| Observatory |
What's Up...
Some observing hilights
to look forward to...
The following tips on current and upcoming astronomical events
have been assembled for our Okanagan region by Dave Gamble
with the objective of giving OC RASC members a heads-up on
special personal astro-experiences to look forward to.
Fri. May 1 – The new month of May kicks off with a Full Moon night, however you’ll have to be up late to see it. Luna will be among the faint starts of Libra and will rise deep in the south after 11pm, depending on how low your southern horizon is.
Sun. May 3 – In the wee hours early this morning we’ll see the waning gibbous Moon survey the Okanagan Valley from deep in the southern sky. Just to her left will be the warm blaze of Antares in Scorpius and its familiar stars. For those who have seen this part of the sky at this time of the year from the southern hemisphere, there will be longing recollections of drinking in the many wonders of this constellation when it can be seen high overhead instead of through heavy atmosphere near the horizon.
Tues. May 5 - The Eta Aquarid meteor shower will peak overnight tonight, and while the waning gibbous Moon will be a pest, it’ll be very low in the south as the radiant near Aquarius’ ‘Water Jar’ climbs into the eastern sky just before dawn. The Eta Aquarids don’t count as one of the most prominent meteor showers, though they do make their mark in the southern hemisphere. May Aquarids and October’s Orionids share the same famous parent: Halley’s Comet. In May, Earth encounters dust that was shed by the comet on its outward path, in late October we cross Halley’s inbound track.
Fri. May 8 – In our increasingly later darkening skies, familiar summer constellations are starting to arrive from the east with Arcturus in Bootes (boo-OH-tees) leading the way for Corona Borealis, the northern crown, followed by the distinctive patterns of Hercules and Lyra. More fun times ahead!
Sat. May 9 – This is Last Quarter Moon night, and Luna is still in the southern part of the sky, rising among the faint stars of Capricornus in the pre dawn sky. For those who enjoy seeing the neatly divided lunar sphere in morning daylight, you’ll have to look deep into the southern sky.
Tues. May 12 – As the hours of dark sky decrease as we approach to just over a month away from the summer solstice, it’s time to appreciate the wonderful star patterns of spring before they sink into the growing twilight of the western sky. This evening we’ll see that the Geminid twins are preparing for their seasonal disappearance, but doing so in great company with Jupiter in their midst.
Thurs. May 14 – It will be a challenge even with a low eastern horizon, but it’s exciting to find that Mars is beginning its next journey across the sky! This will culminate next February when our outer neighbour will reach opposition. For now all we can expect is perhaps a glimpse of the red planet low in the pre-dawn eastern sky which will be made a bit easier this morning since the sliver of the waning crescent Moon will be just to its upper right.
Sat. May 16 – This is New Moon night and Luna will be completely out of the way at the heart of the current dark sky period looked forward to by deep sky observers and imagers.
Mon. May 18 – Luna so often acts as a tour guide of the sky, leading our eyes to interesting things. This evening the very thin waxing crescent will draw attention to Venus as she moves further into her evening star role. Our inner neighbour will shine just below the Moon while Jupiter looks on from the left.
Wed. May 20 – The scene we enjoyed last Monday has now developed into a new configuration. Luna’s waxing cresent has now moved ahead along the ecliptic, forming a line with Jupiter and then Venus above the western horizon.
Fri. May 22 – This is First Quarter Moon night, not only offering the opportunity of exploring the craters and other features side-lit along the terminator, but of enjoying the proximity of bright Regulus in Leo. In fact, during the course of the night Luna will traverse just below what is at home 79 light years away a system of four stars organized in two pairs.
Tues. May 26 – Tonight is a great time to enjoy the spring constellation Virgo which is culminating in the southern sky. Joining the observance will be the waxing gibbous Moon poised just to the right of bright Spica.
Sun. May 31 – In the early hours this morning Luna will celebrate her current Full Moon phase in the company of the red supergiant star Antares in Scorpius, very low in the southern sky, coincidentally echoing the visit that kicked off the month on May 1! Our bright neighbour will wipe out views of the many wonders that abound around the heart of our Milky Way galaxy, which however will be more available during coming dark sky periods.