THE NIGHT SKY IN AUGUST

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 6, 11 August 1909, Page 13

THE NIGHT SKY IN AUGUST

THE STAR CHART BELOW IS SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR THE “N.Z. GRAPHIC” BY MR. J. T. WARD, DIRECTOR OF THE WANGANUI OBSERVATORY.

THE stars and other celestial bodies are shown on the above chart as they may be seen in the sky nt, about 8 p.m. on the 15th. The observer, being aware that any star rises and comes to the meridian about four minutes earlier each succeeding evening, will see that for a later date than Ithat given the above appearance of the stars may be observed earlier in the evening, and for an earlier date at a later ii our. The chart should be held with that point of the compass marked on its rim to correspond with the direction to which the observer’s attention is turned; therefore, if looking towards the southeast, let S-E. be underneath on the chart. It will be seen by comparing the above

chart with that of July, that several constellations then visible in the west have now disappeared, while others have cbme into view in the eastern sky- Turning towards the north we see Hercules and Lyra, west and east of the meridian, low down. The fine star Vega is especially noticeable, and just underneath, to the right, is a small star which, in other latitudes, with more altitude, may just be seen a double by keen-sighted individuals. A good field glass shows this duplicity easily, while a good astronomical telescope will show each separate star as again double, with other stars between each pair. This as an indication of what may be seen by the telescopic observer in any portion of the starry heavens. Over Hercules and Lyra are Ophiuchus

and Serpens, with Aquila. Cygnus is jest rising, with the Dolphin over the northeast, and Pegasus more towards the east. Over the Orient may be seen Aquarius, Capricornug and Sagittarius in the order named from horizon to zenith. Cetus is just emerging between east and south-east, while over the latter bearing may bo seen the Phoenix with Eridanus and the bright star Achernar, with Toucan above. The brilliant Canopus is nearly due south, with the rest of Argo towards the west, with Dorado and Hydrus below the pole, and Pavo and Triangulum above it. The Cross, followed by the two bright “ Pointers,” Alpha and Beta Centauri, is now moving down to its western elongation, followed by Triangulum. Hydra has plunged two thirds

of its length below the western horizon, where Crater has already set, followed by its companion Corvus- Virgo is low down in the west, followed by Libra and the Scorpion, which has now passed the zenith. Bootes is (tartly set, and the great star Arcturus is nearing the northb western horizon. The moon is not vi» ible at this time, neither are any of the other brighter planets. Venus and Jupiter must be looked for in the north-weatl earlier, while Mars does not rise in the south-east till later in the evening. This month of August, 1909, is of espek cial interest to users of astronomical telescopes, as it ushers in the three hurtdredth anniversary of the observation* of the moon and other celestial bodiee Galileo with a telescope made by himself.