THE NIGHT SKY IN APRIL.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIV, Issue 15, 13 April 1910, Page 13

THE NIGHT SKY IN APRIL.

THE STAR CHART BELOW IS SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR THE “N.Z. GRAPHIC” BY MR. J. T. WARD, DIRECTOR 0E

THE WANGANUI OBSERVATORY.

THE above chart is designed to show the stare and other celestial bodies as they may be seen in the sky on the 15th of the month at about 8.30 p.m. The observer, being aware that any star rises and comes to the meridian about four minutes earlier each succeeding evening, will see that for an earlier date than the above, he must look later and for a later date earlier in the evening, and make an allowance of four minutes for each day before or after. The chart shows the stars as they appear in the sky when the compass point on the chart is under-

neath and eorre-ponds with the direction in which the observer is looking. By comparing the above chart with that drawn for March, it will be seen that several constellations then visible in our western sky, have now dropped below our horizon, while several others not then to be seen, have made their appearance in the eastern sky. Turning towards the north, we see the two Lions—Leo Major and Leo Minor—on the meridian with the head of Hydra, the Water Snake, over them slightly to the west. In the north-eaet Bootes is Seen just rising, with Coma Ber and Virgo over him, and above these Crater and Corvus. Due east, Serpens is just

emerging, with JJbra above and in the south-east is Scorpion, now well risen, the bright red star Antares blazing balvfully at this stage. The Centaur and Lu pins are over the Scorpion, and the Cross is over these again, while the Triangle and Ara lie handy underneath. Pavo and Toucan are low down in the south, with Hydrus above them, and the two Magellanic Clouds. Aihernar is approaching the horizon with the whole of the River in the south west. Tn the west Orion is approaching the horizon, followed closely by Oanin Major, and over this again tin* live stars of Argo. In the north west Gemini is near its setting, with Canis Minor, and the line I’rocyon in close attendance.

The moon i< non low down in <w<*t <»f the star Mu. ami Jupiter may be found on the opposite side of the heavens in Virgo, moving near the tar Eta. This planet is now in a very favourable position for the telescopic observer. and posse -ors of moderate instruments should lose no opportunity of i-.anning hie surface. Halley’s Cornel This cannot be shovn on our evening chart, as it i u now rising in the morning before the sun. Tcleseopists may find it easily by examining the region above the point of sunrise, during the earlier part of the month, ami towards the end of the month, it should become an easy object to the unaided •y«