The Arizona Republic
Sept. 27, 2008 11:57 AM
October is just about the perfect time for Valley stargazers - monsoon clouds have finally departed and evening temperatures are becoming pleasant. With the constellations of autumn wheeling into the evening sky, what better time to blow the dust off your telescopes and reacquaint yourself with the wonders of the heavens? Here are some things to note:
• Mercury, generally a challenge to spot, makes its best appearance of the year in October. Look for a fairly bright "star" above the eastern horizon about 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise just about any time from about Oct. 17 through the end of the month. It's highest above the horizon Oct. 22.
Unlike stars, which twinkle constantly, Mercury shines with a steady, unblinking light.
• Jupiter remains well situated for early evening telescopic viewing throughout October, shining brightly in the south to south-southwest after sunset.
• The large, pearly light that shines in the southwest after sunset throughout October is the planet Venus. One look and you know why, even in this day and age, it still gets reported as a UFO from time to time.
Look for a razor-thin crescent low in the west-southwest, almost directly below Venus, after sunset Oct. 1. Then, just after sunset on the last day of the month, look for the next crescent moon in just about the same place - low in the southwest, below Venus.
The moon is full Oct. 14.
Unfortunately for meteor aficionados, light from the waning moon will wash out many of the fainter members of the shower. Still, you might see 10 or a dozen meteors an hour.
Because meteor watching doesn't require any special equipment, it's a great activity for families and friends. Just spread out a blanket or relax in a reclining lawn chair and look up. Add a thermos of hot chocolate and some snacks and you've got a party.
Annual meteor showers, such as the Orionids, occur when the Earth passes through a ring of debris cast off by comets as they orbit the sun. The Orionids come from none other than Halley's Comet.
The awe-inspiring show is as entertaining as it is informative.
When: 2:30 p.m. daily.
Where: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix.
Admission: $7-$8 for the planetarium show (plus $7-$9 admission to the Science Center).
Details: 602-716-2000 or azscience.org (click on Visit, then on Planetarium).
Planets
Several planets are prominent during October.• Mercury, generally a challenge to spot, makes its best appearance of the year in October. Look for a fairly bright "star" above the eastern horizon about 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise just about any time from about Oct. 17 through the end of the month. It's highest above the horizon Oct. 22.
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Unlike stars, which twinkle constantly, Mercury shines with a steady, unblinking light.
• Jupiter remains well situated for early evening telescopic viewing throughout October, shining brightly in the south to south-southwest after sunset.
• The large, pearly light that shines in the southwest after sunset throughout October is the planet Venus. One look and you know why, even in this day and age, it still gets reported as a UFO from time to time.
The moon
Consecutive crescent moons serve as a set of astronomical bookends for the month of October.Look for a razor-thin crescent low in the west-southwest, almost directly below Venus, after sunset Oct. 1. Then, just after sunset on the last day of the month, look for the next crescent moon in just about the same place - low in the southwest, below Venus.
The moon is full Oct. 14.
Meteor shower
Astronomers expect the Orionid meteor shower to peak sometime between 2 a.m. and dawn Oct. 21.Unfortunately for meteor aficionados, light from the waning moon will wash out many of the fainter members of the shower. Still, you might see 10 or a dozen meteors an hour.
Because meteor watching doesn't require any special equipment, it's a great activity for families and friends. Just spread out a blanket or relax in a reclining lawn chair and look up. Add a thermos of hot chocolate and some snacks and you've got a party.
Annual meteor showers, such as the Orionids, occur when the Earth passes through a ring of debris cast off by comets as they orbit the sun. The Orionids come from none other than Halley's Comet.
'Wonders of the Universe'
Check out the new show at the Dorrance Planetarium at the Arizona Science Center. The Wonders of the Universe will transport you back billions of years to the origins of our universe in the big bang. State-of-the-art computer graphics allow you to observe the formation of the first galaxies, see how stars are born and trace the evolution of our own solar system.The awe-inspiring show is as entertaining as it is informative.
When: 2:30 p.m. daily.
Where: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix.
Admission: $7-$8 for the planetarium show (plus $7-$9 admission to the Science Center).
Details: 602-716-2000 or azscience.org (click on Visit, then on Planetarium).
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