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345 SE 5th
Madras, OR 97741 Phone:
541.475.2275 |
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| August Night Sky |
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| View moons of Jupiter's Galilean moons |
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By Larry Mahon
Agate Ridge observatory
As this month begins, JUPITER is the bright planet high in the southern sky. It will transit, pass in a line from POLARIS to due south, at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, and be visible until it sets on Aug. 7, at 2 a.m.
Viewing JUPITER'S GALILEAN MOONS and their motions can be done with binoculars or small telescopes. The best way to detect the motions of these moons is to look at them when you first start your viewing session.
Make a sketch showing their relative locations and then after a couple of hours view the system again comparing the moon locations to your original sketch. You will see that they have moved.
It has been reported that when the larger moons CALLISTO and GANYMEDE are at greatest elongation, distance from the planet, they have been seen without optical aid.
To find the best time to try this, go to skyandtelescope.com/jupmoons. Eclipses and transits of these moons can be seen but larger telescopes are required with higher magnification.
The PERSEID METEOR SHOWER will reach its maximum this year on Tuesday morning, Aug. 12. The Moon will be only four days before full. This will present a bright sky until after it sets at 1:26 a.m., Tuesday morning.
Viewing time will be short because twilight begins at about 3:30 a.m. and sunrise is at 6:03 a.m.
This is one of the larger meteor showers and will be visible a few nights either side of the maximum. The moon will set almost an hour earlier each day before the maximum so viewing on Saturday or Sunday mornings will provide earlier and longer dark skies.
The meteor count may be fewer but you won't have to go to work after being up half of the night.
Be sure to dress warmly and maybe even crawl into a sleeping bag because August nights can get rather cool. Find a spot with a good view of the sky and watch the darkest area. Good luck and remember don't get too comfortable -- your meteor count will be higher if you stay awake.
Astronomy Day
The M.A.C. Astronomy Club is holding an Astronomy Day in cooperation with Saturday Market on Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sahalee Park.
This is an opportunity for everyone to see a display of different optical instruments, photos of galaxies, nebula and star clusters.
Bring your kids and stop by for a visit. Some of the club members will be there show and talk about our hobby of stargazing. Happy viewing.
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