If you're looking for a good beginner's guide to backyard
astronomy, try one of these two excellent selections:
astronomy, try one of these two excellent selections:
You can begin to enjoy
backyard astronomy with
no other tools than your
own two eyes. However,
a good pair of
binoculars will help take
you to the next level.
These Bushnell
Binoculars are ideal for
observing the night sky.
backyard astronomy with
no other tools than your
own two eyes. However,
a good pair of
binoculars will help take
you to the next level.
These Bushnell
Binoculars are ideal for
observing the night sky.
| New! Backyard Astronomy Starter Kit. We suggest that you consider this unique astronomy starter kit from The Discovery Channel Store, packed with everything you need to begin exploring the heavens on your next clear night: |
Astronomy - The Sky Tonight
The Return of the Summer Triangle - Exploring the Summer Sky
If you have read our Introduction to Backyard Astronomy in 4 Easy Steps, then it is time
to begin exploring some of the treasures of the night sky. This guide focuses on the
summer sky, June through August, a time of year with lots to see and frequent clear
skies. Unlike the winter, temperature is not an issue, but insects and the haze of high
humidity can be problems. In any event, be sure to get outside frequently and explore
all that the summer sky has to offer.
One of the most prominent features in the summer sky in the Northern Hemisphere is
know as the "summer triangle". The summer triangle is not a true constellation, but
rather is an "asterism" or star pattern that is formed by some of the stars within a
constellation or by stars from among several adjoining constellations. For example, the
Big Dipper is an asterism formed from seven of the stars which comprise the broader
constellation Ursa Major (The Big Bear). Similarly, the summer triangle is formed by
relating the brightest stars in three adjoining constellations. The stars Vega, Deneb
and Altair form a giant, easily identifiable nearly right-triangle in the summer sky that
can provide a benchmark for all other summertime star gazing. Vega is the brightest
star in the constellation Lyra, the Harp. (Thus Vega is also known as A-Vega, where the
"A" stands for Alpha.) Deneb is the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus, the Swan,
and Altair is the alpha star in Aquila, the Eagle.
In early summer, look for the summer triangle rising in the eastern sky when the sky
darkens after twilight. Face east. First find Vega, the brightest star in the sky at this
time of year. It looks bluish-white in color and is well above the eastern horizon. Below
Vega, and slightly to the left, is Deneb. Deneb is not quite as bright as Vega, and being
lower in the sky its light is further dimmed. Now, look to the right along a line sinking
slightly towards the horizon. When you find another star about as bright as Deneb,
you've arrived at Altair. As the evening progresses and the summer triangle rises high
in the sky, its three stars will dominate the celestial view. Later in the summer, the
Vega-Deneb-Altair trio will be high overhead as soon as the sky darkens. On moonless
nights, be sure to take note of the Milky Way which runs right through our giant triangle
between Deneb and Altair and beyond on either side. Once you've identified the
summer triangle, it will always be your familiar and convenient guidepost whenever you
gaze up into the summertime sky.
Interested in learning more? Check out this inexpensive complete ASTRONOMY
STARTER KIT from the Discovery Channel Store, packed with all the essential
information and tools you need to get started!
Copyright 2006-07 NewExplorations.Net
All rights reserved.
If you have read our Introduction to Backyard Astronomy in 4 Easy Steps, then it is time
to begin exploring some of the treasures of the night sky. This guide focuses on the
summer sky, June through August, a time of year with lots to see and frequent clear
skies. Unlike the winter, temperature is not an issue, but insects and the haze of high
humidity can be problems. In any event, be sure to get outside frequently and explore
all that the summer sky has to offer.
One of the most prominent features in the summer sky in the Northern Hemisphere is
know as the "summer triangle". The summer triangle is not a true constellation, but
rather is an "asterism" or star pattern that is formed by some of the stars within a
constellation or by stars from among several adjoining constellations. For example, the
Big Dipper is an asterism formed from seven of the stars which comprise the broader
constellation Ursa Major (The Big Bear). Similarly, the summer triangle is formed by
relating the brightest stars in three adjoining constellations. The stars Vega, Deneb
and Altair form a giant, easily identifiable nearly right-triangle in the summer sky that
can provide a benchmark for all other summertime star gazing. Vega is the brightest
star in the constellation Lyra, the Harp. (Thus Vega is also known as A-Vega, where the
"A" stands for Alpha.) Deneb is the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus, the Swan,
and Altair is the alpha star in Aquila, the Eagle.
In early summer, look for the summer triangle rising in the eastern sky when the sky
darkens after twilight. Face east. First find Vega, the brightest star in the sky at this
time of year. It looks bluish-white in color and is well above the eastern horizon. Below
Vega, and slightly to the left, is Deneb. Deneb is not quite as bright as Vega, and being
lower in the sky its light is further dimmed. Now, look to the right along a line sinking
slightly towards the horizon. When you find another star about as bright as Deneb,
you've arrived at Altair. As the evening progresses and the summer triangle rises high
in the sky, its three stars will dominate the celestial view. Later in the summer, the
Vega-Deneb-Altair trio will be high overhead as soon as the sky darkens. On moonless
nights, be sure to take note of the Milky Way which runs right through our giant triangle
between Deneb and Altair and beyond on either side. Once you've identified the
summer triangle, it will always be your familiar and convenient guidepost whenever you
gaze up into the summertime sky.
Interested in learning more? Check out this inexpensive complete ASTRONOMY
STARTER KIT from the Discovery Channel Store, packed with all the essential
information and tools you need to get started!
Copyright 2006-07 NewExplorations.Net
All rights reserved.
NewExplorations.Net
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |