go outside. Take time to let your eyes adapt to the dark. And let’s start off this year right with some decent down-to-Earth observation of the night sky above.
Mars in Leo (the Lion) remains that pale orange dot seen rising earlier and earlier and still dropping slowly out of Leo in the eastern sky. (See Chart 1, below, for Mars at mid-month just after midnight.)
By midnight, Jupiter in Pisces (the Fishes), also rising earlier and earlier, can be found nearly opposite Mars and in the western sky all month long. (See Chart 2, below, for its location in the western sky.)
While gazing in the direction of West just after sunset, it will be obvious to spot brilliant Venus closing in on the west-southwestern horizon. (See Chart 3, below.)
Saturn, in Virgo (the Maiden) all last year and remains so this month, still sits near Spica, the Maiden’s brightest star, visible in morning twilight before sunup. (See Chart 4, below.) Saturn, the wizened old chap who’s traditionally interpreted as Father Time on New Year’s Eve, appears as a great look through a modest telescope. The rings of that distant, cold, slow-orbiting world are showing up better and better due to their increasing inclination as seen from our vantage on our home planet Earth.
Still as in previous months, distant Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and even farther Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) are still available to be glimpsed, but are increasingly obscured in evening twilight. (Scroll well down to see last month’s charts to locate these planets, as their position in the sky hasn’t changed much.) More to the point, these two distant planets are getting close enough to the western horizon at sunset and thereafter where good observation decreases in the night sky.
Of course, let’s not forget Earth’s nearest neighbor, the Moon. The waning gibbous Moon is near Mars on Jan. 14th. (See Chart 5, below.) The Last Quarter Moon moves near Saturn in the southeastern sky by 3 a.m. on Jan. 16th (see Chart 6, below). The Moon, a day before the phase of First Quarter, also finds itself next to Jupiter on Jan 29th (see Chart 7, below).
So said the Mayans. And those gullible enough to follow the hype.
Oh, how the prognosticators have given us up for lost. Please, don’t believe it.
No one knows for certain when the world will end, not the day, not the hour, let alone the Mayans. And besides, their interpretation is not what’s been popularly told. Theirs was not an end to all, but an end to a long cycle in their calendar. For them, the end of that cycle was a time to anticipate the renewal of life and a new beginning.
More than anything for 2012, this is a genuine time for us, too, to start with a fresh set of eyes and a refreshed perspective for what can be, and not for what the imaginings of others may want us to believe. Don’t be hasty, don’t be anxious. There’s plenty enough to get nervous about when the real end-of-times comes, whenever that will be.
So, relax. Grab your binocular or telescope and go outside. Take time to let your eyes adapt to the dark. And let’s start off this year right with some decent down-to-Earth observation of the night sky above.
Mars in Leo (the Lion) remains that pale orange dot seen rising earlier and earlier and still dropping slowly out of Leo in the eastern sky. (See Chart 1, below, for Mars at mid-month just after midnight.)
By midnight, Jupiter in Pisces (the Fishes), also rising earlier and earlier, can be found nearly opposite Mars and in the western sky all month long. (See Chart 2, below, for its location in the western sky.)
While gazing in the direction of West just after sunset, it will be obvious to spot brilliant Venus closing in on the west-southwestern horizon. (See Chart 3, below.)
Saturn, in Virgo (the Maiden) all last year and remains so this month, still sits near Spica, the Maiden’s brightest star, visible in morning twilight before sunup. (See Chart 4, below.) Saturn, the wizened old chap who’s traditionally interpreted as Father Time on New Year’s Eve, appears as a great look through a modest telescope. The rings of that distant, cold, slow-orbiting world are showing up better and better due to their increasing inclination as seen from our vantage on our home planet Earth.
Still as in previous months, distant Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and even farther Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) are still available to be glimpsed, but are increasingly obscured in evening twilight. (Scroll well down to see last month’s charts to locate these planets, as their position in the sky hasn’t changed much.) More to the point, these two distant planets are getting close enough to the western horizon at sunset and thereafter where good observation decreases in the night sky.
Of course, let’s not forget Earth’s nearest neighbor, the Moon. The waning gibbous Moon is near Mars on Jan. 14th. (See Chart 5, below.) The Last Quarter Moon moves near Saturn in the southeastern sky by 3 a.m. on Jan. 16th (see Chart 6, below). The Moon, a day before the phase of First Quarter, also finds itself next to Jupiter on Jan 29th (see Chart 7, below).
As one can plainly see, the untold span of the universe and the spinning Earth itself continue to run like clockwork, despite the alerts for its impending end. Don’t be guiled by the unfounded hype of shrill voices; rather, be drawn in by the quiet lure of the night sky’s own majesty.
Sky Roundup Almanac for January 2012
January 1: First Quarter Moon.
January 9: Full Moon.
January 16: Last Quarter Moon.
January 23: New Moon.
January 30: First Quarter.
January 1: First Quarter Moon.
January 9: Full Moon.
January 16: Last Quarter Moon.
January 23: New Moon.
January 30: First Quarter.
Sky Roundup for December
Astronomical highlights for the month of December 2011
The Night Before Christmas
Since 2009, Roy Kaelin's Sky Roundup for December has started with his parody of “A Visit of St. Nicholas” and that little tradition continues this year.—With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
And to All a Clear Night
Most of the month of December keeps Midwestern folks burrowed indoors, either snow-bound or sheltered from the cold for long nights on end. For those who can afford the time and muster the attempt to venture out-of-doors, a clear night or two can reward your effort. Grab a binocular or a small scope and step outside. Here’s what to look for in the night sky this month.
Mercury dropped from view in Libra (the Scales) late last month, hidden in the glare of the Sun. By the start of this month, it’s still out of sight but becomes visible by mid-month in the morning sky back in Libra and straddling Scorpius (the Scorpion). By month’s end, the hot little world is sinking back toward the horizon in Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Handler) and is difficult to see. (See Chart 1, to show both Mercury in morning twilight at mid-month and Chart 2 for Mercury at month’s end. Scroll down for the sky charts. Clicking on the “1” shows the first chart.)
As it has emerged into the evening sky, brilliant Venus occupies the western sky after sunset, moving from Sagittarius (the Archer); by month’s end, Venus stands squarely in Capricornus (the Sea-Goat). (See Chart 3, for Venus at mid-month.)
Mars in Leo (the Lion) is still a pale orange dot rising earlier and earlier and is seen by month’s end, rising by midnight but dropping slowly out of Leo in the eastern sky. (See Chart 4 for Mars at month’s start and Chart 5 for Mars at month’s end. Note how the little red planet has moved through Leo by New Year's Eve.)
Slow-moving, majestic Jupiter in Aries (the Ram), also rising earlier and earlier, at the beginning of the month remains out all night till dawn for the whole month. By month’s end, the largest planet in our Solar System has passed into Pisces (the Fishes), always a welcome sight in a modest telescope. (See Chart 6, for its location in the eastern sky by evening twilight.)
Saturn, still in Virgo (the Maiden), sidling near to Spica, the Maiden’s brightest star, can be glimpsed well in a telescope at the month’s start in morning twilight before sunup. (See Chart 7.)
Just as in previous months, distant Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and even farther Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) are still available to be glimpsed, low and toward the west-southwestern sky by midnight, and still each only as a tiny dot. (See Chart 8, with red tick marks for Uranus's location; see Chart 9, with red tick marks for Neptune's location.)
The Moon always puts in a fine appearance in any clear sky when it is visible above our horizon. Not surprisingly, the Moon in December was known by American Indians as the Cold Moon or the Long Nights Moon.
Whether viewed bright and bold, riding high on a clear winter’s night, or seen low and lazy, drifting through humid summer’s haze, the Moon peers down at its faithful observers with a variety of faces, its constant change of phase, for our delight and wonder.
Yes, its movements are predictable, and, yes, its light washes out the fainter stars, galaxies, and nebulae, but the Moon itself is still an object of endless fascination. The subtle, slow, monthly play of light and shadow across the surface of the Moon at low- to medium-magnification through a decent scope offers a level of detail not seen with any other celestial object.
Ideal as a practice subject for sky photography, for sketching its detail at the eyepiece, and for the sheer enjoyment of moongazing, our nearest celestial neighbor does not disappoint for its steadfastness as a subject worthy of observation.
The waxing gibbous Moon appears next to Jupiter in the eastern sky in early evening on Dec. 6th (see Chart 10); the Last Quarter Moon moves near Mars by midnight on Dec. 17th by 2 a.m. (see Chart 11); and, as a waning crescent below Saturn on Dec. 20th by 5 a.m. before sunrise (see Chart 12).
Not to forget the distant planets, the waxing crescent Moon appears near Neptune (see Chart 9 again) low in the western sky by 10 p.m. (CST) on Dec. 1st and the waxing gibbous Moon near Uranus, same part of the sky, two nights later, by 11 p.m. (see Chart 8 again).
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
And to All a Clear Night
Most of the month of December keeps Midwestern folks burrowed indoors, either snow-bound or sheltered from the cold for long nights on end. For those who can afford the time and muster the attempt to venture out-of-doors, a clear night or two can reward your effort. Grab a binocular or a small scope and step outside. Here’s what to look for in the night sky this month.
Mercury dropped from view in Libra (the Scales) late last month, hidden in the glare of the Sun. By the start of this month, it’s still out of sight but becomes visible by mid-month in the morning sky back in Libra and straddling Scorpius (the Scorpion). By month’s end, the hot little world is sinking back toward the horizon in Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Handler) and is difficult to see. (See Chart 1, to show both Mercury in morning twilight at mid-month and Chart 2 for Mercury at month’s end. Scroll down for the sky charts. Clicking on the “1” shows the first chart.)
As it has emerged into the evening sky, brilliant Venus occupies the western sky after sunset, moving from Sagittarius (the Archer); by month’s end, Venus stands squarely in Capricornus (the Sea-Goat). (See Chart 3, for Venus at mid-month.)
Mars in Leo (the Lion) is still a pale orange dot rising earlier and earlier and is seen by month’s end, rising by midnight but dropping slowly out of Leo in the eastern sky. (See Chart 4 for Mars at month’s start and Chart 5 for Mars at month’s end. Note how the little red planet has moved through Leo by New Year's Eve.)
Slow-moving, majestic Jupiter in Aries (the Ram), also rising earlier and earlier, at the beginning of the month remains out all night till dawn for the whole month. By month’s end, the largest planet in our Solar System has passed into Pisces (the Fishes), always a welcome sight in a modest telescope. (See Chart 6, for its location in the eastern sky by evening twilight.)
Saturn, still in Virgo (the Maiden), sidling near to Spica, the Maiden’s brightest star, can be glimpsed well in a telescope at the month’s start in morning twilight before sunup. (See Chart 7.)
Just as in previous months, distant Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) and even farther Neptune in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) are still available to be glimpsed, low and toward the west-southwestern sky by midnight, and still each only as a tiny dot. (See Chart 8, with red tick marks for Uranus's location; see Chart 9, with red tick marks for Neptune's location.)
The Moon always puts in a fine appearance in any clear sky when it is visible above our horizon. Not surprisingly, the Moon in December was known by American Indians as the Cold Moon or the Long Nights Moon.
Whether viewed bright and bold, riding high on a clear winter’s night, or seen low and lazy, drifting through humid summer’s haze, the Moon peers down at its faithful observers with a variety of faces, its constant change of phase, for our delight and wonder.
Yes, its movements are predictable, and, yes, its light washes out the fainter stars, galaxies, and nebulae, but the Moon itself is still an object of endless fascination. The subtle, slow, monthly play of light and shadow across the surface of the Moon at low- to medium-magnification through a decent scope offers a level of detail not seen with any other celestial object.
Ideal as a practice subject for sky photography, for sketching its detail at the eyepiece, and for the sheer enjoyment of moongazing, our nearest celestial neighbor does not disappoint for its steadfastness as a subject worthy of observation.
The waxing gibbous Moon appears next to Jupiter in the eastern sky in early evening on Dec. 6th (see Chart 10); the Last Quarter Moon moves near Mars by midnight on Dec. 17th by 2 a.m. (see Chart 11); and, as a waning crescent below Saturn on Dec. 20th by 5 a.m. before sunrise (see Chart 12).
Not to forget the distant planets, the waxing crescent Moon appears near Neptune (see Chart 9 again) low in the western sky by 10 p.m. (CST) on Dec. 1st and the waxing gibbous Moon near Uranus, same part of the sky, two nights later, by 11 p.m. (see Chart 8 again).
There are always things to see in the night sky. The Sky Roundup column is just a sample of the highlights every month. Every clear night offers another opportunity to become more familiar with our celestial neighbors. Look up and observe as often as you are able.
For now, we finish out another year, with all of its flourishes and foibles, its good times and bad. We take a look back and try to put in perspective all that’s past. Some things will make sense; other things never will.
But dwell not too much on times gone by. Time to turn aside from all that we recall and instead look ahead. As trite as it sounds, we cannot change the past. But we certainly can adjust to the present as we find it, and consign ourselves to a more certain future with a renewed effort to work hard, see clearly, and keep focused.
We live in uncertain times, as every generation before us always has. It’s likely to be another year of highs and lows, so buck up and buckle up. Let’s look forward to this same time next year when we can say we had an excellent time and enjoyed the ride. Till then, watch the skies!
For now, we finish out another year, with all of its flourishes and foibles, its good times and bad. We take a look back and try to put in perspective all that’s past. Some things will make sense; other things never will.
But dwell not too much on times gone by. Time to turn aside from all that we recall and instead look ahead. As trite as it sounds, we cannot change the past. But we certainly can adjust to the present as we find it, and consign ourselves to a more certain future with a renewed effort to work hard, see clearly, and keep focused.
We live in uncertain times, as every generation before us always has. It’s likely to be another year of highs and lows, so buck up and buckle up. Let’s look forward to this same time next year when we can say we had an excellent time and enjoyed the ride. Till then, watch the skies!
Sky Roundup Almanac for December 2011
December 2: First Quarter Moon.
December 10: Full Moon.
December 17: Last Quarter Moon.
December 21: Winter Solstice, i.e., astronomical start of Winter, 11:30 p.m. CST.
December 24: New Moon.
December 10: Full Moon.
December 17: Last Quarter Moon.
December 21: Winter Solstice, i.e., astronomical start of Winter, 11:30 p.m. CST.
December 24: New Moon.
Sky Roundup for November
Astronomical highlights for the month of November 2011
Thanksgiving Parade
Another month arrives and another holiday season comes upon us. For peoples and cultures past, this was the month to give thanks for the warm season just ended, the bountiful harvest just finished, the stocked larder just provisioned, and the flocks and herds rounded up and safely guarded.
In this country, a fine repast was prepared for family and friends, to celebrate and symbolize the significant annual milestone of mastering nature by one’s own industry and so making oneself ready to survive the onslaught of Winter.
Nowadays, most of us don’t need to farm, to hunt, or to herd. Most of us make certain we’ve simply notified the grocery store early enough to order a turkey, after it’s decided which house will hold the annual American ritual of conspicuous feasting.
During the day on Thanksgiving Day, another annual tradition, the Macy’s Day Parade is held in New York City and broadcast worldwide to announce the coming of Santa Claus and, as retailers hope, to kick off a frenzy of holiday shopping.
But there’s yet another tradition one can celebrate most of the month on any given clear night, namely, the custom of observing a parade of planets from dusk till dawn. Planets are always shining in the night sky and this month is no exception. No baton twirlers or marching bands, the quiet queue of our neighbors in space move noiselessly through the heavens, and we can glimpse most all of them, but it’ll take a little patience and persistence.
Let’s see who’s on parade this month.
Mercury (in Libra, the Scales) can only be glimpsed close to the horizon by the first of the month, as it emerges into the evening sky with Venus. (See Chart 1, below left, to show both Mercury and Venus in evening twilight at month’s start. Clicking on the “1” shows the first chart.) Both planets move close with one another till mid-month and into Sagittarius (the Archer); by month’s end, Venus remains near the top of the peaked lid of the Teapot asterism in Sagittarius while Mercury has dropped from view in the glare of the setting Sun. (See Chart 2, for Venus at month’s end.)
Mars (in Leo, the Lion) is still a pale orange dot rising well ahead of the Sun, but will grow slightly larger in angular size as it approaches opposition by next March. (See Chart 3, to show the red planet’s location in the eastern sky at 3 a.m. at month’s start. Click on the “3”.)
Just past opposition late last month, Jupiter (in Aries, the Ram) still is visible from late night and through the wee hours till dawn for the whole month, making for a fine sight at medium-to-high magnification in a modest telescope. (See Chart 4, for its location in the western sky by morning.)
Saturn (still in Virgo, the Maiden) is still too close to the Sun to be conveniently visible, but can be glimpsed in a telescope, and has emerged fully by month’s start into the morning sky. (See Chart 5.)
Distant Uranus (in Pisces, the Fishes) and even farther Neptune (in Aquarius, the Water-Bearer) are still available to be glimpsed, toward the west-southwestern sky by midnight, and still each only as a tiny dot. (See Chart 6, with red tick marks for Uranus's location; see Chart 7, with red tick marks for Neptune's location.)
In this country, a fine repast was prepared for family and friends, to celebrate and symbolize the significant annual milestone of mastering nature by one’s own industry and so making oneself ready to survive the onslaught of Winter.
Nowadays, most of us don’t need to farm, to hunt, or to herd. Most of us make certain we’ve simply notified the grocery store early enough to order a turkey, after it’s decided which house will hold the annual American ritual of conspicuous feasting.
During the day on Thanksgiving Day, another annual tradition, the Macy’s Day Parade is held in New York City and broadcast worldwide to announce the coming of Santa Claus and, as retailers hope, to kick off a frenzy of holiday shopping.
But there’s yet another tradition one can celebrate most of the month on any given clear night, namely, the custom of observing a parade of planets from dusk till dawn. Planets are always shining in the night sky and this month is no exception. No baton twirlers or marching bands, the quiet queue of our neighbors in space move noiselessly through the heavens, and we can glimpse most all of them, but it’ll take a little patience and persistence.
Let’s see who’s on parade this month.
Mercury (in Libra, the Scales) can only be glimpsed close to the horizon by the first of the month, as it emerges into the evening sky with Venus. (See Chart 1, below left, to show both Mercury and Venus in evening twilight at month’s start. Clicking on the “1” shows the first chart.) Both planets move close with one another till mid-month and into Sagittarius (the Archer); by month’s end, Venus remains near the top of the peaked lid of the Teapot asterism in Sagittarius while Mercury has dropped from view in the glare of the setting Sun. (See Chart 2, for Venus at month’s end.)
Mars (in Leo, the Lion) is still a pale orange dot rising well ahead of the Sun, but will grow slightly larger in angular size as it approaches opposition by next March. (See Chart 3, to show the red planet’s location in the eastern sky at 3 a.m. at month’s start. Click on the “3”.)
Just past opposition late last month, Jupiter (in Aries, the Ram) still is visible from late night and through the wee hours till dawn for the whole month, making for a fine sight at medium-to-high magnification in a modest telescope. (See Chart 4, for its location in the western sky by morning.)
Saturn (still in Virgo, the Maiden) is still too close to the Sun to be conveniently visible, but can be glimpsed in a telescope, and has emerged fully by month’s start into the morning sky. (See Chart 5.)
Distant Uranus (in Pisces, the Fishes) and even farther Neptune (in Aquarius, the Water-Bearer) are still available to be glimpsed, toward the west-southwestern sky by midnight, and still each only as a tiny dot. (See Chart 6, with red tick marks for Uranus's location; see Chart 7, with red tick marks for Neptune's location.)
Attending this parade is always the Moon, since its path fairly coincides with the paths of planets as seen from Earth. So, look for the waxing gibbous Moon near Neptune on Nov. 3rd (see Chart 8, with red tick marks showing Neptune’s location) and above Jupiter on Nov. 9th (see Chart 9).
The waning gibbous Moon moves beneath Mars after midnight on Nov. 19th (see Chart 10) and as a waning crescent below Saturn on Nov. 22nd before sunrise (see Chart 11).
By the way, for this month of November, American Indians knew Earth’s nearest neighbor as the Beaver Moon, for it was their custom at this time to set animal traps before swamps froze. Another custom this month instructs us to move our clocks back an hour as we move back to Standard Time. So, on Nov. 5th, be certain to change your clock, ending Daylight Saving Time.
If you’re fortunate to have family and friends to share a meal this holiday season, even if it isn’t at Thanksgiving, be thankful for their company and camaraderie. If they’re bold to venture out-of-doors, you can also invite them to sneak a peak at the celestial parade on display all month long. Show them it’s still a wide, wonderful universe for which to be thankful.
The waning gibbous Moon moves beneath Mars after midnight on Nov. 19th (see Chart 10) and as a waning crescent below Saturn on Nov. 22nd before sunrise (see Chart 11).
By the way, for this month of November, American Indians knew Earth’s nearest neighbor as the Beaver Moon, for it was their custom at this time to set animal traps before swamps froze. Another custom this month instructs us to move our clocks back an hour as we move back to Standard Time. So, on Nov. 5th, be certain to change your clock, ending Daylight Saving Time.
If you’re fortunate to have family and friends to share a meal this holiday season, even if it isn’t at Thanksgiving, be thankful for their company and camaraderie. If they’re bold to venture out-of-doors, you can also invite them to sneak a peak at the celestial parade on display all month long. Show them it’s still a wide, wonderful universe for which to be thankful.
Sky Roundup Almanac for November 2011
November 2: First Quarter Moon.
November 5: From Saturday into Sunday, fall back an hour to Standard Time, ending Daylight Saving Time.
November 10: Full Moon.
November 17: Last Quarter Moon.
November 24: New Moon.
November 5: From Saturday into Sunday, fall back an hour to Standard Time, ending Daylight Saving Time.
November 10: Full Moon.
November 17: Last Quarter Moon.
November 24: New Moon.
Sky Roundup for October
Astronomical highlights for the month of October 2011
Colors of Fall
This month brings out Fall colors of crimson, gold, and pumpkin, as we celebrate Summer’s end and Autumn’s start. Cultures from centuries past have used this time, while the harvest was underway, to take stock of warm months just ended and prepare for cold times ahead. With barns and stables cleaned, and a season's debris piled high and lit as bonfires, folks made merry at month’s end to celebrate a successful crop and a stocked larder, a well tended flock and a healthy herd.
The familiar green of Summer has given way to an anticipated palette of warm autumnal hues. But these aren’t just the well known colors of trees that’ll eventually drop their leaves; rather, they are the hues, too, of celestial objects falling from the heavens. That is, meteors blazing through our atmosphere also show us a fair rainbow of warm, bright colors as well!
Go out after midnight on any clear night or rise before dawn and simply look up. Turn to any direction and take the chance of spying a stray meteor streaking across the sky. Its flash lasts only a moment, but the eye responds well to color, and meteors do show them. Observers routinely report a flaming red head, a golden yellow train, an orangey streak, or a greenish tail.
Meteors, known lyrically as falling stars, are more than bits of stray debris; for the most part, they are particles left behind from the passage of a comet. As Earth plows through the comet's wake, the particles not only burn up, but the high speed at which they blister through our atmosphere makes the air itself glow bright and hot, and just for a moment.
One particular meteor shower is on tap this month, namely, the Orionid shower that peaks on Oct. 21st. By the way, meteor showers get their name from the constellation out of which they appear to originate; in this case, it’s the pattern of Orion (the Hunter). You’ll definitely need to rise before dawn to see this since, for the season of Autumn, Orion is visible high in the sky before sunup. By Winter, Orion will dominate the night sky after sundown.
While you're outside looking for meteors, take a chance to spy a unique feature in the Solar System, namely, the zodiacal light. This is not a phenomenon in Earth's atmosphere; rather, it is the appearance of sunlight reflecting from meteoric particles out in space along the plane of our orbit. As seen from Earth, the zodiacal light appears as a wedge of soft light rising up from the horizon along the Zodiac. It's not visible year round, but is best seen either before sunrise from late September through early October or after sunset from late March through early April.
For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the zodiacal light has roughly the appearance of capital letter "A" with its apex tilted toward the south. With no Moon in the pre-dawn sky of early October, this is the best time to see this ephemeral pheomenon. For images of the zodiacal light, click here.
Let’s look for what else can be viewed in the sky this month.
Mercury (in Virgo, the Maiden) is lost in the glare of the Sun for the first of the month, but begins to emerge into the evening sky with Venus. Both planets move closer together for the remainder of October and are very nearly in conjunction by Hallowe’en, though their proximity to the Sun at sunset makes them dicey to see clearly. (See Chart 1. Clicking on “1” shows the first chart.)
Mars (in Cancer, the Crab) moves into Leo, the Lion, by month’s end and is still a pale orange dot rising well ahead of the Sun. (See Chart 2, to show the red planet's location. Click on the “2”.)
Like last month, Jupiter (in Aries, the Ram) remains visible from late night and through the wee hours till dawn for the whole month, hanging by mid-month in the southeastern sky with the waning gibbous Moon after midnight till dawn. (See Chart 3. Click on the “3”.)
Saturn (still in Virgo, the Maiden) is too close to the Sun to be conveniently visible for most of the month, but emerges by month’s end into the morning sky, still in the constellation Virgo where it has lingered for months. (See Chart 4.)
Faraway Uranus (in Pisces, the Fishes) and more distant Neptune (in Aquarius, the Water-Bearer) are challenges for a modest telescope, but each can be glimpsed with sufficient magnification as a tiny dot. (See Chart 5, with red tick marks for Uranus's location; see Chart 6, with red tick marks for Neptune's location.)
The familiar green of Summer has given way to an anticipated palette of warm autumnal hues. But these aren’t just the well known colors of trees that’ll eventually drop their leaves; rather, they are the hues, too, of celestial objects falling from the heavens. That is, meteors blazing through our atmosphere also show us a fair rainbow of warm, bright colors as well!
Go out after midnight on any clear night or rise before dawn and simply look up. Turn to any direction and take the chance of spying a stray meteor streaking across the sky. Its flash lasts only a moment, but the eye responds well to color, and meteors do show them. Observers routinely report a flaming red head, a golden yellow train, an orangey streak, or a greenish tail.
Meteors, known lyrically as falling stars, are more than bits of stray debris; for the most part, they are particles left behind from the passage of a comet. As Earth plows through the comet's wake, the particles not only burn up, but the high speed at which they blister through our atmosphere makes the air itself glow bright and hot, and just for a moment.
One particular meteor shower is on tap this month, namely, the Orionid shower that peaks on Oct. 21st. By the way, meteor showers get their name from the constellation out of which they appear to originate; in this case, it’s the pattern of Orion (the Hunter). You’ll definitely need to rise before dawn to see this since, for the season of Autumn, Orion is visible high in the sky before sunup. By Winter, Orion will dominate the night sky after sundown.
While you're outside looking for meteors, take a chance to spy a unique feature in the Solar System, namely, the zodiacal light. This is not a phenomenon in Earth's atmosphere; rather, it is the appearance of sunlight reflecting from meteoric particles out in space along the plane of our orbit. As seen from Earth, the zodiacal light appears as a wedge of soft light rising up from the horizon along the Zodiac. It's not visible year round, but is best seen either before sunrise from late September through early October or after sunset from late March through early April.
For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the zodiacal light has roughly the appearance of capital letter "A" with its apex tilted toward the south. With no Moon in the pre-dawn sky of early October, this is the best time to see this ephemeral pheomenon. For images of the zodiacal light, click here.
Let’s look for what else can be viewed in the sky this month.
Mercury (in Virgo, the Maiden) is lost in the glare of the Sun for the first of the month, but begins to emerge into the evening sky with Venus. Both planets move closer together for the remainder of October and are very nearly in conjunction by Hallowe’en, though their proximity to the Sun at sunset makes them dicey to see clearly. (See Chart 1. Clicking on “1” shows the first chart.)
Mars (in Cancer, the Crab) moves into Leo, the Lion, by month’s end and is still a pale orange dot rising well ahead of the Sun. (See Chart 2, to show the red planet's location. Click on the “2”.)
Like last month, Jupiter (in Aries, the Ram) remains visible from late night and through the wee hours till dawn for the whole month, hanging by mid-month in the southeastern sky with the waning gibbous Moon after midnight till dawn. (See Chart 3. Click on the “3”.)
Saturn (still in Virgo, the Maiden) is too close to the Sun to be conveniently visible for most of the month, but emerges by month’s end into the morning sky, still in the constellation Virgo where it has lingered for months. (See Chart 4.)
Faraway Uranus (in Pisces, the Fishes) and more distant Neptune (in Aquarius, the Water-Bearer) are challenges for a modest telescope, but each can be glimpsed with sufficient magnification as a tiny dot. (See Chart 5, with red tick marks for Uranus's location; see Chart 6, with red tick marks for Neptune's location.)
More than just looking for tiny dots seen in a telescope, the practice of observing meteors doesn’t require any magnification. Just look up, look around, and enjoy the chance to catch a vivid, fiery streak across the sky. So, for this month, look for colors by day as they fall from the trees and for colors by night as they fall from the sky.
Sky Roundup Almanac for October 2011
October 3: First Quarter Moon.
October 10: Up to this date this month, the zodiacal light is visible before sunrise.
October 11: Full Moon.
October 19: Last Quarter Moon.
October 21: Peak of Orionid meteor shower.
October 26: New Moon.
October 10: Up to this date this month, the zodiacal light is visible before sunrise.
October 11: Full Moon.
October 19: Last Quarter Moon.
October 21: Peak of Orionid meteor shower.
October 26: New Moon.
Sky Roundup for September
Astronomical highlights for the month of September 2011
Remember
The hectic pace of life on our own world hits us squarely as we head into September. Every month, this brief column attempts to offer a small diversion from the swirl of the world’s frantic pace; still, the daily news reminds us of that frenzied gait events seem to take.
As we look back to our world ten years ago this month, we see how that world changed for us in these United States. Yes, the world did change, just as it did with the sudden turn of events in every generation since this country’s founding. Only more so for us for now, because we remember it first-hand. Still, we must remember the events of this and generations past to know how to live in the present and anticipate the future.
For a universe that runs like clockwork, the cosmos beyond our home planet becomes comprehensible through the science of astronomy, while events on Earth appear at times to be run by chaos. Science offers us many answers, but science in its best practice does not solve everything. Yes, it’s rational, it’s predictable, it's knowable. And its informed practice can conduct us along a knowable path, just as gravity guides planets in their orbits. But this is not to say that science alone should run our lives. More to the point, at the opposite extreme of an ordered universe, anarchy is not a governing strategy in the cosmos.
For this month, shut out the chaos by taking a moment to value the orderliness of the heavens.
Mercury (in Leo, the Lion) has emerged into the morning sky ahead of the Sun by the start of the month. (See Chart 1, below, for Mercury in morning twilight at month's start.)
Venus (also in Leo, the Lion), lost in the glare of the Sun most of the month, becomes just visible in evening twilight by month’s end.
As we look back to our world ten years ago this month, we see how that world changed for us in these United States. Yes, the world did change, just as it did with the sudden turn of events in every generation since this country’s founding. Only more so for us for now, because we remember it first-hand. Still, we must remember the events of this and generations past to know how to live in the present and anticipate the future.
For a universe that runs like clockwork, the cosmos beyond our home planet becomes comprehensible through the science of astronomy, while events on Earth appear at times to be run by chaos. Science offers us many answers, but science in its best practice does not solve everything. Yes, it’s rational, it’s predictable, it's knowable. And its informed practice can conduct us along a knowable path, just as gravity guides planets in their orbits. But this is not to say that science alone should run our lives. More to the point, at the opposite extreme of an ordered universe, anarchy is not a governing strategy in the cosmos.
For this month, shut out the chaos by taking a moment to value the orderliness of the heavens.
Mercury (in Leo, the Lion) has emerged into the morning sky ahead of the Sun by the start of the month. (See Chart 1, below, for Mercury in morning twilight at month's start.)
Venus (also in Leo, the Lion), lost in the glare of the Sun most of the month, becomes just visible in evening twilight by month’s end.
Mars (in Gemini, the Twins) moves into Cancer, the Crab, by mid-month and is still a pale orange dot rising well ahead of the Sun. By month’s end, Mars pairs with the well known star cluster, the Praesepe, making it a fine sight with good binoculars or low magnification in a modest telescope. (See Chart 2, above, for a close-up. Clicking on the "2" shows Chart 2.)
Jupiter (in Aries, the Ram) remains visible from late night and through the wee hours till dawn for the whole month, hanging for an evening in the eastern sky with the gibbous Moon by midnight at mid-month.
Saturn (still in Virgo, the Maiden) disappears in evening twilight shortly after sunset. It pairs with Venus by month’s end but the apparition is too close to the Sun to be conveniently visible.
Uranus (in Pisces, the Fishes) and more distant Neptune (in Aquarius, the Water-Bearer) remain aloof on the evening sky all month, far from the periodic chaos on our world.
This month we’re reminded again what happens when chaos tries to rule our world, but the cosmos beyond our home world shows us a serene, orderly arrangement, one to savor as often as we can.
Jupiter (in Aries, the Ram) remains visible from late night and through the wee hours till dawn for the whole month, hanging for an evening in the eastern sky with the gibbous Moon by midnight at mid-month.
Saturn (still in Virgo, the Maiden) disappears in evening twilight shortly after sunset. It pairs with Venus by month’s end but the apparition is too close to the Sun to be conveniently visible.
Uranus (in Pisces, the Fishes) and more distant Neptune (in Aquarius, the Water-Bearer) remain aloof on the evening sky all month, far from the periodic chaos on our world.
This month we’re reminded again what happens when chaos tries to rule our world, but the cosmos beyond our home world shows us a serene, orderly arrangement, one to savor as often as we can.
Sky Roundup Almanac for September 2011
September 3: First Quarter Moon.
September 11: Full Moon.
September 19: Last Quarter Moon.
September 23: Autumnal Equinox, First day of Fall, at 4:05 a.m., CDT.
September 26: New Moon.
September 11: Full Moon.
September 19: Last Quarter Moon.
September 23: Autumnal Equinox, First day of Fall, at 4:05 a.m., CDT.
September 26: New Moon.
Sky Roundup for August
Astronomical highlights for the month of August 2011
An August Month
It’s an unhurried parade of several of the larger planets this month, and a time to kick back on a warm night to take in the grandeur of the heavens. All around, the languid pace of August, when traffic thins with neighbors out of town, gives those of us patrolling the home skies to enjoy clear nights and ponder them grandly.
Quick, little Mercury (in Leo, the Lion), an exception to a leisurely pace, stays out of the way most of the month. The small, hot world is only visible briefly in the evening sky at the beginning of the month, disappears in the Sun’s glare, and then emerges into the morning sky ahead of the Sun by month’s end. Like last month, it’s still tough for observers to see in the Northern Hemisphere. (See Chart 1 for Mercury in morning twilight at month's end. Clicking the "1" shows the first chart.)
Queenly Venus (moving from Cancer, the Crab, into Leo, the Lion), usually reigning the twilight skies of morning or evening with her customary brilliance, is lost in the glare of the Sun all month.
Dry, frosty Mars (in Taurus, the Bull), appearing more as a pale orange dot, makes a dim but pleasingly grand third in an orange triad with Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus, and Betelguese, the brightest star in Orion, the Hunter. (See Chart 2 for Mars and orange stars. Clicking the "2" shows the second chart.) By mid-month, the cold, reddish planet passes without fanfare into Gemini, the Twins, marching toward the Sun with each passing day. By month’s end, the fourth planet from the Sun will have nearly crossed Gemini.
Quick, little Mercury (in Leo, the Lion), an exception to a leisurely pace, stays out of the way most of the month. The small, hot world is only visible briefly in the evening sky at the beginning of the month, disappears in the Sun’s glare, and then emerges into the morning sky ahead of the Sun by month’s end. Like last month, it’s still tough for observers to see in the Northern Hemisphere. (See Chart 1 for Mercury in morning twilight at month's end. Clicking the "1" shows the first chart.)
Queenly Venus (moving from Cancer, the Crab, into Leo, the Lion), usually reigning the twilight skies of morning or evening with her customary brilliance, is lost in the glare of the Sun all month.
Dry, frosty Mars (in Taurus, the Bull), appearing more as a pale orange dot, makes a dim but pleasingly grand third in an orange triad with Aldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus, and Betelguese, the brightest star in Orion, the Hunter. (See Chart 2 for Mars and orange stars. Clicking the "2" shows the second chart.) By mid-month, the cold, reddish planet passes without fanfare into Gemini, the Twins, marching toward the Sun with each passing day. By month’s end, the fourth planet from the Sun will have nearly crossed Gemini.
Like last month, slower moving, majestic Jupiter (in Aries, the Ram) remains visible before dawn throughout the month and is always an appealingly regal sight through even a modest telescope.
Stately, wizened Saturn (still in Virgo, the Maiden) ambles toward the horizon as the season progresses and stays visible for a couple hours by mid-month before setting early in the evening.
Uranus (in Pisces, the Fishes) and more distant Neptune (in Aquarius, the Water-Bearer) continue to occupy a dignified, though lonely, refuge in a region of sky bereft of bright stars. A big telescope is the only way to behold these twin mysterious worlds---remote and imposing---moving slowly through the outer reaches of the Solar System.
While you're considering the skies in an august way, don't forget to watch for the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks every year on August 12th. Though meteors hardly move at a leisurely stride, this well-known annual display is worth staying out late on a summer's night to catch a few falling stars, especially this year. The light of a nearly Full Moon will flood the night sky, which will cut down on meteors seen, but another shower, the Delta Aquarids, will appear to peak with the Perseids, making for a lofty ceremony of fireworks.
It’s a month to brave humid evenings, to set up your favorite scope, to relish the sounds of the night, and to let noble thoughts soar across the vault of the heavens. Find your own relaxed pace to watch the planets, scan for meteors, and contemplate the cosmos, for next month it’s back to the hectic pace of life on our own world.
Stately, wizened Saturn (still in Virgo, the Maiden) ambles toward the horizon as the season progresses and stays visible for a couple hours by mid-month before setting early in the evening.
Uranus (in Pisces, the Fishes) and more distant Neptune (in Aquarius, the Water-Bearer) continue to occupy a dignified, though lonely, refuge in a region of sky bereft of bright stars. A big telescope is the only way to behold these twin mysterious worlds---remote and imposing---moving slowly through the outer reaches of the Solar System.
While you're considering the skies in an august way, don't forget to watch for the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks every year on August 12th. Though meteors hardly move at a leisurely stride, this well-known annual display is worth staying out late on a summer's night to catch a few falling stars, especially this year. The light of a nearly Full Moon will flood the night sky, which will cut down on meteors seen, but another shower, the Delta Aquarids, will appear to peak with the Perseids, making for a lofty ceremony of fireworks.
It’s a month to brave humid evenings, to set up your favorite scope, to relish the sounds of the night, and to let noble thoughts soar across the vault of the heavens. Find your own relaxed pace to watch the planets, scan for meteors, and contemplate the cosmos, for next month it’s back to the hectic pace of life on our own world.
Sky Roundup Almanac for August 2011
August 6: First Quarter Moon.
August 13: Full Moon.
August 21: Last Quarter Moon.
August 28: New Moon.
August 13: Full Moon.
August 21: Last Quarter Moon.
August 28: New Moon.
Sky Roundup for July
Astronomical highlights for the month of July 2011
Nigh in July
The season of Summer arrived last month as expected, and, with it comes the familiar warm-weather patterns of Scorpius, Sagittarius, and Scutum, standing due south by midnight mid-month. Scorpius (the Scorpion) hosts myriad Messier objects for your viewing pleasure as does nearby Sagittarius (the Archer) and Scutum (the Shield).
Mars (in Taurus, the Bull) and Jupiter (in Aries, the Ram) are visible before dawn throughout the month. Venus (moving into Gemini, the Twins) appears too close to the Sun and near to the horizon from our vantage to be seen well. By the start of the month, Mercury (in Cancer, the Crab) has crept into the evening sky and is tough for observers to see in the Northern Hemisphere, but it pairs with the waxing crescent Moon on July 1st and 2nd.
Mars (in Taurus, the Bull) and Jupiter (in Aries, the Ram) are visible before dawn throughout the month. Venus (moving into Gemini, the Twins) appears too close to the Sun and near to the horizon from our vantage to be seen well. By the start of the month, Mercury (in Cancer, the Crab) has crept into the evening sky and is tough for observers to see in the Northern Hemisphere, but it pairs with the waxing crescent Moon on July 1st and 2nd.
Uranus (in Pisces) and more distant Neptune (in Aquarius) sit in a part of the sky not know for bright stars, and, as in previous months, can only be glimpsed with a strongly magnified telescope. In the southeastern sky before dawn, a waning gibbous Moon stands near Uranus on June 21st and near Neptune on June 17th, making it chancy to spot either distant world. Better to look for both on a moonless night.
Saturn (in Virgo, the Maiden) continues to sit right next to the double star, Porrima.
Saturn (in Virgo, the Maiden) continues to sit right next to the double star, Porrima.
For July and August, the Milky Way arches nigh across the vault of the sky. That is, from our vantage, it stretches nearly from the north horizon to the south. And it’s the best time of year to see some of the more splendid Messier objects, clusters and nebulae, scattered throughout its glittering majesty. (See the chart, below.)
In times long past, before we thought to light the night sky with streetlamps and billboards, the Milky Way no doubt was both useful and contemplative to peoples around the globe. Surprisingly bright in skies away from artificial illumination, the Milky Way would serve as a calendar to encourage sowing and harvests, or, serve as a reminder of the path for the soul to wander toward an afterlife. To see just how bright, click here to view a time-lapse of the shadows cast by the light of the Milky Way.
Here in the Midwest, of course we won’t see the Milky Way as bright as folks did long ago, but it’s still there to behold, so don’t wait too much longer to see it, or it won’t be as nigh in the sky as now.
Here in the Midwest, of course we won’t see the Milky Way as bright as folks did long ago, but it’s still there to behold, so don’t wait too much longer to see it, or it won’t be as nigh in the sky as now.
Sky Roundup Almanac for July 2011
July 1: New Moon.
July 8: First Quarter Moon.
July 15: Full Moon.
July 23: Last Quarter Moon.
July 8: First Quarter Moon.
July 15: Full Moon.
July 23: Last Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for June
Astronomical highlights for the month of June 2011
Observers Will Warm to June
The season’s night sky gradually turns over to the approaching season of Summer. The month of June warms us with the prospect of newer observations and warm weather fit to sit out all night with binoculars or a telescope.
The pre-dawn planetary traffic jam eases as both Mercury and Venus begin to disappear in the glare of the morning Sun by mid-month. Mars and Jupiter join in the line-up throughout the month, though all of the planets appear to move farther apart by month’s end. (See Chart 1, below.) By month’s end, Mercury creeps into the evening sky but is invisible to observers in the Northern Hemisphere.
Uranus (in Pisces) and more distant Neptune (in Aquarius) sit well apart from the line-up, and, as in previous months, can only be glimpsed with a strongly magnified telescope. A slim waning crescent Moon moves between Mars and the Pleiades (in Taurus) in the eastern sky before dawn on June 29th. (See Chart 2, below, by clicking on the "2".)
The pre-dawn planetary traffic jam eases as both Mercury and Venus begin to disappear in the glare of the morning Sun by mid-month. Mars and Jupiter join in the line-up throughout the month, though all of the planets appear to move farther apart by month’s end. (See Chart 1, below.) By month’s end, Mercury creeps into the evening sky but is invisible to observers in the Northern Hemisphere.
Uranus (in Pisces) and more distant Neptune (in Aquarius) sit well apart from the line-up, and, as in previous months, can only be glimpsed with a strongly magnified telescope. A slim waning crescent Moon moves between Mars and the Pleiades (in Taurus) in the eastern sky before dawn on June 29th. (See Chart 2, below, by clicking on the "2".)
Saturn continues to sit in Virgo, right next to the star Gamma Virginis, also known by its common name, Porrima. Most common names for stars are Arabic, but Porrima is Latin and honors a Roman goddess of prophecy. One can probably predict that something interesting is found in this part of the sky, and, by mid-month, viewing Saturn in the western sky with a modest telescope by midnight will catch Porrima, a fine white double star, in the same field of view. (See Chart 3, above, by clicking on "3".)
In addition to the ever-present planets, the familiar constellations of Spring, like Cancer (the Crab), Corvus (the Crow), and Leo (the Lion) are gradually replaced in the evening sky with the glorious star patterns of Summer, like Scorpius (the Scorpion), Sagittarius (the Archer), and Scutum (the Shield). These constellations, immersed in the starry span of the Milky Way, make them especially great to view naked-eye or with binoculars, generally due south before midnight by mid- to late-month. (See Chart 4, above, by clicking on "4".) We’ll explore these more next month after Summer has officially started.
And, one more thing to warm us: the Summer Solstice does kick in on June 21st this year at 12:16 in the afternoon for us in the Midwest. Greet the new season with a light summertime lunch.
In addition to the ever-present planets, the familiar constellations of Spring, like Cancer (the Crab), Corvus (the Crow), and Leo (the Lion) are gradually replaced in the evening sky with the glorious star patterns of Summer, like Scorpius (the Scorpion), Sagittarius (the Archer), and Scutum (the Shield). These constellations, immersed in the starry span of the Milky Way, make them especially great to view naked-eye or with binoculars, generally due south before midnight by mid- to late-month. (See Chart 4, above, by clicking on "4".) We’ll explore these more next month after Summer has officially started.
And, one more thing to warm us: the Summer Solstice does kick in on June 21st this year at 12:16 in the afternoon for us in the Midwest. Greet the new season with a light summertime lunch.
Sky Roundup Almanac for June 2011
June 1: New Moon; Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter in line up before 5:00 a.m.
June 8: First Quarter Moon.
June 15: Full Moon.
June 23: Last Quarter Moon.
June 21: Summer Solstice, 12:16 p.m., First Day of Summer!
June 29: Waning crescent Moon between Mars and Pleiades at 4:00 a.m.
June 8: First Quarter Moon.
June 15: Full Moon.
June 23: Last Quarter Moon.
June 21: Summer Solstice, 12:16 p.m., First Day of Summer!
June 29: Waning crescent Moon between Mars and Pleiades at 4:00 a.m.
Sky Roundup for May
Astronomical highlights for the month of May 2011
May Planets Are Bloomin’ Pretty
With all of the rain last month, the old adage of April showers bringing May flowers is again proved correct. Already in yards and gardens across the Midwest, tulips and bluebells have bloomed and magnolia trees are in full blossom. Just an explosion of flora within the past week as the rains have let up.
Not to be outdone, the planets in the sky, like flowers on the ground, begin to open up with a new season of celestial finery for all to see every clear morning all this month.
It’s still a celestial traffic jam early in the morning in May. The first week of the month finds the planets Mercury and Venus paired closely while Mars and Jupiter crowd each other closer to the horizon. Uranus and more distant Neptune sit apart from the grouping and can only be glimpsed with a strong telescope, which might be problematic even in morning twilight. A very slim waning crescent Moon joins the morning parade of planets on May 1st and 2nd. (See Chart 1, below.)
Not to be outdone, the planets in the sky, like flowers on the ground, begin to open up with a new season of celestial finery for all to see every clear morning all this month.
It’s still a celestial traffic jam early in the morning in May. The first week of the month finds the planets Mercury and Venus paired closely while Mars and Jupiter crowd each other closer to the horizon. Uranus and more distant Neptune sit apart from the grouping and can only be glimpsed with a strong telescope, which might be problematic even in morning twilight. A very slim waning crescent Moon joins the morning parade of planets on May 1st and 2nd. (See Chart 1, below.)
As weather permits, look for the these planets to shift around one another in the pre-dawn sky throughout the month.
Famously ringed Saturn pairs with the bright star Spica in Virgo (the Maiden), just as where it has been visible for the last several months. It rises well after evening twilight, stays out all night long and all month long, and then sets by dawn. It pairs with the waxing gibbous Moon on May 13th and 14th in the western sky after midnight. (See Chart 2, by clicking on "2".)
Famously ringed Saturn pairs with the bright star Spica in Virgo (the Maiden), just as where it has been visible for the last several months. It rises well after evening twilight, stays out all night long and all month long, and then sets by dawn. It pairs with the waxing gibbous Moon on May 13th and 14th in the western sky after midnight. (See Chart 2, by clicking on "2".)
And, then, another neat planetary grouping in the morning by mid-month. Before the Sun rises, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter are found in a tight patch of pre-dawn sky all within the constellation of Pisces (the Fishes), similar to last month. And, like last month’s grouping, it’s likely tough to see if you don't have an uncluttered horizon. They're just visible, but better with optical aid, since they appear so close to the Sun that morning and on other mornings this month. (See Chart 3, by clicking on "3".)
And, again, like last month at month's end, on May 29th the waning crescent Moon joins this remarkable grouping, close to the eastern horizon, just ahead of the Sun. (See Chart 4, by clicking on "4".)
Like a row of pretty and unusual flowers making a rare springtime appearance together in the same garden, the planets put on a bloomin' show all month in May.
Like a row of pretty and unusual flowers making a rare springtime appearance together in the same garden, the planets put on a bloomin' show all month in May.
By the way, the first week of May this year is recognized as Astronomy Week and May 7th is Astronomy Day, a celebration of astronomy for the masses since 1973. Around the nation, schools, planetariums, museums, libraries, and nature centers host various outdoor and night-sky activities devoted to the advancement of the science of astronomy. In a host of other nations, too, similar day-long celebrations are held. To check for activities in your area, go to this link hosted by The Astronomical League or to this link sponsored by Astronomy Magazine or to this link for Sky and Telescope Magazine.
Sky Roundup Almanac for May 2011
May 1: Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter in tight grouping in pre-dawn sky.
May 3: New Moon.
May 7: Astronomy Day.
.May 10: First Quarter Moon.
May 15: Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter in tight grouping in pre-dawn sky.
May 17: Full Moon.
May 24: Last Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for April
Astronomical highlights for the month of April 2011
April's Not for Fools
This is the month for rain and jokes. No doubt we’ve heard the expression, “April showers bring May flowers.” Unless we’re experiencing a drought or a heat wave (and we’re not), that expression is usually true. Of course, cloudy, rainy weather doesn’t let us see the night sky.
And, on April 1st, it’s April Fools Day, a customary time to play practical jokes, or to get away with fibbing to someone, and then making it all good by saying “April Fool” or something to that effect. No one wants to be a fool or to be called one. But it’s all in good fun.
Well, if it doesn’t rain in your location, don’t be a fool and miss things in the night sky this month.
Brightly ringed Saturn still shines in Virgo (the Maiden), just as where it has been visible for the last several months. It rises after evening twilight, stays out all night long and all month long, and then sets by dawn. It reaches opposition on Apr. 3rd, which means that it appears its brightest as it is positioned in the sky opposite the Sun, hence the name of the apparition. It pairs with the Full Moon on Apr. 17th after midnight. (See Chart 1, below.)
And, on April 1st, it’s April Fools Day, a customary time to play practical jokes, or to get away with fibbing to someone, and then making it all good by saying “April Fool” or something to that effect. No one wants to be a fool or to be called one. But it’s all in good fun.
Well, if it doesn’t rain in your location, don’t be a fool and miss things in the night sky this month.
Brightly ringed Saturn still shines in Virgo (the Maiden), just as where it has been visible for the last several months. It rises after evening twilight, stays out all night long and all month long, and then sets by dawn. It reaches opposition on Apr. 3rd, which means that it appears its brightest as it is positioned in the sky opposite the Sun, hence the name of the apparition. It pairs with the Full Moon on Apr. 17th after midnight. (See Chart 1, below.)
But, then, look at this. By month’s end, it’s a celestial traffic jam in morning twilight. Before the Sun rises, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Uranus are found in a narrow swath of sky all within the constellation of Pisces (the Fishes). It’s likely tough to see, since the grouping appears so close to the Sun that morning.
Add in Neptune, next door in Aquarius, and you have all the planets as seen from Earth, save Saturn. On Apr. 30th, the Moon joins this remarkable grouping, close to the horizon, just ahead of the Sun. (See Chart 2, above, by clicking on "2". Red tick marks point inward to the location of Neptune.)
Add in Neptune, next door in Aquarius, and you have all the planets as seen from Earth, save Saturn. On Apr. 30th, the Moon joins this remarkable grouping, close to the horizon, just ahead of the Sun. (See Chart 2, above, by clicking on "2". Red tick marks point inward to the location of Neptune.)
Don't be a fool; look up and be cool.
Sky Roundup Almanac for April 2011
April 3: New Moon; Saturn at opposition, rising as the Sun sets.
April 11: First Quarter Moon.
April 17: Full Moon.
April 24: Last Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for March
Astronomical highlights for the month of March 2011
Another Kind of Madness
Like clockwork every March, the airwaves crackle with crazed announcers calling the plays and relaying the action on basketball courts across the country.
If it’s the month of March, it must be time for March Madness, or, the barmy scramble of teams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association to garner first place. From the First Four to the Final Four, the enthusiasm runs wild all month long (and even into April). And don't forget that the high schools are in on the madness, too.
But there’s another kind of madness that this month brings. It comes not with raucous shouting, but with quiet resolve.
It doesn’t involve wagered bets, because the outcome is not unknown. It’s not a meteorological madness, where one might anticipate warm weather as the thermometer climbs higher every day toward Spring.
And it doesn’t really last all month long. Most of this nutty feat only best takes place when there isn’t a Full Moon in the sky. And perhaps only for one night.
While fanatical sports enthusiasts will sit inside all month glued to their TV screens or radios for the NCAA finals, the devoted sky enthusiast will spend an all-nighter outside glued to his telescope’s eyepiece, reaching his goal to complete a Messier marathon. Is that zany or what?
It’s a certain special lunacy to hope for clear weather, plan for a night with no moon, set up your favorite telescope, brave the elements, and then spend all night trying to spot all 110 celestial wonders once catalogued by a Parisian astronomer. In a nutshell, that’s a Messier marathon.
As most serious amateur astronomers know, Charles Messier was a French comet-hunter of the late 1700’s who, from his observatory near Paris, logged numbers of uncertain objects in a quest to find comets. At the time, this was not crazy to do.
While fanatical sports enthusiasts will sit inside all month glued to their TV screens or radios for the NCAA finals, the devoted sky enthusiast will spend an all-nighter outside glued to his telescope’s eyepiece, reaching his goal to complete a Messier marathon. Is that zany or what?
It’s a certain special lunacy to hope for clear weather, plan for a night with no moon, set up your favorite telescope, brave the elements, and then spend all night trying to spot all 110 celestial wonders once catalogued by a Parisian astronomer. In a nutshell, that’s a Messier marathon.
As most serious amateur astronomers know, Charles Messier was a French comet-hunter of the late 1700’s who, from his observatory near Paris, logged numbers of uncertain objects in a quest to find comets. At the time, this was not crazy to do.
Not all of the objects he recognized at first when he observed them, so he kept track of their location. That way, he would not mistake them for a rogue comet during subsequent observations of the night sky.
In time, other astronomers puzzled out the significance of the celestial objects that Messier observed. Most Messier objects are clusters of stars, that is, galaxies, globular clusters, and open clusters. Others are various nebulae, that is, so-called planetary nebulae, emission nebulae, or supernova remnants. All are insanely fun to try and spot.
It’s also fun to gather a crowd, like bats in a belfry, to do your observing. Usually a more experienced marathoner can help the novices make the best use of their time locating the fainter or more diffuse objects.
In time, other astronomers puzzled out the significance of the celestial objects that Messier observed. Most Messier objects are clusters of stars, that is, galaxies, globular clusters, and open clusters. Others are various nebulae, that is, so-called planetary nebulae, emission nebulae, or supernova remnants. All are insanely fun to try and spot.
It’s also fun to gather a crowd, like bats in a belfry, to do your observing. Usually a more experienced marathoner can help the novices make the best use of their time locating the fainter or more diffuse objects.
To that end and during this month, several organizations have plans to get together and attempt a Messier marathon, weather permitting. It may sound insane, but most all-night observing sessions will likely take place on a moonless night, which this year means during the first week of March.
For example, for those in Illinois, check here for details on time and location of a marathon at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, sponsored by the Sangamon Astronomical Society. This appears to be one of the better organized, nearby sites, weather permitting.
For example, for those in Illinois, check here for details on time and location of a marathon at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, sponsored by the Sangamon Astronomical Society. This appears to be one of the better organized, nearby sites, weather permitting.
If you're planning to make some good use of your observation, the Astronomical League might like to hear from you. You can send your Messier observations to that organization if you follow these common-sense rules.
Perhaps you can’t make it to a location or you get clouded out this year. Not to worry, so don’t go round the bend. Just look here for prospective dates of future madness with a list of Messier marathons for the next 40 years!
Besides staying out all night for star clusters and nebulae, of course don’t forget to go batty with the planets and Moon this month:
Venus, in the constellation of Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) shines brilliantly above the southeast horizon before dawn, but is slipping closer to the Sun from our earthly vantage. It pairs with the waning crescent Moon in morning twilight on first day and last days in this month of springtime. (See Chart 1 for Mar. 1st; Chart 2 for Mar. 31st.) It’d be lunacy to miss those pairings.
Perhaps you can’t make it to a location or you get clouded out this year. Not to worry, so don’t go round the bend. Just look here for prospective dates of future madness with a list of Messier marathons for the next 40 years!
Besides staying out all night for star clusters and nebulae, of course don’t forget to go batty with the planets and Moon this month:
Venus, in the constellation of Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) shines brilliantly above the southeast horizon before dawn, but is slipping closer to the Sun from our earthly vantage. It pairs with the waning crescent Moon in morning twilight on first day and last days in this month of springtime. (See Chart 1 for Mar. 1st; Chart 2 for Mar. 31st.) It’d be lunacy to miss those pairings.
Mars remains maddeningly lost in the glare of the Sun all this month, while early in the month Uranus has disappeared from evening twilight and also has become hidden by the Sun’s light. That more distant world re-emerges into morning twilight by month’s end but cannot be seen in the Sun’s glare.
Stealthy, little Mercury is also lost in the Sun’s light early in the month, after which it creeps into evening twilight where it pairs with the ponderous planet Jupiter by the first week of this month. The smallest planet joins the largest planet, that’s wild! Adding to the wackiness in the western sky, the waxing crescent Moon joins in on Mar. 6th just above the western horizon at sunset. (See Chart 3, below, by clicking on "3".)
Stealthy, little Mercury is also lost in the Sun’s light early in the month, after which it creeps into evening twilight where it pairs with the ponderous planet Jupiter by the first week of this month. The smallest planet joins the largest planet, that’s wild! Adding to the wackiness in the western sky, the waxing crescent Moon joins in on Mar. 6th just above the western horizon at sunset. (See Chart 3, below, by clicking on "3".)
During evening twilight from Mar. 14th to 18th just above the western horizon, look for the small, hot, fleet-footed world as it slips past and up to the right of the large, bright, weighty one. (See Chart 4, below, by clicking on "4".) One would be loopy to pass on this passage.
Brightly ringed Saturn still shines in Virgo (the Maiden), just as where it has been visible for the last several months. It rises after evening twilight, stays out all night long and all month long, and then sets by dawn. It pairs with the waning gibbous Moon on the first day of Spring at midnight. (See Chart 5, below, by clicking on "5".) It’d be silly to miss this.
Distant Neptune crosses into the morning twilight just before mid-month but is difficult to see. By month’s end, though, it sidles past Venus, now in Aquarius (the Water-Bearer), before sunrise and toward the east-southeast.
On Mar. 27th, this distant, dim, bluish world can likely be glimpsed in the same low-power field of view with the closer, brighter, whiter world when the two appear one-half degree apart. Now there’s an insane apparition not often seen: Earth’s closest planetary neighbor paired with its farthest! (See Chart 6, below, by clicking on "6" and noting where red ticks locate distant Neptune near Venus.) Crazy!
On Mar. 27th, this distant, dim, bluish world can likely be glimpsed in the same low-power field of view with the closer, brighter, whiter world when the two appear one-half degree apart. Now there’s an insane apparition not often seen: Earth’s closest planetary neighbor paired with its farthest! (See Chart 6, below, by clicking on "6" and noting where red ticks locate distant Neptune near Venus.) Crazy!
And just to make things even crazier this month, Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13th at 2:00 a.m. Be sure to set your clock ahead one hour, or you’ll have a maddening start to your morning the next day.
And if that isn't enough to make you nutty, look for a larger-than-usual Full Moon on Mar. 19th.
Lunar phases recur on the same dates just about every 18 years; in addition, as seen from Earth the Moon's closest approach (perigee) and farthest distance (apogee) can also coincide with full lunar phases, making the Full Moon appear smaller or larger than usual. This month is a big one.
By the way, if it feels as if the sap is rising and you’re getting giddy with the arrival of warmer weather, don’t forget, too, that Spring arrives this month on March 20th with the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun as seen from our vantage appears to cross the celestial equator to head higher in the sky during this next season.
This month is full of starry sights, galactic goodies, and planetary pairings for those committed to their passion for observing. Make no half-baked plans to go out and look. Get into the madness of March!
By the way, if it feels as if the sap is rising and you’re getting giddy with the arrival of warmer weather, don’t forget, too, that Spring arrives this month on March 20th with the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun as seen from our vantage appears to cross the celestial equator to head higher in the sky during this next season.
This month is full of starry sights, galactic goodies, and planetary pairings for those committed to their passion for observing. Make no half-baked plans to go out and look. Get into the madness of March!
Sky Roundup Almanac for March 2011
March 4: New Moon.
March 5: A good night for a Messier Marathon, weather permitting.
March 12: First Quarter Moon.
March 19: Full Moon, largest in 18 years due to lunar cycles; i.e., perigee coincides with Full Moon.
March 20: Vernal Equinox, the first day of Spring, at 6:21 p.m. CDT.
March 26: Last Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for February
Astronomical highlights for the month of February 2011
Airy February
The massive snowstorm sweeping the nation is packing a punch, so much so that the newsies have called it “snowmageddon” or the “snowpocalypse” or the “blizzaster” but it’s just closer to being a big blizzard. That's not to diminish the havoc a huge storm can wreak, but we should exercise common sense for safety and warmth during our travels in it and keep its significance in perspective.
After all, this is Winter in the Midwest, and one has to expect big storms from time to time. Of course, the snowstorm won’t last all month; it’ll blow through soon enough. In the wake of this fast-moving storm, though, it is the deep cold that is deadlier.
The frigid air, typical of a dense dome of atmosphere invading from the Arctic after a stormy spell, generally settles in quickly and can bring clear, cold, starry skies. Often, observers will welcome this as the best time to view the night sky, though the clarity comes at a price with the dangerous cold.
Of course, observers use common sense to dress warmly and limit one’s exposure. While good intentions push us to get in some diligent observation, the frosty reality seeps in to chill the bones sooner than we want. Don’t overdo it.
Know that commercial telescopes, as some are presently built, do not stand up to the cold for extended time outside. For example, lubricants tend to get sluggish and congeal; so, an oiled rack-and-pinion focuser may stick. Certain plastics can get brittle in extreme cold, so the occasional carrying handle can snap in frigid weather.
All this is not to discourage one from observing; rather, a simple recitation of things to watch for is helpful. So, to take advantage of the clear skies that cold, blustery weather can bring, have a look at some of the better celestial wonders in Winter.
Most every observer looks forward to Orion and the Winter Triangle of Betelgeuse (in Orion), Sirius (in Canis Major), and Procyon (in Canis Minor). (See Chart 1, below, in the slideshow.)
After all, this is Winter in the Midwest, and one has to expect big storms from time to time. Of course, the snowstorm won’t last all month; it’ll blow through soon enough. In the wake of this fast-moving storm, though, it is the deep cold that is deadlier.
The frigid air, typical of a dense dome of atmosphere invading from the Arctic after a stormy spell, generally settles in quickly and can bring clear, cold, starry skies. Often, observers will welcome this as the best time to view the night sky, though the clarity comes at a price with the dangerous cold.
Of course, observers use common sense to dress warmly and limit one’s exposure. While good intentions push us to get in some diligent observation, the frosty reality seeps in to chill the bones sooner than we want. Don’t overdo it.
Know that commercial telescopes, as some are presently built, do not stand up to the cold for extended time outside. For example, lubricants tend to get sluggish and congeal; so, an oiled rack-and-pinion focuser may stick. Certain plastics can get brittle in extreme cold, so the occasional carrying handle can snap in frigid weather.
All this is not to discourage one from observing; rather, a simple recitation of things to watch for is helpful. So, to take advantage of the clear skies that cold, blustery weather can bring, have a look at some of the better celestial wonders in Winter.
Most every observer looks forward to Orion and the Winter Triangle of Betelgeuse (in Orion), Sirius (in Canis Major), and Procyon (in Canis Minor). (See Chart 1, below, in the slideshow.)
While these are typical to look for, the nebulae and open clusters in this vicinity don’t lose their wonder to view.
The Great Nebula, aka M42, in Orion (the Hunter) is always worth a cold-weather set-up. Its intricate, wispy look appears the result of stellar winds blowing gaseous matter throughout its depth and breadth. (See Chart 2, below, in the slideshow.)
The Cone Nebula, aka NGC 2264, in Monoceros (the Unicorn) is also worth a look, all aglow in pink when imaged as an emission nebula. (See Chart 3, below, in the slideshow.)
The Great Nebula, aka M42, in Orion (the Hunter) is always worth a cold-weather set-up. Its intricate, wispy look appears the result of stellar winds blowing gaseous matter throughout its depth and breadth. (See Chart 2, below, in the slideshow.)
The Cone Nebula, aka NGC 2264, in Monoceros (the Unicorn) is also worth a look, all aglow in pink when imaged as an emission nebula. (See Chart 3, below, in the slideshow.)
The relatively nearby Rosette Nebula, aka NGC 2244, is often a challenge but appears as an airy, billowy showpiece when captured well by experienced astrophotography. (See Chart 4, below, in the slideshow.)
By contrast, the open clusters, M41 and M47, when seen close-up in Canis Major are tight, fine jewel-like collections of distant stars in a modest telescope. (See Chart 5 for M41 and Chart 6 for M47 in the slideshow.)
Closer to home, let’s see how the planets appear in the frigid air of February:
Mars stays lost in the glare of the Sun all this month. And, though Mercury emerged from that same glare before sunrise last month, it dips back closer to the vicinity of the Sun, remaining invisible most of the month.
Venus, in the constellation of Sagittarius (the Archer) still shines brilliantly above the southeast horizon before dawn. It pairs with the waning crescent Moon on the last day of this short month. (See Chart 7 in the slideshow.)
Closer to home, let’s see how the planets appear in the frigid air of February:
Mars stays lost in the glare of the Sun all this month. And, though Mercury emerged from that same glare before sunrise last month, it dips back closer to the vicinity of the Sun, remaining invisible most of the month.
Venus, in the constellation of Sagittarius (the Archer) still shines brilliantly above the southeast horizon before dawn. It pairs with the waning crescent Moon on the last day of this short month. (See Chart 7 in the slideshow.)
High in the southwest pre-dawn sky, one can see famously ringed Saturn still in Virgo (the Maiden), just as it has been visible the last several months. It continues to make its way to the western horizon all month long, and worth braving the chill of morning for a long look. (See Chart 8 in the slideshow.)
In the early evening sky, Jupiter, still a bright showpiece, moves with distant, dim Uranus, both in Pisces (the Fishes) toward the western horizon. Both set mid-month by 8 p.m. locally.
Even more distant Neptune has disappeared into evening twilight and is not visible.
Though it’s a short month, full of gusty weather if you live in the Midwest, the few morning and evenings that may show clear skies are worth the effort to set up in the frigid, blowing cold of airy February.
In the early evening sky, Jupiter, still a bright showpiece, moves with distant, dim Uranus, both in Pisces (the Fishes) toward the western horizon. Both set mid-month by 8 p.m. locally.
Even more distant Neptune has disappeared into evening twilight and is not visible.
Though it’s a short month, full of gusty weather if you live in the Midwest, the few morning and evenings that may show clear skies are worth the effort to set up in the frigid, blowing cold of airy February.
Sky Roundup Almanac for February
February 2: New Moon.
February 11: First Quarter Moon.
February 18: Full Moon.
February 24: Last Quarter Moon.
February 18: Full Moon.
February 24: Last Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for January
Astronomical highlights for the month of January 2011
Oh, Thank Heaven for Twenty-Eleven
The title here is not a deliberate offshoot of the slogan for a popular convenience-store chain. It’s likely the expression one might hear throughout this New Year, especially when fun astronomical events happen. You can look here every month for a new listing of astronomically enjoyable highlights throughout this New Year.
Let’s hope we have much good to anticipate in the year that starts the second decade of the new millennium. That’s right, the previous year of 2010 capped the first decade; we now proceed to the next, starting with 2011.
So let’s look at the sky for the first month of the New Year.
Mars stays lost in the glare of the Sun at sunset.
Mercury emerges from that same glare before sunrise. Seen within the large constellation of Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Handler), the small hot world nearest the Sun joins its planetary neighbors in morning twilight. It passes the slim waning crescent Moon on New Year’s Day, and the day after, by dawn. (See Chart 1, below, showing a view to the southeast before dawn in early January.)
Let’s hope we have much good to anticipate in the year that starts the second decade of the new millennium. That’s right, the previous year of 2010 capped the first decade; we now proceed to the next, starting with 2011.
So let’s look at the sky for the first month of the New Year.
Mars stays lost in the glare of the Sun at sunset.
Mercury emerges from that same glare before sunrise. Seen within the large constellation of Ophiuchus (the Serpent-Handler), the small hot world nearest the Sun joins its planetary neighbors in morning twilight. It passes the slim waning crescent Moon on New Year’s Day, and the day after, by dawn. (See Chart 1, below, showing a view to the southeast before dawn in early January.)
Higher in the pre-dawn sky, one can see famously ringed Saturn in Virgo (the Maiden).
Venus, in the constellation of Libra (the Scales) stands with a brilliant light above the horizon before dawn. Even though it is seen in the eastern sky, it reaches its greatest distance, as seen from Earth, west of the Sun, within the first week of January, hence this apparition is called Venus’s greatest western elongation.
Jupiter, still a bright showpiece in the early evening sky, moves with distant, dim Uranus, both in Pisces (the Fishes) toward the western horizon. Both set by midnight.
Even more distant Neptune, still positioned between Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) and Capricornus (the Sea-Goat), sets by 10 p.m. locally. (See Chart 2, above, showing a view to the southwest before midnight by mid-month. Click on the "2" to show the second chart. The red tick marks help to pinpoint the location of Neptune.)
Venus, in the constellation of Libra (the Scales) stands with a brilliant light above the horizon before dawn. Even though it is seen in the eastern sky, it reaches its greatest distance, as seen from Earth, west of the Sun, within the first week of January, hence this apparition is called Venus’s greatest western elongation.
Jupiter, still a bright showpiece in the early evening sky, moves with distant, dim Uranus, both in Pisces (the Fishes) toward the western horizon. Both set by midnight.
Even more distant Neptune, still positioned between Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) and Capricornus (the Sea-Goat), sets by 10 p.m. locally. (See Chart 2, above, showing a view to the southwest before midnight by mid-month. Click on the "2" to show the second chart. The red tick marks help to pinpoint the location of Neptune.)
Sky Roundup Almanac for January 2011
January 4: New Moon.
January 12: First Quarter Moon.
January 19: Full Moon.
January 26: Last Quarter Moon.
January 12: First Quarter Moon.
January 19: Full Moon.
January 26: Last Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for December
Astronomical highlights for the month of December 2010
The Night Before Christmas
This segment made its debut last year in this space, a stargazer’s parody of “A Visit of St. Nicholas.”
With apologies to Clement Clark Moore.
With apologies to Clement Clark Moore.
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
When all through his house
A stargazer was stirring, clicking his mouse;
His mounting set up in the backyard with care,
In hopes that clearing skies soon would be there.
He could’ve been nestled all snug in his bed,
But visions of nebulae danced in his head;
And grabbing a kerchief to dust a lens from its cap,
He caffeined his brain to shun a long winter’s nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
He sprang from his chair to see what was the matter:
Away to his set-up he flew like a flash,
Hoping his ‘scope didn’t loosen and crash.
The moon, on the breast of new-fallen snow,
Gave a luster of mid-day to objects, ya’ know:
When, what to his wandering eyes should appear,
But a case full of eyepieces amid his old gear;
Fellow geeks always bought these, so lively and quick,
He knew in a moment they’d all be heartsick.
More lenses he now owned and savored his claim,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name--
“Now, Brandon! now, Nagler! now, Ethos! and Vixen!
No coma! Flat fields! Star parties I’m blitzin’;
To the top of each planet, to the top of Straight Wall,
I’ll dash to see nebulae, faraway all!”
He gathered his new gear, so pleased he might cry,
And carried all to his ‘scope, its mount to the sky,
So, up past his house-top his ‘scope aimed anew,
A case full of lenses—and such neat stuff too.
With stars all a-twinkling from heat off the roof,
The night sky unveiled its warp and its woof;
As he drew up a chair, and was turning around,
Down next to his ‘scope the ‘gazer came with a bound.
His parka lined in fur
From his head to his foot,
And his clothes came all furnished
With pockets to boot:
This new bunch of toys
He now kept near his back,
And he thrilled like a youngster
As he opened his pack;
His eyes how they twinkled!
Each eyepiece how merry--
Were just what he wanted,
Whence they came he was wary;
Ev’ry ocular gleamed
Each drawn up with a bow,
Who could’ve left them and
Left no tracks in the snow?
He thought for a bit
Of this season of year,
And thought it unlikely he’d
Earned such good cheer.
Still he was thankful
And humbled quite by it;
He vowed to do better
And stay on a diet.
He was chubby and plump--
His right jolly old self;
From too much late snacking
In spite of himself.
A wink of his eye,
And a twist of his head,
Soon gave him to know
Where each eyepiece might thread.
He spoke not a word,
But went straight to his work,
And logged all his sightings:
Then turned with a jerk,
And laying his pencil
Aside of his prose,
And giving a nod,
To his warm room he rose.
He sprang to its desk,
Jotted notes in a whistle,
And away he then flew
To look through a Plössl:
But all heard him exclaim
Ere he gazed in the night,
“Merry Christmas to all,
And to all A Clear Night.”
The Moon, on the Breast of New-Fallen Snow
Our nearest celestial favorite, the Earth's own longest dance partner, the Moon, reprises one of its better routines as it dances among the stars all this month.
Look for the night of December 20th as it starts a special one for lunar observing. On this night, weather permitting, the Full Moon rides high in the winter sky and casts its bright glance at the face of our home planet. If you're observing anywhere in the upper Midwest, the light of the Moon will make Earth's face shine all the brighter if you've had recent snowfall.
And on the breast of that new-fallen snow, the light of the Full Moon on December 20th will make it glisten and sparkle. In the wee hours of the following morning, the Moon waltzes into the shadow of its dance partner, and the face of the Moon itself may gleam a ruddy hue as the Full Moon glides into full eclipse to complete its graceful turn.
For a fuller accounting of details, visit here to see the extent of this lunar eclipse. Most in North America will be able to witness this fine phenomenon.
The Moon slips fully into the leading shadow, the penumbra, of Earth by a half-hour after midnight for the middle of the country.
Mid-eclipse, when the Moon is fully immersed in the umbra, the darkest part of Earth's shadow, occurs by about 2:15 a.m. on December 21, which is also the date of the solstice this year, the astronomical start of Winter.
The eclipse ends by about 4 a.m. when the Moon begins to emerge from the trailing portion of the penumbra.
What to expect of the color of the Moon on entering the umbra isn't entirely predictable. The Moon's hue could range from a dark crimson to a bloody red to a bright copper. But on a Winter's night, the sight of a ruddy eye in the sky staring across a snowy landscape offers distinct prospects for creative photography and a visual treat.
By the way, just one side note to this wintry season. No doubt we will hear much on changing weather and the prospects for changing climate. The two are related, yes, inextricably linked, even as the influence of one on the other continues to be hotly debated. No doubt, too, weather influences climate, just as climate is the sum total of weather for a wide region over a long period of time.
Of course in the Midwest, it's not at all unusual to have snow in the late Fall and early Winter, as localized weather per se for any given season is not indicative of either a warming or cooling climate on Earth. No doubt weather and climate are intertwined, but our wintry blasts and icy storms are typical for this part of the country. This is simply seasonal. It's only when the seasons stack in favor of a long-term trend when the weather folks take note.
That this season's pattern of cold weather could mimic past cold seasons is fodder for meteorologists' forecasts. Every year's worth of data adds to the historical record while extremes of localized weather slightly skews those historical averages. Let's continue to collect the data and give it the gimlet eye when we interpret it, so we're certain what the data really mean. In the meantime, new-fallen snow is a welcome sight for any young child at Christmastime.
Now here's a quick year-end round-up of other fun things to expect in the night sky this month.
Mercury and Mars are lost in the glare of the Sun all month long, while Venus has emerged as a showpiece in morning twilight, rising ahead of the Sun. Look for it in the southeast in Virgo (the Maiden). The waning crescent Moon pairs with the brilliant planet on December 2nd.
Saturn with its famous bright, icy rings also still stands in Virgo, as it has for recent months. Always worth a look through a good telescope.
Mighty Jupiter, the Solar System's largest planet, rising earlier and earlier these past months, now sets by midnight, escorting his mythic father, Uranus, to a wintertime slumber as well. A First Quarter Moon lights the way for both on the evening of December 12th.
More distant Neptune turns in about an hour before the latter two for his own Winter's nap, and can only be glimpsed in a large telescope.
One last note on this month's lunar eclipse. Of course, it'll be a treat, weather permitting, to watch as the Moon's fully lighted face gradually changes to one of the traditional hues of Christmas.
More to the point, with that bright face of the night sky blushing through its celestial dance, look for onlookers as well, namely, star clusters like both the Hyades and the Pleiades in Taurus (the Bull), the Beehive Cluster in Cancer (the Crab), and the Messier open cluster, M35, to the left of the Moon's red face and the Crab Nebula, M1, to its right.
Bundle up, brave the weather, and enjoy the spectacle of a slow Christmas waltz danced out-of-doors.
Sky Roundup Almanac for December 2010
December 5: New Moon.
December 13: First Quarter Moon.
December 21: Full Moon (total lunar eclipse seen in North America); Winter Solstice comes at 7:38 p.m. CST.
December 27: Last Quarter Moon.
Mid-eclipse, when the Moon is fully immersed in the umbra, the darkest part of Earth's shadow, occurs by about 2:15 a.m. on December 21, which is also the date of the solstice this year, the astronomical start of Winter.
The eclipse ends by about 4 a.m. when the Moon begins to emerge from the trailing portion of the penumbra.
What to expect of the color of the Moon on entering the umbra isn't entirely predictable. The Moon's hue could range from a dark crimson to a bloody red to a bright copper. But on a Winter's night, the sight of a ruddy eye in the sky staring across a snowy landscape offers distinct prospects for creative photography and a visual treat.
By the way, just one side note to this wintry season. No doubt we will hear much on changing weather and the prospects for changing climate. The two are related, yes, inextricably linked, even as the influence of one on the other continues to be hotly debated. No doubt, too, weather influences climate, just as climate is the sum total of weather for a wide region over a long period of time.
Of course in the Midwest, it's not at all unusual to have snow in the late Fall and early Winter, as localized weather per se for any given season is not indicative of either a warming or cooling climate on Earth. No doubt weather and climate are intertwined, but our wintry blasts and icy storms are typical for this part of the country. This is simply seasonal. It's only when the seasons stack in favor of a long-term trend when the weather folks take note.
That this season's pattern of cold weather could mimic past cold seasons is fodder for meteorologists' forecasts. Every year's worth of data adds to the historical record while extremes of localized weather slightly skews those historical averages. Let's continue to collect the data and give it the gimlet eye when we interpret it, so we're certain what the data really mean. In the meantime, new-fallen snow is a welcome sight for any young child at Christmastime.
Now here's a quick year-end round-up of other fun things to expect in the night sky this month.
Mercury and Mars are lost in the glare of the Sun all month long, while Venus has emerged as a showpiece in morning twilight, rising ahead of the Sun. Look for it in the southeast in Virgo (the Maiden). The waning crescent Moon pairs with the brilliant planet on December 2nd.
Saturn with its famous bright, icy rings also still stands in Virgo, as it has for recent months. Always worth a look through a good telescope.
Mighty Jupiter, the Solar System's largest planet, rising earlier and earlier these past months, now sets by midnight, escorting his mythic father, Uranus, to a wintertime slumber as well. A First Quarter Moon lights the way for both on the evening of December 12th.
More distant Neptune turns in about an hour before the latter two for his own Winter's nap, and can only be glimpsed in a large telescope.
One last note on this month's lunar eclipse. Of course, it'll be a treat, weather permitting, to watch as the Moon's fully lighted face gradually changes to one of the traditional hues of Christmas.
More to the point, with that bright face of the night sky blushing through its celestial dance, look for onlookers as well, namely, star clusters like both the Hyades and the Pleiades in Taurus (the Bull), the Beehive Cluster in Cancer (the Crab), and the Messier open cluster, M35, to the left of the Moon's red face and the Crab Nebula, M1, to its right.
Bundle up, brave the weather, and enjoy the spectacle of a slow Christmas waltz danced out-of-doors.
Sky Roundup Almanac for December 2010
December 5: New Moon.
December 13: First Quarter Moon.
December 21: Full Moon (total lunar eclipse seen in North America); Winter Solstice comes at 7:38 p.m. CST.
December 27: Last Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for November
Astronomical highlights for the month of November 2010
Many a Thankful Night
Is it a usual phrase, that when you run out of things to say, then talk about the weather? Well, OK, for the most part, the weather across the Midwest has been delightful this Autumn. And that's good news for nighttime observers, so why not mention it?
With the exception of a big, wide storm last month (nicknamed “the bomb” in the weather media, due to the relatively large size and record-low pressure for a system centered in Canada), most recent nights last months were very good for observing.
Let’s hope that this trend continues through November; alas, though, this is the Midwest and it will likely turn cold soon enough. And that’s not saying nothing.
Enough of the banter for now on day-to-day conditions. As the typical weather of November can become fairly raw by Thanksgiving, you thankfully have a decent chance to observe the familiar planets. So get looking!
Mercury and Mars stay lost in the glare of the Sun at sunset.
Venus emerges into morning twilight by mid-November, when it rises just ahead of the Sun, to join Saturn in the pre-dawn sky. (See Chart 1, below, for Venus’s morning apparition by mid-month.)
Jupiter, shining brightly, continues to march grandly ahead of Pisces (the Fishes), starting early and parading till past midnight. By the wee hours, Jupiter has set. (See Chart 2, below, for Jupiter’s location during those wee hours.)
Saturn also has emerged from the Sun’s glare and appears in Virgo (the Maiden) in morning twilight, climbing higher with each passing day. (See Chart 1 again.)
Is it a usual phrase, that when you run out of things to say, then talk about the weather? Well, OK, for the most part, the weather across the Midwest has been delightful this Autumn. And that's good news for nighttime observers, so why not mention it?
With the exception of a big, wide storm last month (nicknamed “the bomb” in the weather media, due to the relatively large size and record-low pressure for a system centered in Canada), most recent nights last months were very good for observing.
Let’s hope that this trend continues through November; alas, though, this is the Midwest and it will likely turn cold soon enough. And that’s not saying nothing.
Enough of the banter for now on day-to-day conditions. As the typical weather of November can become fairly raw by Thanksgiving, you thankfully have a decent chance to observe the familiar planets. So get looking!
Mercury and Mars stay lost in the glare of the Sun at sunset.
Venus emerges into morning twilight by mid-November, when it rises just ahead of the Sun, to join Saturn in the pre-dawn sky. (See Chart 1, below, for Venus’s morning apparition by mid-month.)
Jupiter, shining brightly, continues to march grandly ahead of Pisces (the Fishes), starting early and parading till past midnight. By the wee hours, Jupiter has set. (See Chart 2, below, for Jupiter’s location during those wee hours.)
Saturn also has emerged from the Sun’s glare and appears in Virgo (the Maiden) in morning twilight, climbing higher with each passing day. (See Chart 1 again.)
Uranus, Jupiter’s mythic father, still lurks in the background of Jupiter, and is still just visible as a tiny dot nearby with a big binocular or modest power in a small telescope. (See Chart 3, above, for location of Uranus inside the red tick marks.)
Neptune still sits between Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) and Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) and requires a good star chart to locate precisely. Only large telescopes will show the faint disk of this distant world. (See Chart 4, above, for location of Neptune inside the red tick marks.)
Neptune still sits between Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) and Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) and requires a good star chart to locate precisely. Only large telescopes will show the faint disk of this distant world. (See Chart 4, above, for location of Neptune inside the red tick marks.)
Be thankful for the nights to observe. Watch the skies!
Sky Roundup Almanac for November 2010
November 5: New Moon.
November 13: First Quarter Moon.
November 21: Full Moon.
November 28: Last Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup Almanac for November 2010
November 5: New Moon.
November 13: First Quarter Moon.
November 21: Full Moon.
November 28: Last Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for October
Astronomical highlights for the month of October 2010
Rise Up, Hunter Moon
Last month we saw an uncommon occurrence: not only the Harvest Moon (which is not uncommon) but its occurrence on the same day as the Autumnal Equinox. The Harvest Moon is usually the Full Moon closest to, or on, the date of the first day of Fall. It’s a nice coincidence when the Full Moon phase does occur on that date, and it will again.
Owing to its complex motions, the phase of the Full Moon will again occur on the Autumnal Equinox in 19 years. This is the Metonic cycle (after Meton, the Athenian Greek, who recognized its occurrence). This cycle says that phases of the Moon can repeat on given dates every 19 years. The repetition is not exact in time, but it is quite close for an accurate calendar to be constructed that can be corrected periodically.
In folklore about the Moon, the months of the year all have nicknames for the phase of the Full Moon that occurs in that month. Some of these names come from native (or American Indian) names attributed to the Moon; others comes from colonial America or are artifacts of nomenclature from European medieval calendars.
In America, the previous month of September was the Harvest Moon; in Celtic folklore, this month of October is the Harvest Moon. The next month of November will be the Beaver Moon, when traps are set to catch winter game; in medieval times, next month would bring us the Cold Moon.
In this month of October we in America typically know the Full Moon as the Hunter Moon, which occurs one month after the Harvest Moon. After the harvest was complete, the light of the rising Moon in October apparently allowed frontiersman to hunt nighttime game to add to the provisions already socked away for the coming winter. Nowadays, most grocery stores provide ample provender, negating the need to scout additional supplies in the wild.
The astronomical reason for the Hunter Moon is the same as that of the Harvest Moon. At this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, the path of the rising Full Moon in Autumn makes a shallow angle to the horizon, which makes the Moon appear to rise fairly soon after sunset.
That is, there’s no long climb for the Moon to get above the horizon; rather, the Moon skirts just below the below the horizon for several successive evenings, so the times of Autumn moonrise are shorter than at other times of the year. And so, more folks are aware of the rising Moon at this time of the year.
Even with the presence of the Hunter Moon, the sky still has a few worthwhile celestial objects to hunt up.
For example, several distant clusters of stars in Fall are worth finding even with the Hunter Moon in the sky. In the constellation of Perseus (the Champion), the Double Cluster (also known NGC 884 and NGC 869) climbs into the Autumn sky and makes for a fine showpiece at low power in a small or modest telescope.
And the Andromeda Galaxy is just as compelling to search for, even on a moonlit night. (See Chart 1, below, for a location of the Double Cluster and the Andromeda Galaxy, and Chart 2, which shows a magnified view of the Double Cluster.)
Owing to its complex motions, the phase of the Full Moon will again occur on the Autumnal Equinox in 19 years. This is the Metonic cycle (after Meton, the Athenian Greek, who recognized its occurrence). This cycle says that phases of the Moon can repeat on given dates every 19 years. The repetition is not exact in time, but it is quite close for an accurate calendar to be constructed that can be corrected periodically.
In folklore about the Moon, the months of the year all have nicknames for the phase of the Full Moon that occurs in that month. Some of these names come from native (or American Indian) names attributed to the Moon; others comes from colonial America or are artifacts of nomenclature from European medieval calendars.
In America, the previous month of September was the Harvest Moon; in Celtic folklore, this month of October is the Harvest Moon. The next month of November will be the Beaver Moon, when traps are set to catch winter game; in medieval times, next month would bring us the Cold Moon.
In this month of October we in America typically know the Full Moon as the Hunter Moon, which occurs one month after the Harvest Moon. After the harvest was complete, the light of the rising Moon in October apparently allowed frontiersman to hunt nighttime game to add to the provisions already socked away for the coming winter. Nowadays, most grocery stores provide ample provender, negating the need to scout additional supplies in the wild.
The astronomical reason for the Hunter Moon is the same as that of the Harvest Moon. At this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, the path of the rising Full Moon in Autumn makes a shallow angle to the horizon, which makes the Moon appear to rise fairly soon after sunset.
That is, there’s no long climb for the Moon to get above the horizon; rather, the Moon skirts just below the below the horizon for several successive evenings, so the times of Autumn moonrise are shorter than at other times of the year. And so, more folks are aware of the rising Moon at this time of the year.
Even with the presence of the Hunter Moon, the sky still has a few worthwhile celestial objects to hunt up.
For example, several distant clusters of stars in Fall are worth finding even with the Hunter Moon in the sky. In the constellation of Perseus (the Champion), the Double Cluster (also known NGC 884 and NGC 869) climbs into the Autumn sky and makes for a fine showpiece at low power in a small or modest telescope.
And the Andromeda Galaxy is just as compelling to search for, even on a moonlit night. (See Chart 1, below, for a location of the Double Cluster and the Andromeda Galaxy, and Chart 2, which shows a magnified view of the Double Cluster.)
Mercury emerges briefly into morning twilight just ahead of the Sun but the apparition is not well placed for us as the planet disappears back into the glare of the Sun by the end of the month.
Venus stays hidden all month and does not re-appear until November, when it rises just ahead of the Sun in the morning sky.
Mars and Saturn stay lost in the glare of the Sun. Saturn does emerge in Virgo, the Maiden, in morning twilight by month’s end, climbing higher with each passing day.
Jupiter retains its regal position in Pisces (the Fishes) all night long and all month long, now past opposition from the previous month, but still shining brightly. (See Chart 3, above.)
Uranus, Jupiter’s mythological father, still shadows his son all month long, and is just visible as a tiny dot nearby with a big binocular or modest power in a small telescope. In a very large telescope, one might glimpse several of its moons. (See Chart 4, above, which shows a sampling of a large telescope’s field of view looking at Uranus at mid-month in the wee hours of the morning.)
Neptune all month long sits between Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) and Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) and requires a good star chart to locate precisely. Only large telescopes will show the faint disk of this distant world. (See Chart 5, above, for its location within the red tick marks.)
All of these monthly favorites can be hunted up and glimpsed even with the presence of the Hunter Moon.
Sky Roundup Almanac for October 2010
October 7: New Moon.
October 14: First Quarter Moon.
October 22: Full Moon.
October 30: Last Quarter Moon.
Venus stays hidden all month and does not re-appear until November, when it rises just ahead of the Sun in the morning sky.
Mars and Saturn stay lost in the glare of the Sun. Saturn does emerge in Virgo, the Maiden, in morning twilight by month’s end, climbing higher with each passing day.
Jupiter retains its regal position in Pisces (the Fishes) all night long and all month long, now past opposition from the previous month, but still shining brightly. (See Chart 3, above.)
Uranus, Jupiter’s mythological father, still shadows his son all month long, and is just visible as a tiny dot nearby with a big binocular or modest power in a small telescope. In a very large telescope, one might glimpse several of its moons. (See Chart 4, above, which shows a sampling of a large telescope’s field of view looking at Uranus at mid-month in the wee hours of the morning.)
Neptune all month long sits between Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) and Capricornus (the Sea-Goat) and requires a good star chart to locate precisely. Only large telescopes will show the faint disk of this distant world. (See Chart 5, above, for its location within the red tick marks.)
All of these monthly favorites can be hunted up and glimpsed even with the presence of the Hunter Moon.
Sky Roundup Almanac for October 2010
October 7: New Moon.
October 14: First Quarter Moon.
October 22: Full Moon.
October 30: Last Quarter Moon.
Sky Roundup for September
Astronomical highlights for the month of September 2010
Shine On, Harvest Moon
Just over a hundred years ago, a catchy vaudeville tune, “Shine on, Harvest Moon”, debuted and became a pop standard for many decades thereafter, right into the 21st century, featured as it was by recording artists and its inclusion in popular movies.
A look back at how we once saw the Moon
The lyrics start out with a forlorn lament of a loveless Winter, Spring, and Summer but end in anticipation of a cheery Autumn, if only with a little romantic help from the Harvest Moon. The cover for the original sheet music (seen at right) sets the scene for the song’s upbeat ending, showing two pining lovers, together at last, silhouetted by the rising light of that familiar orange orb.
While the cover was prepared in the design style of the day, the publisher of the sheet music captured several classic images reminiscent of the approaching season. Perhaps no actual attempt was made to be astronomically correct; after all, they were trying to sell sheet music. Rather, it may be more likely that the publisher was aware enough of the change of seasons to include those images that best describe it.
While the cover was prepared in the design style of the day, the publisher of the sheet music captured several classic images reminiscent of the approaching season. Perhaps no actual attempt was made to be astronomically correct; after all, they were trying to sell sheet music. Rather, it may be more likely that the publisher was aware enough of the change of seasons to include those images that best describe it.
While the cover was prepared in the design style of the day, the publisher of the sheet music captured several classic images reminiscent of the approaching season. Perhaps no actual attempt was made to be astronomically correct; after all, they were trying to sell sheet music. Rather, it may be more likely that the publisher was aware enough of the change of seasons to include those images that best describe it.
As Summer draws to its astronomical close this month, we see the iconic signs of its passing. If you live in or near rural parts of the Midwest, you’ll see the start of the corn harvest by the end of this month. While farmers no longer arrange harvested corn in shocks as shown in the sheet music cover (---they arranged it in shocks to dry or cure the corn---), many homes still decorate with them to represent the season. Even the famed candy corn, popular at Hallowe’en, has the iconic shape of the curing corn shock.
From the less romantic side of things, the science of astronomy makes clear the beginning of the season, whether we like it or not, and its start does not necessarily match the weather from day to day. Indeed, our modern calendar appears to mark the start of seasons after we are well into the weather that typifies them.
For example, the astronomical start of Summer (as the Summer Solstice) shows the Sun at its highest in the Northern Hemisphere, though that season's weather already is fairly warm by that date. On older calendars, that date actually marked the middle of the season, as in William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Similarly, Autumn begins this month, specifically on September 22, at 10:09 p.m. CDT, which marks the astronomical start of the season, the Autumnal Equinox. But by the feel of the weather, it may make more sense that the date ought to be the mid-point of the season.
However, since at this point in Earth’s orbit, the rotational axis of Earth makes a right angle to an imaginary line joining the center of Earth and the center of the Sun, this is actually Autumn’s beginning.
As seen across the Midwest at harvest time and typical of this season, too, is often the rising Moon, large and orange near the horizon, just like the cover of the sheet music. From our sky perspective, the music publisher got it right.
The Moon can appear large due to the angle at which we see it. If near the horizon, the Moon appears close to objects along the horizon, such as trees, houses, fence posts, and even corn shocks. Seen near these landmarks in the foreground, the Moon appears huge in the background; away from these familiar landmarks, we have no point of reference, so the Moon appears small. In reality, the Moon does not change size; it’s just an illusion of large size that everyone sees.
The Moon can also appear orange due to the air around us. Near the horizon, we spy the Moon at a shallow angle, and, through more of the atmosphere, which filters out most of its reflected light except for longer wavelengths at the red end of the spectrum, making that orb look orange from our perspective.
You can easily find any number of websites that may feature copyrighted photo galleries of a large, orange Moon. In Autumn, we’re more accustomed to seeing the Moon large and orange because it seems to dawdle along the horizon. In actuality, the low angle of its orbit to the horizon makes the Moon appear to glide low over treetops as it rises.
So, of course, the best-known sign of the approaching season of Autumn indeed is the title "Harvest Moon". That’s the name given to the Moon that occurs nearest to the Autumnal Equinox. At the time that the Harvest Moon song was first popular, it was a quaint notion that farmers relied on that light of the rising Moon to finish their harvest for the day. Nowadays, farmers finish in the field more efficiently with modern machinery, but it’s not an old-fashioned notion that Earth’s nearest astronomical neighbor still influences our daily life.
The Moon can certainly influence what we see this month, since it shines next to most of the planets. On September 10th, a slim, waxing crescent hugs the horizon just below Venus, Mars, Saturn, all in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden). Of course, Venus is far brightest of the trio. At the start of the month, Mars and Saturn are barely visible in early evening twilight as one will need a telescope of modest magnification to spot either of them at all. (See Chart 1, below. Saturn is very close to the western horizon.)
As Summer draws to its astronomical close this month, we see the iconic signs of its passing. If you live in or near rural parts of the Midwest, you’ll see the start of the corn harvest by the end of this month. While farmers no longer arrange harvested corn in shocks as shown in the sheet music cover (---they arranged it in shocks to dry or cure the corn---), many homes still decorate with them to represent the season. Even the famed candy corn, popular at Hallowe’en, has the iconic shape of the curing corn shock.
From the less romantic side of things, the science of astronomy makes clear the beginning of the season, whether we like it or not, and its start does not necessarily match the weather from day to day. Indeed, our modern calendar appears to mark the start of seasons after we are well into the weather that typifies them.
For example, the astronomical start of Summer (as the Summer Solstice) shows the Sun at its highest in the Northern Hemisphere, though that season's weather already is fairly warm by that date. On older calendars, that date actually marked the middle of the season, as in William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Similarly, Autumn begins this month, specifically on September 22, at 10:09 p.m. CDT, which marks the astronomical start of the season, the Autumnal Equinox. But by the feel of the weather, it may make more sense that the date ought to be the mid-point of the season.
However, since at this point in Earth’s orbit, the rotational axis of Earth makes a right angle to an imaginary line joining the center of Earth and the center of the Sun, this is actually Autumn’s beginning.
As seen across the Midwest at harvest time and typical of this season, too, is often the rising Moon, large and orange near the horizon, just like the cover of the sheet music. From our sky perspective, the music publisher got it right.
The Moon can appear large due to the angle at which we see it. If near the horizon, the Moon appears close to objects along the horizon, such as trees, houses, fence posts, and even corn shocks. Seen near these landmarks in the foreground, the Moon appears huge in the background; away from these familiar landmarks, we have no point of reference, so the Moon appears small. In reality, the Moon does not change size; it’s just an illusion of large size that everyone sees.
The Moon can also appear orange due to the air around us. Near the horizon, we spy the Moon at a shallow angle, and, through more of the atmosphere, which filters out most of its reflected light except for longer wavelengths at the red end of the spectrum, making that orb look orange from our perspective.
You can easily find any number of websites that may feature copyrighted photo galleries of a large, orange Moon. In Autumn, we’re more accustomed to seeing the Moon large and orange because it seems to dawdle along the horizon. In actuality, the low angle of its orbit to the horizon makes the Moon appear to glide low over treetops as it rises.
So, of course, the best-known sign of the approaching season of Autumn indeed is the title "Harvest Moon". That’s the name given to the Moon that occurs nearest to the Autumnal Equinox. At the time that the Harvest Moon song was first popular, it was a quaint notion that farmers relied on that light of the rising Moon to finish their harvest for the day. Nowadays, farmers finish in the field more efficiently with modern machinery, but it’s not an old-fashioned notion that Earth’s nearest astronomical neighbor still influences our daily life.
The Moon can certainly influence what we see this month, since it shines next to most of the planets. On September 10th, a slim, waxing crescent hugs the horizon just below Venus, Mars, Saturn, all in the constellation Virgo (the Maiden). Of course, Venus is far brightest of the trio. At the start of the month, Mars and Saturn are barely visible in early evening twilight as one will need a telescope of modest magnification to spot either of them at all. (See Chart 1, below. Saturn is very close to the western horizon.)
By mid-month, the famous ringed planet has bowed out and is lost in evening twilight. By the end of the month, Mars starts to go the way of Saturn.
Less than two weeks later, on September 23rd, the Full Moon can be spotted above Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) all through the night. Of the two, faraway Jupiter by far outshines more distant Uranus, which will require a good telescope’s high magnification just to spot it as a tiny greenish dot. (See Chart 2, above. Note the reddish tick marks to help pinpoint the location of Uranus.)
If you use low power, such as in a large binocular, look at Jupiter and then look for Uranus nearby as both of these distant planets will be very nearly in the same field of view!
In September, Jupiter appears brightest and in its most favorable apparition when it reaches opposition (that is, when it appears opposite the Sun in the sky) this month. Finding Jupiter is easy in the eastern sky as it rises earlier every evening and is the brightest object in the sky all night long (besides the Moon) after Venus sets.
For this month, Mercury remains in the glare of the Sun, emerges into morning twilight my mid-month, but is not well-placed for observing at all until the end of September.
For the Moon itself, it’s always an appealing subject, when one can watch the change of phases throughout the month. No matter where one lives, in the city, in the suburbs, or in the country, the Moon, when visible on clear nights, commands the evening sky. And in some urban areas where often only the Moon can be seen, it’s worth taking time to observe it.
Look at the pictures (below) of typical lunar profiles. Observe a usual 6 day-old Moon (first image), the waxing crescent, and you’ll catch the terminator, that shadowed divide between light and dark on the Moon, highlighting craters and mountains in bold relief.
Zoom in with medium magnification, say, greater than 60-power, and scan the deep valleys and sheer crater walls.
Look later for the gibbous phases before and after Full Moon, namely, waxing at 9 days (second image) and waning at 18 days (third iamge), and note the change of perspective simply by shifting the Sun’s light across ancient landscapes.
Less than two weeks later, on September 23rd, the Full Moon can be spotted above Jupiter and Uranus in Pisces (the Fishes) all through the night. Of the two, faraway Jupiter by far outshines more distant Uranus, which will require a good telescope’s high magnification just to spot it as a tiny greenish dot. (See Chart 2, above. Note the reddish tick marks to help pinpoint the location of Uranus.)
If you use low power, such as in a large binocular, look at Jupiter and then look for Uranus nearby as both of these distant planets will be very nearly in the same field of view!
In September, Jupiter appears brightest and in its most favorable apparition when it reaches opposition (that is, when it appears opposite the Sun in the sky) this month. Finding Jupiter is easy in the eastern sky as it rises earlier every evening and is the brightest object in the sky all night long (besides the Moon) after Venus sets.
For this month, Mercury remains in the glare of the Sun, emerges into morning twilight my mid-month, but is not well-placed for observing at all until the end of September.
For the Moon itself, it’s always an appealing subject, when one can watch the change of phases throughout the month. No matter where one lives, in the city, in the suburbs, or in the country, the Moon, when visible on clear nights, commands the evening sky. And in some urban areas where often only the Moon can be seen, it’s worth taking time to observe it.
Look at the pictures (below) of typical lunar profiles. Observe a usual 6 day-old Moon (first image), the waxing crescent, and you’ll catch the terminator, that shadowed divide between light and dark on the Moon, highlighting craters and mountains in bold relief.
Zoom in with medium magnification, say, greater than 60-power, and scan the deep valleys and sheer crater walls.
Look later for the gibbous phases before and after Full Moon, namely, waxing at 9 days (second image) and waning at 18 days (third iamge), and note the change of perspective simply by shifting the Sun’s light across ancient landscapes.
Some observers might think that seeing the same set of landscapes month after month would get tiresome or boring. But the play of light and shadow across the lunar surface never ceases to fascinate.
Shine on, Harvest Moon!
Sky Roundup Almanac for September 2010
September 1: Last Quarter Moon.
September 8: New Moon.
September 14: First Quarter Moon.
September 21: Jupiter reaches opposition and is visible in eastern sky after sunset.
September 22: Autumnal Equinox, first day of Fall, at 10:09 p.m. CDT.
September 23: Full Moon.
Shine on, Harvest Moon!
Sky Roundup Almanac for September 2010
September 1: Last Quarter Moon.
September 8: New Moon.
September 14: First Quarter Moon.
September 21: Jupiter reaches opposition and is visible in eastern sky after sunset.
September 22: Autumnal Equinox, first day of Fall, at 10:09 p.m. CDT.
September 23: Full Moon.
All almanac events corrected as needed to Central Daylight Time, March to November,
and, to Central Standard Time, November to March.
Comments or questions? Please contact Roy Kaelin at roy@roykaelin.com.
and, to Central Standard Time, November to March.
Comments or questions? Please contact Roy Kaelin at roy@roykaelin.com.