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Posts by
Bruce McClure
Happy Friday the 13th: It’s the 1st of 2 in 2024
When a year with 366 days starts on a Monday, it's inevitable Friday the 13th will occur twice. In 2024 Friday the 13th comes in September and December.
September 13, 2024
The Andromeda galaxy: All you need to know
The Andromeda galaxy is the closest big galaxy to our Milky Way. At 2.5 million light-years, it's the most distant thing you can see with the eye alone.
September 5, 2024
Zodiacal light: Start watching for it now
The zodiacal light is an eerie light extending up from the horizon before dawn around the Northern Hemisphere autumn. Southern Hemisphere? Look after sunset!
August 30, 2024
The Great Rift is a dark swath in the Milky Way
The Great Rift or Dark Rift is a darkened swath of the Milky Way where new stars are forming. It's best seen from a rural location away from light pollution.
August 28, 2024
Favorite Star Patterns
Teapot of Sagittarius points to Milky Way center
As you gaze toward the famous Teapot asterism in the constellation Sagittarius, you're looking toward the center of our Milky Way galaxy.
August 23, 2024
What’s a Blue Moon? The next one is August 19
What is a Blue Moon? The 2nd of 2 full moons in a calendar month? Or the 3rd of 4 full moons in a single season? The answer is ... both!
August 15, 2024
The Wild Duck Cluster, M11, a lovely open cluster in Scutum
The Wild Duck Cluster, also known as M11, is an open star cluster in the constellation Scutum that appears best through binoculars or a telescope.
August 8, 2024
Sagittarius the Archer and its famous Teapot
The zodiacal constellation of Sagittarius the Archer contains the center of the Milky Way and a famous asterism known as the Teapot.
August 2, 2024
The Northern Cross: Find the backbone of the Milky Way
The Northern Cross is an asterism - or recognizable pattern of stars - within the constellation Cygnus the Swan. Learn how to find it in your sky here.
July 25, 2024
M6 and M7: Open star clusters in the Scorpion’s Tail
M6 and M7 are star clusters near Scorpius’ stinger. But you’ll need a dark sky to see these faint but stunning stellar aggregations.
July 18, 2024
