Hey Space Placers!!!!
The Milky Way Galaxy as seen in Shenandoah National Park
This panorama shows the Milky Way rising above the E-SE horizon
Credit: Greg Redfern
Our home galaxy the Milky Way is now rising around midnight in the eastern - south eastern sky. The Northern Hemisphere is now at the beginning of "the Milky Way season", so called because our galaxy will rise earlier and earlier each evening to become resplendent right after dark in the summer months, especially August.
If you can get access to darker suburban or better yet, rural skies, the ghostly glow of countless stars is yours to see.
Our solar system and of course, humanity, reside in the outer region of the Milky Way, about 26,000 or so light years from the Milky Way's center. It's a good thing too we are so far out as the supermassive black hole that resides there, Sgr A* resides in the center.
All you need to see the Milky Way is your dark adapted eyes, a good view of the horizon and as dark a sky you can find. As the night progresses towards sunrise the Milky Way will get higher and higher in the sky due to the rotation of the Earth and will become more spectacular of a view.
If you have binoculars by all means use them to sweep the heavenly vista before your eyes. The dark clouds of dust, stars and the gaseous objects called nebulae will come into better view with more detail visible.
Make a date to see your home galaxy this season. You will enjoy the view and be awed by the vastness and beauty of our Milky Way.....
Sky Guy in VA
No comments:
Post a Comment