Count the stars

If you would like to help the understanding of light pollution, Last night began a study of the night sky in which people can participate. The Globe at Night program aims to measure sky glow around the globe by comparing the number of stars seen from many, many locations on our planet. You can observe the number of stars you see in the constellation Orion and submit your results to the GaN folks who will compile all the recordings from across the globe. See Globe at Night for all the details on how you can participate in the fun, but important planet-wide project.

http://www.globe.gov/GaN/

Such is our view from Earth ...

The closest planet

You can't miss Venus shining in the west right after sunset until it sets about 8:30 p.m. If you aim binoculars at this brilliant world, you will see a tiny crescent caught in the glare of the planet. Wear sunglasses for a better view. Over the next few weeks, Venus moves between the Earth and the sun, which it finally does so on March 27. Up until then, the apparent size from tip to tip of the crescent will grow while the thickness of the crescent becomes thinner.

Such is our view from Earth ...

Learn more about your telescope and the night sky!

Stargazing for the Curious Skywatcher – Tuesdays, Feb. 17-March 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $85, plus cost of book and planisphere. Tour the universe and learn how to see lunar craters , planets and their moons. Room 122, Greenfield Education and Training Center at Daleville. Instructor: John Goss. (PYSC 1100-G1N, #74487)

"Use that 'Scope!" -- Saturday, Jan. 31, 9:00 a.m .to noon, Moomaw Center, main campus, Clifton Forge. $20. Instructor: John Goss. Get a new telescope for Christmas and not sure how to use it? Learn how to use your new 'scope to find fun sky objects. Be sure to bring your telescope with you! Inclement weather date: Feb. 7. (PHSC 1101-M1K, #74706).

Changing Planets

The planetary players in our southwestern sky have changed over the past month. Jupiter is now too close to the horizon in the bright evening twilight to be seen. Mercury still can be found low about 30 minutes after sunset. It drops below the horizon around 6:30.

Venus reaches is greatest angular distance from the sun on January 14. It is at its highest in the western sky this year when it is first spotted which, for careful skywatchers, is just before the sun drops below the horizon. As darkness falls, Venus glows brilliantly, often being confused for an approaching airplane, or even a UFO. From a dark location, Venus is so bright that it can cast a shadow!

Such is our view from Earth ...

Moon passes Jupiter and Mercury

Last night, the Moon passed Jupiter and Mercury, which were very low in the southwestern sky at 6:00 p.m. Tonight, the Moon will be situated half way between brilliant Venus and twinkling Jupiter. If you look closely, you will see a dimmer Mercury directly to the left of Jupiter.

New Year's Eve evening, the Moon will be next to Venus and Mercury will be next to Jupiter.

Such is our view from Earth ...

The evening southwestern horizon

If skies are clear this week, there are three planets visible in our southwestern evening sky. As it has been doing all month, Venus climbs higher and becomes brighter. Jupiter has dropped closer to the horizon and tiny Mercury pushes slightly higher than Jupiter.

Tonight, the thin crescent moon sits just above the Jupiter - Mercury duo. Binoculars help give a better view.
By New Year's Eve, the moon moves next to Venus, giving a striking combination.

Such is our view from Earth ...

Astronomically, winter is here

Today the Earth reaches the point in its orbit where its polar axis reaches its most extreme angle with respect to the position of the sun. Our planet's north pole is tilted at its greatest angle away from the sun, and our south pole is tilted at its greatest angle towards the sun. In other words, it is the first day of winter in the northern hemisphere and the first day of summer in the southern hemisphere.

Also, the time that the sun is above the horizon is the least for the next 365 days, being 9 hours 36 minutes for Roanoke. Compare this with the time on the first day of summer which is 14 hours 44 minutes.

Such is our view on Earth ...