It’s big. It’s beautiful. It possesses an energy and power that will leave you in awe. And it’s not a goat. Wherever it got its name, Capella the Goat Star certainly doesn’t resemble the animal it was named after. You can blame those ancient Greeks! It’s generally known as a winter star, found in the constellation Auriga.… Continue reading Capella: The Goat Star
Tag: night sky
Moon Landing Anniversary
“That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” It’s been exactly 47 years since these words were spoken. 47 years since astronaut Neil Armstrong made history by being the first human to step onto the moon’s surface. 47 years since humankind showed that we are capable of setting goals far beyond… Continue reading Moon Landing Anniversary
What to Find in the Big Dipper
The Big Dipper is probably THE most famous star pattern, period. It’s big, bright, and serves as a guide to many other bright stars and constellations on the great road map of the sky. But don’t let its commonness deceive you. Far from a humdrum star pattern, it actually has some pretty cool stars and… Continue reading What to Find in the Big Dipper
Venus
After several months of absence, Venus is finally becoming visible again! By mid-July, we might be able to see it in the west, at dusk, with the naked eye. But if you can’t wait that long, there’s a small chance you’ll be able to spot it before then! For the next couple days, during a… Continue reading Venus
Star Constellations: Aquila the Eagle
Star Constellations in the Milky Way At this time of year, we get a spectacular view of the Milky Way. And not only is this glittering band of stars lovely to look at, it also serves as a fantastic road map for finding some constellations! One of these constellations is Aquila, the eagle. Step outside… Continue reading Star Constellations: Aquila the Eagle
Did You See the Strawberry Moon?
Last night the world had a rare treat: a full moon on Summer Solstice. Read my full article on the rarity of this moon here . Why is this called a strawberry moon? According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac this name was first used by the Algonquin tribe of indigenous Americans, who called the June full moon by that… Continue reading Did You See the Strawberry Moon?
Summer Solstice Full Moon!
Today—June 20, 2016—don’t miss your opportunity to catch a glimpse of the summer solstice full moon! For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, this hasn’t happened since 1967. And it won’t happen again until June 21, 2062! Technically, for those of us in Saskatchewan, the moon looked fuller last night than it will tonight. That’s because… Continue reading Summer Solstice Full Moon!
Moon, Mars and Spica
Tonight—June 15, 2016—search your skies to see a lovely trio formed by the moon, Mars, and the star Spica! From dusk tonight, to the wee hours of tomorrow morning, these three buddies will be sailing across our southern skies. The Red Planet will be blazing to the east of the moon. And Spica, a bright… Continue reading Moon, Mars and Spica
Asteroid explosion lights up early-morning sky over Arizona
By Laura Wright, CBC News, June 3, 2016 Fireball was 10 times brighter than the full moon An overnight asteroid explosion over Arizona lit up the sky so brightly that it appeared as if it were daylight for a short time. Read full article here…
Look south, Saskatchewan to catch a glimpse of Mars
By CBC News, May 31, 2016 Vance Petriew says the Red Planet should be visible south of Regina for most of the summer For people in Saskatchewan interested in seeing Mars, but not interested enough to take a one-way trip, this summer is your chance. On May 30, Mars made its closest approach to the… Continue reading Look south, Saskatchewan to catch a glimpse of Mars