Summer Sky? Now?

The Moon is full on January 25 so the early evening sky is bright until after January 29. We dealt with very cold conditions recently and prolonged observing was a challenge. I hope that the next few weeks with be somewhat warmer. We will look at the summer sky that is now playing in the east at sunrise.

The Summer Triangle appears on the eastern horizon at sunrise. However, Cygnus, the last constellation of the Summer Triangle, hugs the western horizon at dusk. The northern most star of the Summer Triangle is Vega. It is visible at some point in the sky every day of the year.

When searching for the Summer Triangle, look for bright Vega in Lyra the Harp to the east at sunrise. Below and left of Vega is Deneb in Cygnus the Swan. Lower down to the right is Altar in

Aquila the Eagle.

The current Morning Star Venus hangs low in the southeast at dawn now. Behind Venus is the rich star field of the Milky Way above Sagittarius. Explore this area with binoculars.

Look at Venus with a small telescope if possible. You will notice that Venus appears almost but not quite completely round. Venus is a little closer to the eastern horizon each day for the next month. Each day it appears a little more round. It is actually moving away from Earth and soon and will hide behind the Sun soon.

Observe around 5:30 a.m. in the southeast. The bright orange star is Antares in the large summer constellation Scorpius the Scorpion. Scorpius is almost exactly opposite the large winter constellation Orion in the sky. For that reason, you never see both in the sky at the same time!

Enjoy the early morning summer constellations now.

Finally, this Saturday, January 27 is the 31st Regional Gathering of Amateur Astronomers or BoBfest at Catawba Science Center. It is free to attend and doors open at 8:30 a.m. in the West Wing. Visit bobfest.catawbasky. org for the list of speakers, schedule, and opportunities. It’s perfect for beginning astronomers and families!

Visit www.catawbasky.org for more information.