February Night Sky
D.W.Q.M.: the Third Doctor: "Look, if you can't reverse the energy drain, the fabric of the entire Universe could be torn apart."
Omega: "What if it is? It will make an interesting spectacle."
Okay, I've actually been back online since Sunday night, just haven't had the time to post. ;)
Today's astronomy post is brought to you by Sky and Telescope.
Not much happening for the casual observer this month. No major showers, but there are still a few things to talk about. :)
Full moon on February 23rd.
There will be two planets visible high in the dark sky: Saturn and Jupiter. Saturn is far up in the east at nightfall, and will be visible all night long. Jupiter doesn't rise until the middle of the evening, and does not get high unil late. Jupiter will outshine Sirius in the night sky during the month. This is also a great month for observing Saturn with a decent telescope-the south face of the rings is tilted towards us almost as much as possible. I don't know about you-but I'm always thrilled to see Saturn's rings through a telescope. To me, that never gets old. :)
I can't believe that I never thought of that.
When you think of Orion, what's the first thing you think of? Most commonly, it's the three bright stars that make up his belt that draws our attention. Now, let me draw your attention to his shield and cluster NGC 1662...
California amateur astronomer Russell Sipe sees the cluster as the running lights of a Klingon Battle Cruiser (S&T, Feb 2005 p. 86) Looking at the images in the magazine, I can sort of see it...of course, it's really easy to look at a picture and say, 'oh, yeah! I see that now.' It's quite a different story when you go outside and try to see it for yourself. Still, it's pretty cool. Very nerdy, but very cool.
Speaking of nerdy, I know someone who is becoming nerdy, but i'm not s'pose to tell. ;)
*ahem* back to my astronomy post.
Comet Machholz
The comet is starting to fade a little, but should still be visible with a pair of good binoculars through February, and through a telescope at least until May. The first week of February it will be north of Perseus and east of Cassiopeia, plus, the early evening sky will be dark and moonless. (provided the weather cooperates, of course.) ;) Click here to find a link to the star chart.
Clear skies and happy viewing!!
Omega: "What if it is? It will make an interesting spectacle."
Okay, I've actually been back online since Sunday night, just haven't had the time to post. ;)
Today's astronomy post is brought to you by Sky and Telescope.
Not much happening for the casual observer this month. No major showers, but there are still a few things to talk about. :)
Full moon on February 23rd.
There will be two planets visible high in the dark sky: Saturn and Jupiter. Saturn is far up in the east at nightfall, and will be visible all night long. Jupiter doesn't rise until the middle of the evening, and does not get high unil late. Jupiter will outshine Sirius in the night sky during the month. This is also a great month for observing Saturn with a decent telescope-the south face of the rings is tilted towards us almost as much as possible. I don't know about you-but I'm always thrilled to see Saturn's rings through a telescope. To me, that never gets old. :)
I can't believe that I never thought of that.
When you think of Orion, what's the first thing you think of? Most commonly, it's the three bright stars that make up his belt that draws our attention. Now, let me draw your attention to his shield and cluster NGC 1662...
California amateur astronomer Russell Sipe sees the cluster as the running lights of a Klingon Battle Cruiser (S&T, Feb 2005 p. 86) Looking at the images in the magazine, I can sort of see it...of course, it's really easy to look at a picture and say, 'oh, yeah! I see that now.' It's quite a different story when you go outside and try to see it for yourself. Still, it's pretty cool. Very nerdy, but very cool.
Speaking of nerdy, I know someone who is becoming nerdy, but i'm not s'pose to tell. ;)
*ahem* back to my astronomy post.
Comet Machholz
The comet is starting to fade a little, but should still be visible with a pair of good binoculars through February, and through a telescope at least until May. The first week of February it will be north of Perseus and east of Cassiopeia, plus, the early evening sky will be dark and moonless. (provided the weather cooperates, of course.) ;) Click here to find a link to the star chart.
Clear skies and happy viewing!!
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