The Night Sky
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| Earth’s satellite, the Moon 7:00 PM EDT Vermont facing up westward above Vermont stars? lower left under Moon |
Last night I hurried out to empty the trash (forgot earlier). Coat zipped up. I braved the cold by the glow of the parking lot lights and scurried across the network of might be icy spots.
On the way back, I notice a very bright star in the West. It isn’t a star. The bright planet is Venus! Or is it? To the southeast, another bright object. It is a star called Jupiter, Mars or Sirius!
Browsing online for night sky stars and planets is frustrating. Often I struggle to plot what I see with the information and photos that are posted online. I’m such a grump lately. (I shall not post on the subject of why.)
😎
Anyway, the night sky is full of marvelous lights. If you can get outside, and have clear skies, then consider having a look.
Plot your location and the hour when taking photographs. Later, draw a night sky map to label the stars and planets. Note that some planets and stars are visible after sunset and before sunrise.
We haven’t had a clear night in ages. There is a rare planetary alignment now, I believe.
ReplyDeleteMarie,
DeleteYou are right, there is a planetary alignment! Wow!
That is probably what I saw through the clouds. I didn’t think I’d be able to see any of it.
May
What a good idea to draw a night sky map. I often see lights and don't know what they are. A map would help me be able to look up the position of planets and such. I hear there is going to a be a great lineup of planets soon.
ReplyDeleteLorrie,
DeleteAs Marie posts, there is a planetary alignment. I think it last into late February.
A Star Finder, circular plastic device you turn to line up
position and dates is good to have. Mine is around here someplace.
May
You're a brave soul to go out in the cold and the dark. Not something I would do where we live now because it's no longer safe at night.
ReplyDeleteMaryanne,
DeleteNot safe here as well, but early evening most are still awake. The parking lot is a small well lit place. It is bears in keep a look out for.
May
That's a mysterious and lovely picture. I really like that one.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Sheri,
DeleteDuring the aurora borealis I read that taking photos with a cell phone makes the night sky show up more. Standing outdoors, the clouds are dark until I saw them on the screen.