Time is flying; the hours of daylight are extending and the color green is reappearing in the trees. The constellations and planets are moving in their appropriate patterns at their usual predictable pace. It is good to have something we can count on. And the regular rising and setting of the sun and regular planetary rotation is the very reason we are able to have time.
Cold clear winter nights are best for stargazing and the winter constellations are wonderful to observe. The winter hexagon asterism is composed of bright stars selected from particular constellations; it is a special treat.
The constellation Auriga contains a star that is yellow, Capella, a double star system. Capella means “nanny goat” and she harbors a small triangle of stars known for fun as “the Kids.”
The next constellation is the Hyades, harboring the asterism Taurus, with its bright red star Aldebaran. Aldebaran has a diameter 36 times our sun. Look below Taurus to Betelgeuse, the red super-giant star in the shoulder of Orion, and the blue white star in Orion, Rigel, then lower and left over to Sirius in Canis Major. Sirius shimmers and scatters all the colors of the spectrum of white light. Let your vision drift up to yellow-white Procyon in Canis Minor and then up to the Gemini Twins bright stars, Pollux and Castor. What a spectacular view from a dark viewing site.
Sirius is the Dog Star – so named by the ancient Egyptians who knew this star was in the sky during a summer day and were convinced that was why summer was hot. Sometimes the science is off but totally accepted. That is why it is important to keep looking and learning.
Astronomers used to think there was only one galaxy; now we know there are actually billions of them. Technology advances our understanding of science immeasurably. The space program has provided so many amazing tools to help humans live a better life. The Hubble and Webb space telescopes have opened incredible vistas to us. If you haven’t looked at them yet, seek them out on the internet. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ7zGUFDOsg> <https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2022/nasa-s-webb-takes-star-filled-portrait-of-pillars-of-creation>
Seen through telescopes there are double stars and other exciting features to be enjoy in these groups of stars. Perhaps you will see some of them at the Resaca de la Palma Christina Torres Memorial Observatory telescope one evening.
From a dark site you may be able to locate Lepus the Hare, lurking beneath Orion’s feet. Just below Lepus is Columba, the Dove. Since many South Texans enjoy the soft calling of a dove, locating the constellation may bring an added feeling of contentment.
Are you tracking the moon’s phases and locations? Have you been comparing the distances between Jupiter and Mars? Or that of Saturn and one of the other planets? There is so much more to just looking; keeping track may create a scientific interest that lasts a lifetime.
Remember to let some stars get in your eyes and to keep looking up; see you next week.
