Member, volunteer, and astronomy enthusiast, Gary Ghioto is keeping us curious this August about the night’s sky! Follow ACT on Facebook to see when Gary’s got new fun facts and observation tips about how to get the most of your star gazing. Find previous posts by searching for #ACTAdAstra on Facebook.
Click on the image to use as a visual guide.
So Gary, what's up in August?
August is a perfect month to explore three constellations and three bright stars marking the famous Summer Triangle.
Just go outside after dark and look straight up.
The beautiful blue-white star gleaming overhead is Vega, the crown jewel of the constellation Lyra, the lyre. Author Richard Hinckley Allen of Star-Names Their Lore and Meanings says the parallelogram-shaped constellation represents the "fabled musical instrument invented by Hermes and given to his half-brother Apollo, who in turn transferred it to his son Orpheus, the musician of the Argonauts."
Using the August star map (see “Star Gazing Observation Tip” below) and Vega as your guide, look about 10 degrees (the width of your outstretched closed fist) downward to the Southeast to find Altair, another brilliant blue-white star of the summer night sky. Altair marks the eye of the constellation Aquila, the eagle.
Next, use the map or simply trace a line from Altair upwards and to the east to find the next star completing the Summer Triangle: Deneb, the lead star of the constellation Cygnus, the swan. Deneb marks the tail of this sprawling constellation which truly looks like a gigantic swan flying with outstretched wings across the star clouds of the Milky Way.
The Summer Triangle becomes readily apparent when you group Vega, Deneb and Altair together.
Use whatsoutonight.com to find and download a PDF with tons of useful information about the August night sky. Once you have your map, go outside and let your eyes adjust to the night for at least 20 minutes then start your exploration. Use a flashlight with a red filter to shine on your map to protect your night vision.
Another great resource for the budding astronomer is Stellarium a newly emerging accessible and fun tool for anyone with basic computer skills to discover the wonders of the heavens. Use the free website and software at stellarium-web.org. There are also Stellarium tutorials on YouTube.
Please share your comments, questions, and photos in the comments section below.
