Archive for April 30, 2010
Earthsky Tonight — May 1, Follow the arc to the star
Courtesy of EarthSky A Clear Voice for Science www.EarthSky.org It is now the perfect time to look outside in the evening and learn a phrase useful to sky watchers. The phrase is: ‘follow the arc to Arcturus.’ First, locate the Big Dipper asterism in the northeastern sky. Then draw an imaginary line following the curve in the Dipper’s handle until you come to a bright orange star. This star is Arcturus in the constellation Bootes, known in sky lore as the ‘bear guard.’ Arcturus is ... Full Story
Earthsky Tonight — April 30, Star hopping from
Courtesy of EarthSky A Clear Voice for Science www.EarthSky.org Rebecca wrote, “What is ’star hopping?’ What does that mean?” Rebecca, amateur astronomers use star hopping to go from stars and constellations they know … to ones they don’t know yet. First, look for noticeable patterns on the sky’s dome. One very easy pattern to find at this time of year is the constellation Orion the Hunter. You will find it descending in the west after sunset. Orion is easy to find because it ... Full Story
