Stargazing
STARGAZERS have another chance to look up, out and about in the coming month.
Wauchope-based astronomy enthusiast David Reneke said it had been a big few months for stargazers but there would be many more opportunities for astronomy lovers to pursue their passion.
“Heading towards Christmas we’re heading into the best sky-watching period and things are going to get interesting,” Mr Reneke said.
In July Saturn began making its way towards the western horizon and Mars was perched just below.
“That meant people could look up and see the bright star Spica, also known as Virgo, sitting to the left of Saturn,” Mr Reneke said.
He said things would change in the coming months and that the planet Jupiter and its moons would become visible to the naked eye up until sunrise.
“Venus remains in the eastern sky this month, to continue its stint as the ‘morning star’. You can find it below Jupiter, blazing away in brilliant white light,” he said.
The twin stars of Gemini – Castor and Pollux – can also be found to the left of Venus this month. The Moon sat alongside Venus in the sky yesterday morning.
Another thing to look out for is the spring equinox.
“It will occur on Saturday, September 22, about 2.49pm. The sun
will shine directly on the equator. This is the time when many people believe that we experience 12 hours of equal day and night throughout the world. It’s also one of only two days in the year when the sun rises due east and sets due west,” he said.
