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!
Tag: Sky Watcher
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
Saturn Reaches Opposition
If you have been wanting to see Saturn and its rings, now is a great time! This week, Saturn reaches one of its yearly milestones. On the night of June 2-3, Earth will pass between it and the Sun. At that time, astronomers say the planet has reached its “opposition”. This means the giant gaseous… Continue reading Saturn Reaches Opposition
Cygnus the Swan Constellation
Cygnus & Albireo Swooping across our summer sky, standing out against the shimmering background of the Milky Way, Cygnus the Swan is another great constellation to see in the coming months. See if you can find it and its beautiful double-star, Albireo! In the next few weeks, Cygnus will be rising in our northeastern sky… Continue reading Cygnus the Swan Constellation
This Week Observe Some Planets!
This week is a great opportunity to observe some planets! With Jupiter still gracing our evening skies, Mars reaching opposition, and Saturn steadily growing in brightness near it, we have a chance to see three bright planets near their best! Sunday, May 22, will be the best day to watch Mars in 2 years! On… Continue reading This Week Observe Some Planets!
Finding Cassiopeia
Sailing gracefully across our northern skies, Cassiopeia the Queen is one of the easiest constellations to find in the Northern Hemisphere It’s visible at any time of the night, at any time of the year, and its stars are all relatively bright. Head outside on the next clear night and see if you can spot… Continue reading Finding Cassiopeia
Mercury makes rare transit of the sun today
By CBC News, May 9, 2016 Watch LIVE between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. ET You can get a rare view of Mercury as it crosses in front of the sun today. Mercury began making its way across the face of the sun at 7:12 a.m. ET and will complete its crossing at 2:42 p.m. ET,… Continue reading Mercury makes rare transit of the sun today
Of Meteors and Transits
It’s going to be an event-filled week for sky-watchers! As another meteor shower peaks and astronomers gear up for a rare planetary transit, it’s time to unplug for a while and start lookin’ up! Read on to find out how to make the most of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, and the 2016 transit of… Continue reading Of Meteors and Transits
Finding Polaris: The North Star
How fast are you at finding the North Star? Have you tried, but you’re not sure what you’re looking for? Or maybe you’re one of those people (like me) who’s always looking for new ways to find it, since you always have to crane your neck sky-ward and locate it the second you step outside on a dark night.… Continue reading Finding Polaris: The North Star
Meteor Showers
Do you love watching meteor showers? Well, for the next seven days—April 19-26—you will have a challenge to keep you happy. The yearly Lyrid meteor shower has been active since the 16th, and it’ll be reaching its peak on the night of April 21-22. Unfortunately, however, it doesn’t promise to be much of a show.… Continue reading Meteor Showers