Hello Friends!
It has been awhile since I've posted last. May has been rather busy for me, and it appears there is a bit of a waiting game to get into the summer constellations. I realized then that the summer night sky, while interesting, has a bit of a meditative quality to it in regards to the fact that it is one of the visually darkest and devoid skies, other than for the Milky Way that is beautifully stretched across the sky.
So, this past week the Full Moon made its appearance. This then is our fodder for today's post. The May Full Moon is named the Full Flower Moon, for the sole idea that most every plant and tree has flowered due to the April precipitation. The May Moon is also known as the Milk Moon, for what reason we do not know.
When I saw the full moon a few nights ago, I likened it to a Milk Moon, because the weather had cooled out here in the desert southwest and humidity (yes...moisture) had been evident in the sky, thus the moon took on a milky appearance to me. I have enjoyed recently sitting on my balcony and staring into the blackness of the sky, and relaxing and being grateful for life in general. Life has been tough as of late, and I have missed the slow and calming energies of the night sky. This urges me to find when the next meteor shower will be active so as to just enjoy a night of gazing into the sky and catching the chance to see a brilliant spark of burning gas hurtling to the Earth from outer space. HINT: Late July and Early August!
I realized that I have not given credit to my zodiac sign, Libra the Scales! Libra is the only zodiac sign that is not human or animal, and did not exist until separated from Scorpio the Scorpion. Libra used to represent the claws of Scorpio, but later was given a place in the sky by the Romans as the scales of justice and balance in 1 AD. I suppose this makes sense, as Libra balances out the zodiac, and could be seen as a mark of balance between times BC and AD. It also marks the fascination of the ancients with the balance of all celestial life cycles, whether they be the seasons, day and night, or birth and death.
Catch you next time: we will start with an introduction to Hercules and Draco!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
#14 A Serpent's Story
Good Evening Fellow Star Spies!
The ancients had a way of using constellations and stars to mark immortality and legend. I think it is relevant to think of the sky above us as amazing and wondrous, along with having the characteristics of being the easel of the myths of great men and figures alike. The night sky is a great place to dream, to wonder, and to envision our mysteries of life.
Want to view the largest constellation in the night sky? The constellation that takes over half of the year to be fully visible? Behold! Hydra, the serpent. This constellation is most known as one of the labors of Hercules, the second to be exact, and was known for having multiple heads. There is, however, only one head associated with this constellation. This then leads us to realize that the middle and dominant head was immortal.
This serpent was the great water-snake of a town called Lerna. It's breath was known to poison and kill, and running across its path was not suggested. This snake is also the brother of Draco, the dragon that guards the golden apples of Hera. We will soon visit Draco, as he is almost finished with his slithering into the night sky from the Eastern horizon.
Hercules had to take care to draw the Hydra out from the poisonous swamp it inhabited. Hercules used his flame arrows to irritate the beast, then grappled with it and clubbed in one of its heads. To his surprise, the head grew back and sprouted two identical heads! Hercules had to think quick, and called for his charioteer IIolaus to cauterize each of the stumps when he would cut off a head to prevent further regeneration. He finished the immortal head and buried it deep in the Earth under a nearby rock. He used the poisonous gall of the remainder of the body to dip his arrows in.
Upon this serpent's back rides two other constellations that are part of the second story given to this massive serpent. These are Corvus the Crow and Crater the Cup. I just realized that is a lot of C's. Crater is the immortal cups of the Gods, known to carry the life-water for sacrifice, or ambrosia, the nectar of the Gods and their life force. This life force was known to impart eternal life. Crater is the cup that is seen in Aquarius, the symbol of the water bearer Ganymede, picked by the God Zeus for his attractiveness.
Corvus was the favorite bird of Apollo, and his valuable servant. Corvus was called upon one day by Apollo to take Crater the cup to the well-spring to collect water for a sacrifice. The crow was on his way to the spring and came across a fig tree in full bloom, and being tempted, stayed and ate his fill of the figs for three days! In the meanwhile, Apollo was left to find his own water for the sacrifice. Corvus knew he would be in trouble if he returned without an alibi. He found a water snake and returned with it, trying to convince Apollo that the water snake was vicious and would not let him collect water from the spring. Apollo was not fooled, as he is gifted as the God of prophecy, and saw through the lie. He condemned the bird to a life of thirst, thus why the crow has such a raspy call. Our lesson here is: keep our word impeccable and truthful, for if we do not do so, our word will become ugly and unbelievable.
The crow also gets given a story about why it is black; Apollo turned this once white as a dove bird black out of spite of the news the crow delivered to him about a love being unfaithful. This also warns us that gossip or being overly involved in others' relationships can tarnish our image to others.
There is one more constellation that rides the back of the celestial serpent. This is Noctura the Owl, which did not make it to the identified current constellations. I think it interesting to know that this is one of the least known obsolete constellations; even I did not know of this constellation until recently. English amateur astronomer Jamieson placed the owl in the sky at the tail end of Hydra, to the right of Libra, the scales. He was boggled as to why the bird did not make it into the night sky, especially with its fame and popularity in ancient cultures (Greek/Roman/Egyptian.)
I think its neat that the more I stare at the night sky and look for further objects, the more the stars reveal to me. I enjoy truly the vastness and endless enjoyment I receive when marveling at the night sky; I hope you do as well!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
#13 April Egg Moon and A Celestial Camping Retreat
Happy Easter everyone! Below is the view of the night sky from Easter Island; amazing! I believe that I want to see this before I leave the Earth.
A quick check in with the April Full Moon. The April Full Moon goes by the Full Pink Moon, because of the color of the herb moss phlox, one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring. The Full Sprouting Grass Moon and the Egg Moon are another two names for the April Moon. Each of these really capture the spring season, and bring to mind Easter. Spring grass, pink flowers, and eggs...of course it is April!
Lately I am kicking around setting up my sleeping bag outside on the balcony, or setting up the dome tent out in the backyard. I am getting the itch, now that it is warmer at night, to sleep outside under the stars. Perhaps this weekend I will set up out in the backyard and also set up the telescope. I still have yet to get a glimpse of M51, the spiral galaxy at the end of the handle of the Big Dipper. Now that it is sitting further above in the sky, I will attempt this again.
I think also that the time spent outside in nature is truly something that I could enjoy as of late. I remember last year and the Sundance I participated in. I enjoyed the quiet sunrise and bird song, and the ancient connection that permeated my spirit as I settled in under the stars. I enjoyed the flute songs that were created both in twilight and early dawn. I enjoyed the quiet solitude and clarity of my mind. Truly there is a magic to merging our unconscious with the infinite universe above us, that we seem to have lost over time to our "warm and cozy" sleep caves and snooze buttons. I think it is time to backyard camp; anyone with me?
A quick check in with the April Full Moon. The April Full Moon goes by the Full Pink Moon, because of the color of the herb moss phlox, one of the earliest widespread flowers of spring. The Full Sprouting Grass Moon and the Egg Moon are another two names for the April Moon. Each of these really capture the spring season, and bring to mind Easter. Spring grass, pink flowers, and eggs...of course it is April!
Lately I am kicking around setting up my sleeping bag outside on the balcony, or setting up the dome tent out in the backyard. I am getting the itch, now that it is warmer at night, to sleep outside under the stars. Perhaps this weekend I will set up out in the backyard and also set up the telescope. I still have yet to get a glimpse of M51, the spiral galaxy at the end of the handle of the Big Dipper. Now that it is sitting further above in the sky, I will attempt this again.
I think also that the time spent outside in nature is truly something that I could enjoy as of late. I remember last year and the Sundance I participated in. I enjoyed the quiet sunrise and bird song, and the ancient connection that permeated my spirit as I settled in under the stars. I enjoyed the flute songs that were created both in twilight and early dawn. I enjoyed the quiet solitude and clarity of my mind. Truly there is a magic to merging our unconscious with the infinite universe above us, that we seem to have lost over time to our "warm and cozy" sleep caves and snooze buttons. I think it is time to backyard camp; anyone with me?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
#12 A Lion, a Virgin, and a Herdsman (Bonus: A Crown!)
Follow the arc to Arcturus and drive a spike to Spica! Grab your star map from starmaps.com for this journey through the sky, as it will come in handy!
Let's take a look at the late evening sky together. This fun statement is a handy way to find the bright stars within the constellations of Virgo the Virgin and Bootes the Herdsman. But first, I would like to give Leo the Lion his time in the spotlight, as he has crept further above the horizon without our stopping to enjoy his story.
Leo can be found just above Corvus the Crow. He is currently heading towards being vertical in the night sky. Look for the two asterisms of Leo: 1) the triangle and 2) the sickle or question mark. The brightest star in Leo is Regulus, or the little king. It is also said to be the lion's heart.
Leo has a few stories connected to him. The first story involves the labors of Hercules. Hercules first labor was to hunt and destroy the Nemean lion. This lion was known for its furiousness and toughness. It would leave the two mouthed cave it lived in and head down and attack the city of Nemea, bringing its lunch back to its den. Hercules engaged the lion from a distance first, striking with arrows. The lion's tough skin did not allow for penetration, so Hercules tracked the lion to the den and had to use his massive and superhumanly strong arms to strangle the lion, and used the lion's razor sharp claws to take the hide for his own.
The Bible also has a mention of Daniel and his trial in the Lion's Den. Daniel's story is about being able to trust in God's protection during dangerous situations. Daniel was put into a den of lions and protected by God as a testament of his faith and commitment to his belief in God. This constellation can remind us to be unafraid to stand up for what we believe in, to be proud and courageous of our convictions. It can also be a reminder of the protection and security afforded us amidst life's challenges by the universe/Higher Power/God.
Lastly, Leo can be seen as perhaps the celestial inspiration of the Great Sphinx of Egypt. You can see the triangle as the hind legs and the sickle as the head dress and head of the Sphinx.
Next, we visit the story of Virgo the Virgin, the second largest constellation other than Hydra. Virgo is seen as an angel with wings holding a sheath of wheat, standing next to the constellation of Libra the scales. She is thought to represent two goddesses. The first is Dike, the goddess of Justice. She was the part of the Earth when Zeus' father Cronus ruled Golden Age; her presence could be considered the symbol "divine, spiritual, and higher intelligence" being a great part of humankind's prosperity. This changed as Zeus took over and overthrew his father. The Silver Age was born and in it Zeus introduced the seasons. Dike pined for a time when humankind was of a higher order and look for the common and higher good, but the humans were becoming more quarrelsome, and Dike warned them they would further fall if they continued their ways and did not honor their spirit. She retreated to the mountains and sadly watched as the Bronze and Iron Ages were ushered in and mankind continued to fall into war, theft, and violence. Dike could not bear seeing humankind fall to this blinding ignorance any longer, and headed into the heavens to sit next to the scales of justice, patiently awaiting a time for humankind to tip the scales back in favor of the pursuit of goodness and morality.
The constellation could also be seen as Demeter, the harvest goddess and sister to Zeus. It is important to note that the brightest star of Virgo is Spica, which means leaf of wheat. Being the harvest goddess, this is a fitting symbol. Demeter leads the way for one of the stories of Bootes, the Herdsman. Bootes has been seen to represent Demeter's son, the inventor of the plow. His plow is the constellation of the Big Dipper, and continues to plow the barren Earth after Winter to prepare for the appearance of Demeter in the Spring.
Bootes is also known as the guardian of the bear. Remember the story of Callisto, who was turned into a bear by Hera? Bootes is known as Arcas, the son of Callisto. He was placed in the night sky to continue to be a protector and guide his mother along her course around the north star Polaris. The brightest star of Bootes is Arcturus, which means guardian of the bear, most fitting for Arcas.
Lastly, take a look at the small bowl-shaped or U-shaped grouping of stars to the upper left of Bootes. This is the constellation of the Celestial Crown, or Corona Borealis. This heavenly crown is known as the property of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete, and the wife of the Greek hero Theseus. She gave Theseus a ball of string to navigate the labyrinth in his attempt to slay the Minotaur and release the city from the sacrificial ceremony made every year to appease the beast. He bested the beast and followed the string out. In their marriage, the God of the blacksmiths, Hephaestus, gave Ariadne a tiara forged with beautiful and rare gems that glowed with a light of their own for the ceremony. In celebration, Theseus threw the crown into the sky after the marriage to honor the commitment.
I'll catch you all soon with a few more star stories! Be Well!
Let's take a look at the late evening sky together. This fun statement is a handy way to find the bright stars within the constellations of Virgo the Virgin and Bootes the Herdsman. But first, I would like to give Leo the Lion his time in the spotlight, as he has crept further above the horizon without our stopping to enjoy his story.
Leo can be found just above Corvus the Crow. He is currently heading towards being vertical in the night sky. Look for the two asterisms of Leo: 1) the triangle and 2) the sickle or question mark. The brightest star in Leo is Regulus, or the little king. It is also said to be the lion's heart.
Leo has a few stories connected to him. The first story involves the labors of Hercules. Hercules first labor was to hunt and destroy the Nemean lion. This lion was known for its furiousness and toughness. It would leave the two mouthed cave it lived in and head down and attack the city of Nemea, bringing its lunch back to its den. Hercules engaged the lion from a distance first, striking with arrows. The lion's tough skin did not allow for penetration, so Hercules tracked the lion to the den and had to use his massive and superhumanly strong arms to strangle the lion, and used the lion's razor sharp claws to take the hide for his own.
The Bible also has a mention of Daniel and his trial in the Lion's Den. Daniel's story is about being able to trust in God's protection during dangerous situations. Daniel was put into a den of lions and protected by God as a testament of his faith and commitment to his belief in God. This constellation can remind us to be unafraid to stand up for what we believe in, to be proud and courageous of our convictions. It can also be a reminder of the protection and security afforded us amidst life's challenges by the universe/Higher Power/God.
Lastly, Leo can be seen as perhaps the celestial inspiration of the Great Sphinx of Egypt. You can see the triangle as the hind legs and the sickle as the head dress and head of the Sphinx.
Next, we visit the story of Virgo the Virgin, the second largest constellation other than Hydra. Virgo is seen as an angel with wings holding a sheath of wheat, standing next to the constellation of Libra the scales. She is thought to represent two goddesses. The first is Dike, the goddess of Justice. She was the part of the Earth when Zeus' father Cronus ruled Golden Age; her presence could be considered the symbol "divine, spiritual, and higher intelligence" being a great part of humankind's prosperity. This changed as Zeus took over and overthrew his father. The Silver Age was born and in it Zeus introduced the seasons. Dike pined for a time when humankind was of a higher order and look for the common and higher good, but the humans were becoming more quarrelsome, and Dike warned them they would further fall if they continued their ways and did not honor their spirit. She retreated to the mountains and sadly watched as the Bronze and Iron Ages were ushered in and mankind continued to fall into war, theft, and violence. Dike could not bear seeing humankind fall to this blinding ignorance any longer, and headed into the heavens to sit next to the scales of justice, patiently awaiting a time for humankind to tip the scales back in favor of the pursuit of goodness and morality.
The constellation could also be seen as Demeter, the harvest goddess and sister to Zeus. It is important to note that the brightest star of Virgo is Spica, which means leaf of wheat. Being the harvest goddess, this is a fitting symbol. Demeter leads the way for one of the stories of Bootes, the Herdsman. Bootes has been seen to represent Demeter's son, the inventor of the plow. His plow is the constellation of the Big Dipper, and continues to plow the barren Earth after Winter to prepare for the appearance of Demeter in the Spring.
Bootes is also known as the guardian of the bear. Remember the story of Callisto, who was turned into a bear by Hera? Bootes is known as Arcas, the son of Callisto. He was placed in the night sky to continue to be a protector and guide his mother along her course around the north star Polaris. The brightest star of Bootes is Arcturus, which means guardian of the bear, most fitting for Arcas.
Lastly, take a look at the small bowl-shaped or U-shaped grouping of stars to the upper left of Bootes. This is the constellation of the Celestial Crown, or Corona Borealis. This heavenly crown is known as the property of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete, and the wife of the Greek hero Theseus. She gave Theseus a ball of string to navigate the labyrinth in his attempt to slay the Minotaur and release the city from the sacrificial ceremony made every year to appease the beast. He bested the beast and followed the string out. In their marriage, the God of the blacksmiths, Hephaestus, gave Ariadne a tiara forged with beautiful and rare gems that glowed with a light of their own for the ceremony. In celebration, Theseus threw the crown into the sky after the marriage to honor the commitment.
I'll catch you all soon with a few more star stories! Be Well!
Friday, April 1, 2011
#11 Saturn and a distant Star Cluster
Greetings Earthlings! It's an optimal time to view Saturn!
Last weekend, I enjoyed an impromptu backyard night sky viewing in which I enjoyed the mid-spring night sky. With Leo high in the sky, and Virgo rising shortly thereafter, I was excited to view the adjunct areas of the dark sky.
Within this area is a richness of deep sky objects (Galaxies and Star Clusters) that the more patient viewer can zero in on. I chose to find M3, a star cluster to the north of Arcturus, the bright beige spring sky currently in the Eastern horizon, and part of the Coma Berenices star clusters, and M51, a spiral galaxy that is found at the end of the handle of the Big Dipper constellation.
I was able to successfully resolve M3! A beautiful globular cluster sitting within the darkness of what appears to be deep dark sky, M3 surely was bright. I look forward to again viewing M3 once further up in the night sky, as I believe some light and atmospheric pollution may have dimmed optimal viewing. I enjoyed yet again the company of my in-laws to view the night sky.
M51, however, was not as easy to find. About and hour or so later, I found what appeared to be M51, but with the city night sky to the Northeast of us, the light pollution did not yield any favors. So, I will wait for about another few weeks and attempt a reviewing.
Saturn is in opposition this Sunday, meaning it is at its closest to the Earth in its orbit. It appears that the Sun sets and Saturn rises in the same area in the Eastern sky as the Earth spins from the Sun and faces out towards Saturn. This allows for the brightest and best view of Saturn. I enjoyed sharing the planet with my in-laws and wife this time. I really enjoyed the view this year of Saturn; I would say it was the best view of the planet I have ever encountered. I remember the first view of Saturn I had; it was with my neighbor Scott with his older telescope and it looked like a small tan sticker in the eyepiece. My view showed clearly the gap between the planet's body and rings; the rings still vertically aligned. Not known is the fact that Saturn's axis tilts and this makes the rings on Saturn appear at different angles as it orbits around the Sun.
Next time we will visit the stories of the constellations Leo the Lion and Virgo the Virgin. See you then!
Last weekend, I enjoyed an impromptu backyard night sky viewing in which I enjoyed the mid-spring night sky. With Leo high in the sky, and Virgo rising shortly thereafter, I was excited to view the adjunct areas of the dark sky.
Within this area is a richness of deep sky objects (Galaxies and Star Clusters) that the more patient viewer can zero in on. I chose to find M3, a star cluster to the north of Arcturus, the bright beige spring sky currently in the Eastern horizon, and part of the Coma Berenices star clusters, and M51, a spiral galaxy that is found at the end of the handle of the Big Dipper constellation.
I was able to successfully resolve M3! A beautiful globular cluster sitting within the darkness of what appears to be deep dark sky, M3 surely was bright. I look forward to again viewing M3 once further up in the night sky, as I believe some light and atmospheric pollution may have dimmed optimal viewing. I enjoyed yet again the company of my in-laws to view the night sky.
M51, however, was not as easy to find. About and hour or so later, I found what appeared to be M51, but with the city night sky to the Northeast of us, the light pollution did not yield any favors. So, I will wait for about another few weeks and attempt a reviewing.
Saturn is in opposition this Sunday, meaning it is at its closest to the Earth in its orbit. It appears that the Sun sets and Saturn rises in the same area in the Eastern sky as the Earth spins from the Sun and faces out towards Saturn. This allows for the brightest and best view of Saturn. I enjoyed sharing the planet with my in-laws and wife this time. I really enjoyed the view this year of Saturn; I would say it was the best view of the planet I have ever encountered. I remember the first view of Saturn I had; it was with my neighbor Scott with his older telescope and it looked like a small tan sticker in the eyepiece. My view showed clearly the gap between the planet's body and rings; the rings still vertically aligned. Not known is the fact that Saturn's axis tilts and this makes the rings on Saturn appear at different angles as it orbits around the Sun.
Next time we will visit the stories of the constellations Leo the Lion and Virgo the Virgin. See you then!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
#10 A Few Inconspicuous Constellations
Good Evening Everyone! This is the Coma Galaxy in the Coma Star Cluster!
Just a quick check in between visits from the 'rents.
Took a nice respite to the backyard this evening to view the Coma Star Cluster and some of the less well-known Spring constellations between Leo and The Big Dipper.
First is another set of stars, somewhat dim, yet easily found hanging out in the darkness between The Big Dipper and Leo the Lion. These stars are the Herding Dogs, or Canes Venatici. These are thought to be Bootes the Herdsman's dogs. Unlike Orion's hunting dogs, these dogs are linked to the Herdsman and are meant to shepherd in the flocks.
The next star cluster is within the constellation of Coma Berenices, or Berenice's Hair. This is one of the few named after a historical figure. This constellation is meant to symbolize the hair of queen Berenice II of Egypt. She was known for her long golden hair, and she cut it when her husband was victorious in a war campaign and gave it to Aphrodite as a sacrifice. It was placed in the sky by Aphrodite. Through the binoculars, this star cluster looks kind of like a coat hangar. It is neat to think that while looking at this star cluster, I am looking out to some of the deeper galaxies of the universe. I am still super excited to get to the galaxies and constellations of Leo and Virgo.
There is a Little Lion, Leo Minor, that looks like a triangle under the Big Dipper's ladle. Kind of looks like a mini-Leo. There is no real significance to this constellation, other than to say we have checked it off the list of viewing in the night sky.
Also had the opportunity this past weekend to check out the Full Moon for the month of March. The Full Worm Moon/Lenten Moon is he last Full Moon of Winter! It is named so for the start of Spring and the time when the ground thaws and earthworm casings are prevalent. This weekend was the closest biggest moon to been seen in the last 18 years. My mother and father and I enjoyed the bigger than life Moon rising slowly above the horizon.
Saturn is on the horizon as well. In the binoculars you can see the shape of the planet and wonderful tan coloration. I was tempted to pull out the telescope, well next time! :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
#9 A Few Planets
Hello Stargazers! That is Venus and it's beautifully gold cloud cover; the cloud cover gives it the brightness that we have come to dub the morning/evening star.
You may have noticed a bit of a lapse in the blogging; I've been busy visiting with my parents this week! Also, each time I have wanted to pull out the telescope prior to their arrival or during their visit, it has been hazy and/or partially cloudy. I get so frustrated with the weather, but I should be grateful that most of the time the night sky out here in Arizona is beautiful!
So, I have been just in the practice of viewing a few of the planets currently in the night and dawn sky. This past week I have been able to spy Jupiter and Mercury on the western dusk horizon just after sunset. The brightest "star" in the Western sky is Jupiter at this time; keep a keen eye on the horizon and you will see Mercury. Our Winter sky is slowly retiring to the Western horizon, making way for the Spring and Summer night spectacles.
I also enjoyed a quick viewing of Venus, our morning and evening "star," on last Friday morning while carpooling with my colleague and friend V. Pulling out of the housing community, I took a quick look towards the dawn Eastern sky and spied the bright planet adding to the beautiful sunrise of the morning.
So that leaves only Mars and Neptune to write about; Mars (Ares) will show up in the night sky in February 2012 and Neptune (Poseidon) in the night sky in early August. Mars is sitting in the early evening sky right now and is not visible through the abundant sunshine, so patience is key to viewing Mars next year. We will attempt a viewing of Neptune in August.
Venus (Aphrodite) is the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and Mercury (Hermes) is the Greek god of travel, correspondence, and messages. Hermes is the messenger of the Gods to the humans, sharing this role counterpart Iris. He is also a guide to the underworld. Aphrodite was married to Vulcan (Hephaestus) due to her extreme beauty causing intense jealousy amongst the Greek gods. It is interesting to equate the Greek goddess of love and beauty to Venus; as Venus is quite beautiful from afar, but quite a dangerous and stormy place upon further inspection. Mercury really is just a piece of superheated rock, and the only planet that does not rotate on its axis due to the intense gravity of the Sun, but it is the quickest to circle the Sun.
I have been trying to set up the telescope for a viewing of the late evening Eastern sky for the emergence of Saturn just below Leo the Lion. I have also wanted to view a few galaxies below Leo and share about the Lion, so keep an eye out for this in the coming weeks. Virgo and the galaxies of Virgo are also upcoming, and a small but densely star-populated area called the Coma Berenices to the left of Leo the Lion houses a few star clusters, especially the Coma star cluster.
I'm excited for the end of this week, as currently I am looking at a bright blue sky and enjoying warm weather in the Spring evenings! My wife reminds me that the night sky is not going anywhere and there is no rush to viewing the gems upcoming in the Spring. So, I am reminded to pause and enjoy the pace of nature.
You may have noticed a bit of a lapse in the blogging; I've been busy visiting with my parents this week! Also, each time I have wanted to pull out the telescope prior to their arrival or during their visit, it has been hazy and/or partially cloudy. I get so frustrated with the weather, but I should be grateful that most of the time the night sky out here in Arizona is beautiful!
So, I have been just in the practice of viewing a few of the planets currently in the night and dawn sky. This past week I have been able to spy Jupiter and Mercury on the western dusk horizon just after sunset. The brightest "star" in the Western sky is Jupiter at this time; keep a keen eye on the horizon and you will see Mercury. Our Winter sky is slowly retiring to the Western horizon, making way for the Spring and Summer night spectacles.
I also enjoyed a quick viewing of Venus, our morning and evening "star," on last Friday morning while carpooling with my colleague and friend V. Pulling out of the housing community, I took a quick look towards the dawn Eastern sky and spied the bright planet adding to the beautiful sunrise of the morning.
So that leaves only Mars and Neptune to write about; Mars (Ares) will show up in the night sky in February 2012 and Neptune (Poseidon) in the night sky in early August. Mars is sitting in the early evening sky right now and is not visible through the abundant sunshine, so patience is key to viewing Mars next year. We will attempt a viewing of Neptune in August.
Venus (Aphrodite) is the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and Mercury (Hermes) is the Greek god of travel, correspondence, and messages. Hermes is the messenger of the Gods to the humans, sharing this role counterpart Iris. He is also a guide to the underworld. Aphrodite was married to Vulcan (Hephaestus) due to her extreme beauty causing intense jealousy amongst the Greek gods. It is interesting to equate the Greek goddess of love and beauty to Venus; as Venus is quite beautiful from afar, but quite a dangerous and stormy place upon further inspection. Mercury really is just a piece of superheated rock, and the only planet that does not rotate on its axis due to the intense gravity of the Sun, but it is the quickest to circle the Sun.
I have been trying to set up the telescope for a viewing of the late evening Eastern sky for the emergence of Saturn just below Leo the Lion. I have also wanted to view a few galaxies below Leo and share about the Lion, so keep an eye out for this in the coming weeks. Virgo and the galaxies of Virgo are also upcoming, and a small but densely star-populated area called the Coma Berenices to the left of Leo the Lion houses a few star clusters, especially the Coma star cluster.
I'm excited for the end of this week, as currently I am looking at a bright blue sky and enjoying warm weather in the Spring evenings! My wife reminds me that the night sky is not going anywhere and there is no rush to viewing the gems upcoming in the Spring. So, I am reminded to pause and enjoy the pace of nature.
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