A Dying Star in the Dragon’s Den
August 12, 2010
Tonight is the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower, also known as “The Tears of St. Lawrence”. And this year, if you have clear skies, the shower will be fine since the Moon is a dim, slender crescent which sets long before the shower peaks after midnight. So look anywhere in the sky and enjoy the show. But if you’ve seen your fill of meteors and the thick star clouds of the Milky Way, turn your eyes directly overhead to see the famous “Cat’s Eye” nebula in the constellation Draco, the Dragon.
Why Mars Will NOT Appear As Large As The Full Moon
August 9, 2010
Yes, the “great Mars hoax” email is back. Since 2003, the email seems to make rounds at least once a year, claiming Mars will appear as large as the full moon in late August.
Sorry to say, that’s not going to happen. Here’s why you got the email, and what you will really see this month…
Two Must-See Star Clusters in Scorpius
August 6, 2010
Today, we look at two splendid star clusters between the stinger of Scorpius and the “spout” of the teapot-shaped constellation Sagittarius. Lovely in a small scope or binoculars, and visible to the unaided eye, Messier 6 and Messier 7 are must-sees for stargazers nearly anywhere in the world, though they are best seen from as far south as possible.
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The Sky This Month – August 2010
August 2, 2010
Some highlights to look for in the sky this month…
Perseid Meteor Shower
For casual stargazers, the highlight of the month is the fine Perseid meteor shower. This annual event peaks on the nights of August 11-12, when the Earth passes through a stream of particles left over from Comet Swift-Tuttle. In dark sky, you can see many dozens of meteors each hour, especially after midnight as the Earth turns into the stream. And this year, the sky will be dark since the Moon will set long before midnight.
The Coalsack Nebula
July 26, 2010
Wedged between the star Acrux and the Jewel Box cluster in the Southern Cross, and extending east into Centaurus and south into Musca, lies the Coalsack, the most prominent and easily observed of the so-called dark nebulae that permeate the the star clouds of the Milky Way like black smoke.
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