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Posts by
Bruce McClure
Astronomy Essentials
Saturn at opposition – and brightest – on August 26-27
Don't miss Saturn at opposition on and around the night of August 26-27, 2023. That's when our planet Earth passes between the sun and Saturn.
August 26, 2023
Sun-Regulus in conjunction on August 23
Every year around August 23, you can see the sun and Regulus in conjunction. But you won't see them, because they travel across the sky in the daytime.
August 23, 2023
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 15, 2023
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 11, 2023
Thuban was Pole Star for the ancient Egyptians
The Pole Stars change over time. Thuban was the Pole Star some 5,000 years ago, when the Egyptians were building the pyramids.
August 9, 2023
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 6, 2023
Blue moon? What is it and when is the next one?
The 2nd of 2 full moons in a calendar month? Or 3rd of 4 full moons in a single season? How can both of them be a Blue Moon?
August 1, 2023
Meet Shaula and Lesath, Scorpion’s Stinger stars
Shaula and Lesath, known as the "stinger stars," mark the location of the scorpion's stinger in the zodiacal constellation Scorpius.
July 28, 2023
Scorpius the Scorpion is a summertime delight
The southernmost constellation of the zodiac is Scorpius the Scorpion. It's easy to spot on July evenings from most parts of the world.
July 23, 2023
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 18, 2023
