Sea Island Life Magazine Fall/Winter 2014 | Page 51

A Glittering Galaxy
During the autumn and winter months, gazers will notice a misty band of stars stretching across the dark sky, which is part of
something much larger: the Milky Way galaxy. The Milky Way, estimated to be about
100,000 light-years in diameter, is home to
Earth, the sun and all the other bodies in
our solar system—planets, dwarf planets,
comets and asteroids.
Planets are wanderers and have different
paths, so observers must consult a guide
to determine when and where to search
the skies for them. Shortly after sunset in
October, Mars and Saturn will make brief
appearances in the southwestern sky. In
early 2015, Jupiter, usually the secondbrightest planet (after Venus), will be at its
nearest point to Earth and fully illuminated
by the sun on Feb. 6. This will be the best
time to observe the largest planet in our
solar system.
Although spotting stars and planets is an
exciting aspect of learning about what is outside of Earth’s atmosphere, there are many
opportunities for discovery before the sun
goes down. “I encourage beginners to visit
planetariums and observatories and attend
local astronomy club meetings,” Sowell says.
“Most colleges and universities have clubs,
observatories, and stargazing events open to
the public, and that’s a great way to break into
also recommend two basic astronomy magazines—Sky & Telescope and Astronomy. Both
are released a month in advance so readers
can plan their stargazing ahead of time.”
Sowell notes that binoculars are a great
investment for beginners, too. Often overlooked in favor of telescopes, binoculars are
not only more portable, but usually easier to
use. “You can purchase a nice pair of binoculars for around $75,” he explains. “They will
enable you to see so much more—the details
of the moon’s surface, more star clusters and
four moons of Jupiter.” For those who want
to take their stargazing to the next level, the
price of quality telescopes ranges anywhere
from $300 to several thousand depending on
the size and features.
High-tech instruments aside, any novice has everything necessary to enjoy the
twinkling expanse above. Stargazing can
be a solitary endeavor or a family memory.
Learning about the moon, stars, planets
and beyond is a process that was begun by
generations long ago and will continue for
many to come, as the boundaries of outer
easy one—just look up.

Telescope at the astronomy department at the Georgia Institute of Technology

Meteor showers this fall and winter will provide gazers with brilliant nighttime displays.

FALL’S FALLING STARS

During meteor showers, shooting stars, formally called meteoroids, are engulfed in flames
as they pass through the Earth’s atmosphere. Don’t miss the celestial light displays
expected in the upcoming months for an impressive show set against the night sky.
Beginning Oct. 21, the Orionid meteor shower will be visible as Earth passes through
the debris originating from Halley’s Comet. Because the lunar phase will be approaching
new moon, audiences of the shower should expect to see about 15 meteors per hour
clearly. Watch closely Nov. 17, because the Leonid meteors will be shimmering from the
constellation Leo; this shower has resulted in some of the most breathtaking displays in
history. If you plan to catch the whole show, prepare to see the greatest number of meteors
just before dawn Nov. 18. The Geminid meteors provide another must-see shower, with
between 50 and 100 streaks across the sky at its peak. Because they’re often brighter than
most meteors, some can be seen as early as 9 p.m.

FALL/WINTER 2014/15 | SEA ISL AND LIFE 51

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