Have You Looked At The Night Sky Lately?
Tags: Astronomy
We tend to do our skygazing at night but there's something to be said for doing it in the morning before dawn. The sky is sparkly with stars and planets. Those of us who heat with wood get to experience this treat when we go out to gather wood to get the stove started up again upon rising. Anyone care to join me for coffee and stargazing? The pot's on.
Quickly, run outside before the sun rises and look up.
From Earth & Sky.org, here is what we'll see tonight.
As Antares sets, the Pleiades cluster rises
Look low in the southwest at dusk and nightfall to find the ruddy star Antares to the west (right) of the waxing crescent moon. Antares is the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion.
At mid-northern latitudes, Antares sets shortly after nightfall at this time of year. Farther north, Antares sets even earlier, whereas farther south Antares sets at a later hour. In fact, at middle latitudes south of the equator – like at southern Australia and New Zealand – Antares sets a good 3 hours later than at our mid-northern latitudes.
One thing remains constant, however, no matter where you live worldwide. Whenever Antares sets in your southwest sky, the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus the Bull rises into your northeast sky. Another thing remains constant as well. Antares sets 4 minutes earlier every day while the Pleiades star cluster rises 4 minutes earlier daily.
By mid to late November, Antares will disappear from the night sky, while the Pleiades star cluster will shine all night long!
Written by Bruce McClure
We tend to do our skygazing at night but there's something to be said for doing it in the morning before dawn. The sky is sparkly with stars and planets. Those of us who heat with wood get to experience this treat when we go out to gather wood to get the stove started up again upon rising. Anyone care to join me for coffee and stargazing? The pot's on.
Quickly, run outside before the sun rises and look up. From Earth & Sky.org, here is what we'll see tonight.
As Antares sets, the Pleiades cluster rises
Look low in the southwest at dusk and nightfall to find the ruddy star Antares to the west (right) of the waxing crescent moon. Antares is the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion.
At mid-northern latitudes, Antares sets shortly after nightfall at this time of year. Farther north, Antares sets even earlier, whereas farther south Antares sets at a later hour. In fact, at middle latitudes south of the equator – like at southern Australia and New Zealand – Antares sets a good 3 hours later than at our mid-northern latitudes.
One thing remains constant, however, no matter where you live worldwide. Whenever Antares sets in your southwest sky, the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus the Bull rises into your northeast sky. Another thing remains constant as well. Antares sets 4 minutes earlier every day while the Pleiades star cluster rises 4 minutes earlier daily.
By mid to late November, Antares will disappear from the night sky, while the Pleiades star cluster will shine all night long!
Written by Bruce McClure