If the weather forecast proves correct, this week’s sky-watching may be a little difficult for observers in the Kindersley area.
But don’t be discouraged! If you are patient, and fortunate, you may be able to spot the waxing moon and a few of the brightest stars through the clouds.
One star to look for will be Sirius. This star is the brightest star in the night sky, and it is especially prominent these January evenings. Located in the constellation Canis Major, it blazes away in the southern sky between late evening and the wee hours of the morning. Besides being the brightest star, period, Sirius is especially easy to find because of its close proximity to Orion. The three stars of Orion’s “belt” point directly toward Sirius.
You may have seen Sirius before, twinkling furiously and perhaps even changing colours. This rapid colour-changing has earned it the title of being a rainbow star. It’s an effect caused when a bright star shines through earth’s atmosphere, and it’s especially noticeable when Sirius is close to the horizon.
