“The Vernal Equinox, where the Sun crosses the equator on its way north in spring, moves steadily along the Ecliptic (the plane of the Earth’s orbit, projected on to the sky) from year to year “
Beginner’s Astronomy: Precession
‘The Stones and the Stars, Building Scotland’s Newest Megalith’
Duncan Lunan who writes The Orkney News astronomy column and beginner’s guides is also the man behind the building of the Sighthill Stone Circle.
The Sky Above You – July 2021
Like last month, it will never be completely dark during July, as the Sun never gets far below the horizon. It’s a good time to see noctilucent (night-glowing) clouds in the north, lit by sunlight at high altitudes, first reported in the 19th century and still not fully explained.
Beginners Astronomy: Atmospheric Refraction
“If the Earth had no atmosphere, life would be much easier for astronomers – as long as they didn’t need to breathe. “
Astronomy Beginners Guide: Ancient Constellations
“The patterns imposed on the stars by man – the constellation figures – are now standardised in use by astronomers all over the world. “
Dating the Oldest Stars in our Galaxy
“Taken together, these measurements contribute to sharpen our view on the early years of our Galaxy and promise a bright future for Galactic archeoastronomy.” Professor Andrea Miglio
Astronomy Beginner’s Guide: Using a Small Telescope
“Most of the great discoveries of astronomy, by Galileo and his successors, were made using telescopes which were very small by modern standards”
The Sky Above You – May 2021
The planet Mercury is at its best for the year in May, higher than Venus in the evening sky for most of the month.
Astronomy Beginner’s Guide: Part 3 Co-Ordinate Systems
“The most obvious way to tell someone else where to look for something in the sky, would be to give its height above the horizon and bearing left or right from some landmark. “
The Sky Above You – April 2021
The Moon will be New on April 12th, and it will be Full on April 27h.
