2011-09-28
A blog of two halves for you today.Late September can bring some of the best early evening experiences for those who enjoy looking upwards.Visibility is likely to fluctuate a bit, but it looks as though we may get some of the best stargazing weather of the year over the next few nights. It promises to be warm enough to enjoy long spells outside, but without the crazily late sunsets of midsummer.I'll point out a few of the things worth looking for in a minute, but first just a few words about this weather.On my courses I encourage people to take…
2010-11-25
Last night the conditions felt right for a walk in the woods. There were plenty of clouds, but large gaps suggested that the stars would not hide for long periods. The moon would not be getting up until later and the breeze was too light to be of help. I needed the stars.
I set off as the last light from the sun faded in the southwest. Cassiopeia and Cygnus neatly sketched out north for me, even when Polaris was well hidden. When moving south I used Jupiter and Aquila.
Four hours later I returned, having spent…
2008-09-20
The forecast for this weekend seems intent on lulling us into believing that the summer has life in it yet, after weeks on the resuscitation table.
If we're in the mood for deluding ourselves that there is more of this come, then the 'Summer Triangle' is worth looking out for. It is a collection of three bright stars that are overhead near midnight in midsummer, but still clearly visible well through autumn and even into the early evening winter sky. It is not a constellation at all, but a nickname for the three brightest stars,…
