Although the Orionids meteor shower peaked in October, it is still active until Nov. 7. Expect 20 to 25 meteorites per hour. The shooting stars can appear in any part of the skies but they will seem to originate from the constellation, Orion. Look for the Orionids between midnight and dawn. Similarly, the Southern Taurids […]
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By GERRY LEBING You can expect both the Orionids and the Taurids to put on meteor shows this month. The Orionids meteor shower will be active from the Oct. 4 through the end of the month — and into November. It peaks on the night of Oct. 21. Expect 20 to 25 meteorites per hour. […]
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September is good month to view the Andromeda galaxy, which I got a good photograph of during August. The galaxy is about 2.5 million light years away from us. Scientists estimate that the galaxy, known as M31, contains a trillion stars. If that number is meaningless, think of it this way: A trillion pennies is […]
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The Perseids meteor shower is visible from July 17 to Aug. 24 but will peak between Aug. 9 and 14. The Perseids are renowned for producing up to 60 meteors per hour, but some experts think this might be an exceptional year for the Perseids, with meteor rates as high as 120 per hour. They […]
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By GERRY LEBING By GERRY LEBING July will begin with Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn all prominent in the evening skies. Jupiter is the brightest object in the southwest. The prominent triangle formed by Mars, Saturn, and Antares will be almost due south at dusk. Neptune will rise at about 11:30 p.m., followed by Uranus at […]
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By GERRY LEBING
Mars will be at opposition on May 22. Opposition occurs when the sun and Mars are on opposite sides of the earth. That means Mars will be the brightest it’s been in 11 years, with a magnitude of -2.1. This is the great opportunity to observe the “red planet.” Jupiter will be well above the […]
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April will start with Jupiter (magnitude -2.6) well above the eastern horizon at sunset. You should be able to spot it just after sundown. If you view it with a pair of binoculars or a telescope, you should be able to see its bands. On a good night, you might spot several of its larger […]
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Venus (magnitude -4) will continue to be the bright morning star close to the eastern horizon during March. With a little luck, you’ll be able to see Mercury between Venus and the rising sun. Look for both planets around 6 a.m. If you’re up that early, you can also look for Saturn and Mars […]
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By GERRY LEBING The five planets that are visible to the naked eye will be in the skies simultaneously for most of February. Jupiter starts the month rising in the East at about 8:30 p.m. Mars will follow at 1 a.m., Saturn at 3:06 a.m., Venus at 5:09 a.m., and Mercury at 5:30 a.m.. Astronomical […]
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