Author Archives: Cort Vaughan

December 2023 is an exciting month for skywatchers with the most meteors and the brightest asteroid. Learn how to view these special events. December 1-2 starts your opportunity to see Asteroid Vesta, the brightest asteroid visible from Earth.  It is at opposition, meaning it is directly on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, and at its closest and brightest for the year. This is a good time to try viewing it with binoculars or a small telescope. Look for it to move northward in the sky between Gemini and Orion during the month. Use your favorite skywatching app to […]

Planets, stars, meteors, and longer nights for your November skywatching pleasure. Learn why Jupiter is so bright that you can see its moons, then later this month watch meteors, more planets, and a star cluster. The nights will be longer, so you will have more time to enjoy your favorite constellations. Jupiter was in opposition last night (November 2-3). What does it mean when a planet is in opposition? The Earth and Jupiter are revolving around the sun at different rates. Every 13 months, the earth moves in between Jupiter and the sun. This is also the time when Jupiter […]

An annular solar eclipse is coming on October 14. Get ready!  Learn about the annular eclipse that will cross from Oregon to Texas on October 14, 2023. A great skywatching opportunity before winter sets in. What is an annular solar eclipse?  An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, but does not completely cover the sun. Instead, the moon covers most of the sun, leaving its outer edge visible as a bright ring or “annulus” around the darkened moon. This ring is often called a “ring of fire”. An annular eclipse occurs when the moon is […]

Lurid Tales of Constellation Pegasus the Winged Horse  Join us as we learn the lurid tale of the constellation Pegasus the Winged Horse, which is one of the largest constellations in the sky.  Symbolism: Pegasus the Winged Horse  Mythology: In Greek mythology, Pegasus is a white winged horse that sprang from the neck of the Gorgon Medusa when Perseus beheaded her. Medusa was a beautiful young woman before she was turned into a monster by the goddess Athena after being caught being defiled by the sea god Poseidon in the goddess’ temple. Athena turned Medusa’s hair into snakes and made […]

Don’t miss the supermoon tonight and another one at the end of the month. Learn about the celestial delights that await stargazers in August, including two supermoons and the Perseid Meteor shower.  As the warm days of summer transition into the cooler nights of August, the skies above offer a dazzling array of celestial treats for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts. This month brings with it a host of astronomical events, ranging from meteor showers to planetary displays, making it a perfect time to gaze at the wonders of the universe. So, grab your telescope or binoculars and mark your calendar, […]

  Birthday gift that lasts forever. As birthdays approach, finding the perfect gift that symbolizes love, appreciation, and uniqueness for our loved ones can be a challenging task. While the usual presents like gadgets, clothes, or accessories are always appreciated, there’s something extraordinary about giving a gift that reaches beyond this world – naming a star. Although one cannot physically own a star, this unique and heartfelt gesture of naming a star after someone is an eternal reminder of the special bond shared between the gift giver and the recipient. In this blog, we explore why naming a star is […]

Father’s Day is coming up, and if your dad is a space enthusiast, you’re in luck! There are a variety of astronomy gifts that are sure to please him. Here are a few ideas: Unique gift: Surprise your father by naming a star after him. Telescope: This is a classic astronomy gift that is perfect for any dad who loves to stargaze. There are a variety of telescopes available, so you can find one that is the perfect fit for your dad’s needs and budget. Binoculars: Binoculars are another great option for dads who love to look up at the […]