July Night Sky Watch
July 1st 2011 03:17
Category: Night Sky Constellations
Saturn
Now that the summer season is in full swing it is perhaps one of the best times to go out and see some of the planets and constellations.
Not many planets to see during the evening except Saturn low in the western sky. The best time is around 11 pm late evening ( these observations are for observers in the central US but should be visible in most areas of the US) Uranus and Neptune are also located in the evening sky but they are too faint to be see without a telescope.
If you have a pair of medium size binoculars Saturn’s rings can be seen although they will appear very faint you will be able to see the main ring system around the planet.
For early risers around 4:00 am Mars and Jupiter can be seen in the eastern sky above the horizon.
Perhaps the most prominent constellation in the northern hemisphere is the Ursa Major the big bear.
Ursa Major Big Bear
The bright star Polaris is located in what’s called the North celestial pole. Astronomers use Polaris to position their telescopes to enable to track the stars more accurately.
I have included an animation of Polaris as the earth spins on it’s axis the pole star Polaris appears to be stationary while the surrounding stars move in a counter clockwise direction.
There is a south celestial pole located in the southern hemisphere Sigma Octans it is not as bright as Polaris and is a little trick to locate because the constellation is made up of very faint stars.
Constellation Virgo
I have included a series of constellations represented as stick figures. If you have a clear evening have a try at locating some constellations with a bit of practice you will be able to navigate the night sky.
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Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Comment by CMoreStars
Astroearth
Camera Sense
Here is hoping you get some clear skies your way.
I begin to chomp at the bit even if the sky is cloudy for a night LOL
Check out my new blog Camera Sense if you get a chance.
Camera Sense