Image source: Wikipedia
Stellar Guides
Although all stargazing is dependent on the weather, this week, stargazers are in for a treat as the month progresses. Look fairly low in the south for the Autumn Star, Fomalhaut (FOH-muh-lot). Off by itself in a dim region of space, it is in the usually unnoticed constellation of Piscis Austrinus, the Southern Fish. Living where we do, we occasionally get a peek at constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.
Before the children's bedtime, there is a good chance you will see the W pattern of Cassiopeia to the northeast, balanced on one end, with the W facing left towards Polaris. Polaris is a special star in that it appears to remain in the same place in the northern sky year in and year out while the other stars/constellations appear to rotate around it. The North Star is essential for navigation in the northern hemisphere and is located in the sky above the horizon at the same number of degrees latitude the observer is standing.
If you are not using an app on your cellphone you might wonder how to locate the cardinal directions. When you stand with your right shoulder towards the direction of the rising Sun and your left shoulder towards the location the Sun sets, if you are facing forward you are looking north. South is behind your back. Imagine the quarters of a circle as you stand there. Directly overhead is a 90-degree angle and this is the zenith of the sky. The horizon will be 180 degrees. Imagine that protractor you had in geometry. At our location on planet Earth we are about 26 degrees north of the equator and about 97.5 degrees west of the prime meridian. So, the north star is almost 26 degrees above the horizon. This time of the year the rising and setting of the sun is closer to east and west, which is the direction of most towns’ main streets follow. That makes it easier to n notice the changing distance of north and south of east and west.
Look to the lower northwest for the handle of the Big Dipper (or the hindquarters of Ursa Major). Polaris is the last star in the tail of Ursa Minor (little bear). There are many intriguing stories about these constellations that may be found either in books or online. Your family might even want to write its own story about a favorite constellation or correct the stars to create original constellations.
Low above the horizon due south, Scorpio is gradually moving out of view. Ophiuchus, the Strong One, is crushing the life out of Scorpio and restraining the serpent in his hands, leaving the way clear for Orion. Currently visible in the early morning sky before dawn, Orion will appear in December's night sky before bedtime. Easily recognized by his three - star-studded belt buckle, better than the world-champion rodeo bronc-rider's belt buckle any day. Orion is a treat; well worth getting up early to see now; And, incidentally, the sun rise.
Just behind Scorpio is the teapot shape of Sagittarius, now slowly pouring the steaming hot beverage onto the Scorpion's tail. The tail is marked by two small bright stars at the end of the curving S of Scorpio. In a dark site, the "steam" is visible. It is a massive star cluster.
A viewer can still use the handle of the Big Dipper to arc to Arcturus in Bootes, although there is quite a bit of glare in the sky in the area. Between the Northern Cross (Cygnus, the Swan) and Boötes, look for the keystone shape of Hercules. Regular readers may recall that Cygnus is part of the Summer Triangle. The other two constellations containing the bright triangle points' stars are Lyra and Aquila. That region of the sky is filled with loveliness to enjoy. I dare you to investigate for yourself.
Meteor showers occur over the next several weeks so make time to go out and look for some of those ‘falling stars.’ The Draconids are active this week and the Orionids the following weeks. Seeing even one meteorite is always a thrill; the opportunity to be watching a shower of them is rare since we have so much light pollution.
As always, your questions or comments related to astronomy are welcome carolutsinger@att.net.
