Author: Guest Writer

By Heather Durham | July 31, 2023

Greetings, young astronomers of New Hampshire! August is a wonderful month for stargazing in our region. The warm summer nights provide a perfect opportunity to explore the night sky with the naked eye. Let’s embark on a celestial journey to witness some fascinating astronomical events that will grace our skies throughout this month.

August 1: The Sturgeon Super Moon

To kick off the month, we have a remarkable event – the Sturgeon Moon! On this day, the Moon appears as a full super moon, shining brightly in the night sky. A super moon occurs when the Moon reaches its perigee, the closest point to Earth in its orbit. As a result, the Moon seems larger and more luminous than usual. The name “Sturgeon Moon” dates back to Native American tribes, who named it after the abundant sturgeon fish caught during this time of year.

August 3: The Moon and Saturn Conjunction

As we venture into the night of August 3rd, cast your gaze towards the eastern horizon. There, you’ll witness a celestial dance between the Moon and Saturn. These two celestial bodies will appear close together in what we call a conjunction. While you won’t need any special equipment to observe this event, a pair of binoculars might help you get a clearer view of Saturn’s majestic rings alongside our Moon.

August 8: The Moon and Jupiter Duo

Keep an eye on the eastern sky once again on August 8th, as the Moon and Jupiter will put on a delightful show. Both will appear in close proximity as they rise towards the right. Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will be a prominent and brilliant companion to the Moon. At the same time, today marks the first full Moon of the month, presenting a captivating sight known as the last quarter phase.

August 9: Half Phase of Mercury

On this day, let’s turn our attention to the innermost planet in our solar system – Mercury. Although observing Mercury can be a bit challenging due to its proximity to the Sun, on August 9th, it will be in a half phase. This means that we will see exactly half of Mercury illuminated by the Sun. Keep in mind that Mercury’s appearance quickly changes as it orbits between the Earth and the Sun, causing it to fade from view soon after.

August 13: The Perseid Meteor Shower Continues

Have you ever seen a shooting star? Well, you’re in for a treat! The Perseid Meteor Shower, one of the most popular annual meteor showers, started in July and will continue until around August 24th. This celestial spectacle occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. Find a dark spot away from city lights, lie back, and enjoy the show as bright meteors streak across the night sky.

August 18: K-Cygnid Meteor Shower Peak

Tonight’s the night for the K-Cygnid Meteor Shower! These meteors appear to radiate from the Constellation Draco, adding an extra touch of astronomical delight. Remember, you won’t need any fancy equipment to witness this event; just your eyes and a bit of patience will do the trick.

August 24: The First Quarter of the Second Moon

As the month progresses, we encounter the first quarter of the second full moon. A first quarter moon appears half-illuminated and is an ideal time for observing lunar features with just your naked eye or a basic pair of binoculars.

August 27: Saturn at Opposition

Today is a special day for observing Saturn! The ringed planet reaches opposition, which means it is directly opposite the Sun in the sky. As a result, Saturn will rise as the Sun sets and remain visible throughout the night. Don’t miss this chance to catch a glimpse of Saturn’s breathtaking rings through a telescope.

August 30: Saturn and the Blue Moon

We end the month with a fantastic finale! Saturn once again graces the night sky, rising alongside the Moon. But that’s not all; today’s full Moon is a Blue Moon – the second full Moon of the month. Moreover, this Moon also qualifies as another super moon, appearing larger and more awe-inspiring in our New Hampshire skies.

I hope you enjoy observing these celestial events in the beautiful nights of August in New Hampshire. Remember, the wonders of the universe are waiting for you to explore and appreciate. Happy stargazing!

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References:

DEEPSPACE. (2023, July 24). Astronomical Events August 2023. YouTube, uploaded by DEEPSPACE. Retrieved from youtube/9A4PXo0OJOQ

Ford, D.F. (n.d.). July 2023. Retrieved from in-the-sky.org

Now Next. (2022, December). Don’t Miss These Astronomical Events in 2023. YouTube, uploaded by Now Next. Retrieved from youtube/qj6hbxbO9zc

By Heather Durham | June 30, 2023

Welcome, young astronomers, to an exciting journey through the cosmic wonders of July 2023! As we delve into the mysteries of our universe, you’ll be closer to the captivating astronomical events that await us this month. From dazzling meteor showers to planetary alignments, get ready for a celestial spectacle that will leave you in awe!

The month of July holds numerous astronomical delights, offering us a chance to witness the grandeur of the cosmos firsthand. With your eyes turned skyward and a curious spirit, let’s embark on this celestial adventure together. So, buckle up and prepare to be amazed as we explore the captivating events unfolding in our night sky this July!

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• July 1st: Tonight, an exciting celestial dance awaits us as the Moon and Mars journey together across the night sky. Look towards the right, and you’ll witness these two celestial bodies moving in harmony, creating a captivating sight for all stargazers to behold.
• July 3rd: Prepare for the splendor of the Buck Moon, named by Native Americans, as it reaches its full phase today. As you gaze up at the night sky, you’ll be treated to the sight of a magnificent, fully illuminated Moon, casting a gentle glow upon our Earth.
• July 6th: Our planet, Earth, reaches its farthest point from the Sun in its yearly orbit, an event known as aphelion. As this celestial phenomenon occurs, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of our cosmic neighborhood. Additionally, keep an eye out for the Moon and Saturn, as they appear in close proximity, enhancing the spectacle unfolding above.
• July 7th: Get ready for a celestial rendezvous as the Moon and Saturn come closer than ever today. Look towards the heavens, and you’ll witness these two celestial bodies seemingly converging, creating a mesmerizing sight that exemplifies the grandeur of our solar system.
• July 9th: Tonight presents a perfect opportunity to marvel at the radiant beauty of Venus, shining brilliantly in the evening sky. As darkness falls, cast your gaze towards the heavens and behold the splendor of Earth’s celestial sister. Additionally, take note of the Moon, which is in its final quarter, displaying a crescent shape in the night sky.
• July 11th: Witness a celestial ascent as both the Moon and Jupiter rise towards the right, appearing to ascend together. Look towards the eastern horizon, and you’ll be captivated by the sight of these celestial wonders climbing higher in the night sky, symbolizing the vastness of our universe.
• July 20th: Brace yourselves for a breathtaking celestial spectacle as the Moon and Venus rise together in harmony. Gaze towards the eastern horizon, and you’ll be treated to the enchanting sight of these two celestial bodies ascending side by side, illuminating the heavens with their ethereal radiance.
• July 21st: Prepare for a double celestial journey as the Moon and Mars not only travel together but also ascend towards the right. Look towards the heavens, and you’ll witness these two cosmic companions embarking on a captivating trajectory, adding an extra layer of wonder to the night sky.
• July 25th: Today marks the phase of the new Moon transitioning into the first quarter. While the Moon may appear subtle in the night sky, this is an ideal time to observe the lunar surface in detail, as the interplay of light and shadow reveals captivating lunar landscapes.
• July 27th: Keep your eyes peeled for Mercury as it reaches its highest point in the sky today. Look towards the western horizon after sunset, and you may catch a glimpse of this elusive planet, the closest one to the Sun in our solar system, adding a touch of celestial magic to the twilight hours.
• July 29th: Prepare for the spectacle of the Piscis Austrinid meteor shower, which peaks today with optimal viewing just before dawn. As the Earth passes through the debris left by comet Piscis Austrinus, be prepared to witness shooting stars streaking across the sky, creating a celestial fireworks display you won’t want to miss.
• July 30th: Brace yourselves for not just one, but two meteor showers today—the Southern δ-Aquariid and the α-Capricornid. The Southern δ-Aquariid shower is expected to reach its peak around 2:00 am and just before sunrise, while the α-Capricornid shower will also be at its best today. For the ultimate show, make sure to keep your eyes to the sky around 1:00 am, with the best views anticipated before dawn and after dusk.

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As we delve into the captivating astronomical events of July, remember to embrace the wonders of the universe and let your imagination soar among the stars. Each celestial spectacle offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of the cosmos and ignite our curiosity about the vastness that surrounds us. Happy stargazing, young astronomers!

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References:

Ford, D.F. (n.d.). June 2023. Retrieved from in-the-sky.org

Wikipedia. (2023, March 17). Aphelion. Retrieved from simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphelion

By Heather Durham | June 1, 2023

Get ready to be captivated by the wonders of the night sky in June! One of the most exciting events is the June solstice, which marks the official start of summer in the northern hemisphere. It’s a time when the Earth’s axis tilt is inclined towards the Sun the most, resulting in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. People all around the world eagerly anticipate this celestial occurrence, as it brings warmer temperatures, vibrant energy, and longer daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities.

Now, let’s delve into the meteor showers happening in June, each offering a unique spectacle:

June 4: Mercury at dichotomy: Witness a fascinating phenomenon as Mercury reaches dichotomy, appearing as a half-lit planet. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of our neighboring planet.

June 7: Mercury at highest altitude in morning sky: Wake up early, look towards the eastern horizon, and you’ll be rewarded with the sight of Mercury at its highest point in the morning sky. Marvel at this fleeting celestial dance.

June 11: Daytime Arietid meteor shower 2023. Prepare for a truly extraordinary experience as the Daytime Arietid meteor shower graces the daytime sky! Unlike most meteor showers that are visible during nighttime, this shower can be observed during daylight hours. So, find a comfortable spot under the open sky, look up, and be amazed as you witness streaks of light dart across the blue expanse. It’s a rare event, so make sure to seize this opportunity!

June 14: Conjunction as well as close approach: Watch as celestial objects appear to draw near to each other in the night sky. On this day, a conjunction and a close approach will occur, providing a breathtaking sight to behold. Keep your eyes peeled for this celestial rendezvous.

June 21: June solstice, close approach of moon and Venus, and conjunction: It’s a day of triple celestial excitement! Experience the June solstice, marking the start of summer and the longest day of the year. Additionally, the moon and Venus will have a close encounter, followed by a conjunction, adding an extra touch of celestial beauty to the solstice celebrations.

June 26: Moon at first quarter: As the moon progresses through its phases, it reaches the first quarter, presenting a captivating sight. Take a moment to observe the moon’s illumination growing and immerse yourself in its gentle glow.

June 27: June Bootid meteor shower 2023. Get ready for a mesmerizing display as the June Bootid meteor shower takes center stage. Although not as well-known as some other meteor showers, the June Bootids have the potential to surprise and delight sky gazers. These meteors are remnants They radiate from the constellation Bootes. Find a dark location away from city lights, lie back, and let the magic unfold as the night sky comes alive with streaks of light.

Now that you have a preview of the celestial events awaiting you in June, get ready to embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the night sky. Whether you’re a young stargazer or young at heart, these celestial wonders are bound to leave you enchanted and eager for more. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare to be amazed by the splendor of the universe above.

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References:

Ford, D. (2022, May 26). Astronomy News for June 2023. In the Sky. Retrieved May 23, 2023, from in-the-sky.org/newscal.php?month=4&year=2023&maxdiff=1#datesel

Wikipedia. (2022, August 5). Arietids. Retrieved May 23, 2023, from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arietids

Wikipedia. (2022, March 5). June Bootids. Retrieved May 23, 2023, from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Bootids

By Heather Durham | April 28, 2023

Hey there, everyone! Ready for this month’s adventures? This month, I’m beginning with a few words about the new or even occasionally referred to as the black Moon … when the night sky is at its darkest. May 19 is the date of the new Moon this month.

During a new moon in New Hampshire, the night sky is at its darkest, making it an excellent time to spot stars and planets. You can look for constellations like the Big Dipper and Orion, as well as bright stars like Sirius and Vega. On nights with clear skies, you might even be able to see the Milky Way, a beautiful band of light created by the billions of stars in our galaxy. The new moon also provides a perfect backdrop for observing planets like Venus and Mars, which shine brightly and are easy to spot with the naked eye.

Now, let’s explore the exciting celestial events happening in May:

May 3. Venus, the dazzling evening star. On May 3rd, Venus will be at its highest altitude in the evening sky, making it shine brighter than ever. Look up to see this beautiful, bright planet lighting up the sky.

May 5. Full Flower Moon, a blooming beauty. The Full Flower Moon on May 5th gets its name because of the many flowers that bloom in May. Watch as the moon lights up the night sky with its full, round shape.

May 6. η-Aquarid Meteor Shower, a sky full of wishes. On May 6th, the η-Aquarid meteor shower will put on a dazzling display. Gaze at the sky to see lots of shooting stars, and remember to make a wish for each one you see!

May 9. η-Aquarid Meteor Shower, more twinkling wonders. The η-Lyrid meteor shower on May 9th will bring more shooting stars to the sky. Keep making wishes and enjoy the sparkling show!

May 12. Last Quarter Moon, a half-lit wonder. On May 12th, the Moon will be at its last quarter, meaning half of it will be illuminated. Observe the half-bright moon and see if you can spot any differences from its other phases.

May 13. Moon and Saturn, a cosmic friendship. The Moon and Saturn will rise together on May 13th, appearing close and forming a celestial pair. Watch these two cosmic friends as they journey through the night sky.

May 23. Moon and Venus, a sky-high playdate. On May 23rd, the Moon and Venus will rise together towards the right, looking like they’re having a fun playdate in the sky. See if you can spot this friendly duo.

May 24. Moon and Mars, a bright and bold meeting. On May 24th, the Moon and Mars will rise together towards the right. Keep an eye out for Mars, the Red Planet, looking like a bright, fiery dot next to the Moon.

May 27. First Quarter Moon, another half-lit adventure. On May 27th, the Moon will be at its first quarter, meaning half of it will be illuminated again. Compare this phase to the last quarter and see if you can spot any differences.

May 29. Mercury’s big day in the sky. On May 29th, Mercury will be at its greatest distance from the Sun, which is called “greatest elongation west.” Look for this tiny, bright dot shining in the evening sky.

References:

Ford, D.F. (n.d.). April 2023. Retrieved from in-the-sky.org

By Heather Durham | March 30, 2023

Greetings one and all!  Spring is the season for renewal.

April is an exciting month for astronomy enthusiasts as it presents several opportunities to observe various celestial events. One of the most anticipated events in April is the Lyrid meteor shower, which typically occurs around April 22-23. With the Lyrids, viewers can expect bright, fast-moving meteors that leave persistent trains, making it a stunning spectacle to witness.

Another exciting event to look out for in April is the conjunction of the Moon and the planet Mars. This conjunction will take place on April 25, and it will be visible in the eastern sky just before sunrise. Mars, the fourth planet from the Sun, is known for its distinctive reddish hue, and it will appear as a bright, reddish point of light next to the Moon.

In conclusion, April is a month that offers several exciting opportunities to observe the wonders of the universe. Whether it is the Lyrid meteor shower or the conjunction of the Moon and Mars, astronomy enthusiasts are sure to be thrilled with what the night sky has to offer. With clear skies and a little bit of patience, viewers can experience these celestial events firsthand and marvel at the beauty of the cosmos!

April 6: Get ready for the Full Pink Moon.

April 8: Look out for Mercury as it reaches its half-phase, also known as dichotomy.

April 11: Mercury will be at its highest point in the night sky and will be at its furthest point to the east from the Sun, also known as its greatest elongation east.

April 13: The Last Quarter Moon will be visible.

April 15: The Moon and Saturn will appear very close to each other in the sky, a phenomenon known as a conjunction.

April 16: The Moon and Saturn will make their closest approach.

April 23: Keep an eye out for the Lyrid meteor shower, which will be visible just before sunrise from the Constellation Hercules. The Moon and Venus will also be visible and will appear to be close together.

April 25: The Moon and Mars will be in conjunction, followed by a close approach of the two celestial bodies.

April 27: The Moon will be at its first quarter.

References:

Ford, D. (2022, March 26). Astronomy news for April 2023. In the Sky. Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://in-the-sky.org/newscal.php?month=4&year=2023&maxdiff=1#datesel

Anonymous. (2022, August 5). Lyrids. In Wikipedia. Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyrids

By Heather Durham | December 30, 2023

Happy New Year one and all! Before we begin discussing the new year, let’s travel back to last month for an Artemis update.

The space.com website gives us a brief but informative overview as follows:

NASA’s Artemis 1 moon mission, the agency’s first big step toward returning astronauts to the lunar surface, launched to the moon on Nov. 16 on a critical test flight to return astronauts to the moon. It splashed down on Dec. 11.

Artemis 1 is the first test flight of the agency’s new Space Launch System megarocket and the Orion spacecraft. The SLS rocket launched the uncrewed Orion spacecraft on a 26-day mission, during which it will orbit the moon before returning to Earth (Howell, Malik, 2022).

In addition, universe.com gives us a glimpse of what can be expected during this year.

Astronomy 2023 highlights include two fine solar eclipses, the Sun heading towards solar maximum, a series of spectacular lunar occultations and much more.

Been out enjoying the sky in 2022? The past year saw two fine total lunar eclipses, a surprise meteor outburst from the Tau Heraclids, a fine occultation of Mars by the Moon and more. Astronomy 2023 promises more of the same, plus much more” (Flannery, 2022).

Now, let us review January’s events.

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January 3. Our Moon and Mars will travel close to each other and rise to the right.

January 4. The Quadrantid meteor shower will be its most prolific today. As well, our Earth will be at its closest point towards the Sun.

January 6. Today brings the full Wolf Moon.

January 12. Mars appears to reverse its direction.

January 14. The Moon will be in its final quarter.

January 19. The γ-Ursae Minorid meteor shower should peak today.

January 23. Mercury will reach its highest place in the sky.

January 24. Mercury will be at half phase and will shine brightly.

January 25. The Moon and Jupiter will rise to the right and orbit close to each other.

January 30. Mercury will be shining brightly as it reaches its greatest separation from the Sun. The Moon and Mars will travel close to each other and rise to the right.

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References:

Ford, D.F. (n.d.). December 2022. Retrieved from in-the-sky.org

By Heather Durham | December 1, 2022

Happy holidays and winter solstice my friends! Welcome to the final edition of this blog for the year 2022. There is no shortage of meteor showers this month along with a planet that will glow in the evening sky as long as Mother Nature cooperates this time.

Winter solstice is near and as for me, I am happy about it for there is so much to enjoy whether you’re inside or out. I will be out and about as much and as often as possible!

Thanks everyone and enjoy yourselves New Year’s Eve as well!

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December 1. The Moon and Jupiter will rise and travel close to each other.

December 6. The December φ-Cassiopeid meteor shower will be most prolific today. Coming from the Constellation Andromeda, the best prospects for viewing will be just before dawn on the 6th, but the brightness of the Moon might interfere.

December 7. The Puppid-Velid meteor shower will occur today, but once again, with the Moon so close to being full, they might not be easily visible. Today, the full Cold Moon should be viewable. The Moon and Mars will travel close to each other and rise to the right.

December 8. Tonight brings a special opportunity to view Mars. Mars will be opposite to the Sun. It will be at its largest and brightest this evening-weather dependent.

December 9. The Monocerotid meteor shower will be on display this evening. Coming from the Constellation Monoceros, this shower should put on its best display just before dawn.

December 12. The α-Hydrid meteor shower from the Constellation Hydra will peak on this date with the best show just before dawn. However, the Moon will be at last quarter and may be a viewing hindrance.

December 14. Today brings the Geminid meteor shower from the Constellation Gemini peaking at its best at 2:00 am.

December 16. The Comae Berenicid meteor shower will put on a show tonight. This one comes from the Constellation Leo may be visible from 11:30 pm the previous evening until the break of dawn. The Cold Moon will be in its final quarter.

December 20. Today brings our December Leonis Minorid meteor shower from Leo Minor. It should begin to be visible near 20:21 and remain active until the break of dawn around 6:35. am.

December 21. Mercury will travel to its furthest extent from the Sun during which time it should be very bright. This day also brings with it the December solstice, occurring as the Sun reaches its furthest southern point in the sky, a.k.a, the first day of winter.

December 22. The Ursid meteor shower from Ursa Minor will be at its peak, close to 17:00.

December 24. Mercury will shine very brightly tonight and will be at its highest in the sky.

December 26. The Moon and Saturn will rise and travel close to each other.

December 29. The Moon and Jupiter will rise to the right and orbit close to each other. The Moon will be at first quarter.

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References:

Ford, D.F. (n.d.). November 2022. Retrieved from in-the-sky.org

YouTube. (14 November 2022). December 2022 Astronomical Events.Retrieved from https://youtu.be/bahPCu18hEU