What could be more interesting than our night sky?
Below is information generously given and written by Claude Haynes from Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory. It includes different aspects that can be found in our night sky and is really a fascinating read. We hope you enjoy.
"There [are] several constellations that are visible all year. These are in the north, and are known as Circumpolar. The North Star is not super bright, and can be found by looking due north, and with your arms at full extension and hands as fists, you can count up 4 fists to find a bright star just above your hand. Polaris (the North Star) is the tail of the Little Dipper. The Big Dipper is a pattern (asterism) in the Great Bear (Ursa Major). The two outer stars of the bowl point to Polaris. Opposite the Big Dipper is a W shaped constellation called Cassiopeia. These are visible during each night, with them appearing to revolve around the stationary North Star.
In Winter the easiest to find is Orion. Just below and left is the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. It is the eye of Canis Major. Next to Orion is Taurus, the bull, whose bright eye Aldebaran is a distinct yellow star. A bit above that star is a group of seven close stars (but many more with a telescope) called The Pleiades. These were seven beautiful sisters. Just to the left of Taurus are two bright stars Castor and Pollux. These are the twins of Gemini.
In Spring you can follow the handle of the Big Dipper as it arc to Arcturus. This bright red star is in Bootes, The Herdsman. A backwards question mark outlines the head of Leo The Lion. It contains several bright stars, and his tail forms a large triangle.
In Summer the most spectacular constellation is The Scorpion. It is noticeable for three stars in a row similar to Orion's belt. This large constellation forms a "J" shape. Next to it is Sagittarius. A part of the larger constellation Sagittarius. This shape is described as a teapot, with a fuzzy light spot near the spout being the center of the Milky Way galaxy. Overhead is a wide set of three bright stars that form a large triangle. These stars are Vega, Deneb and Altair, and anchor the constellations Lyra, Cygnus and Aquila.
Fall has fewer bright constellations. To the north you can find Andromeda. With binoculars you can find a fuzzy spot that is the Andromeda galaxy, which is only 2.5 billion miles away."
Looking for planet and star presentations?
G.O.T. Team recommends trying night sky related events, an option through ASU.
Arizona State University, School of Earth and Space Exploration has ongoing events listed here. Each calendar date you register for will provide a lot of information packed in. You can also get email reminders of future programs this way.