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Posts by
Bruce McClure
Meet Libra the Scales, a zodiacal constellation
The zodiacal constellation Libra the Scales is a fixture of the evening sky during Northern Hemisphere summer (Southern Hemisphere winter).
June 25, 2024
Zubenelgenubi is the alpha star of Libra the Scales
Zubenelgenubi - Alpha Librae - is a double star, and is the second brightest star in the constellation Libra the Scales.
June 23, 2024
Is Zubeneschamali in the constellation Libra a green star?
Professional astronomers can explain to you why stars can’t look green. Yet many stargazers insist that Zubeneschamali proves otherwise.
May 31, 2024
Alphecca, a jewel in Corona Borealis the Northern Crown
Alphecca. Gemma. Alpha Coronae Borealis or simply Alpha Cor Bor. They're all names for a single star, the brightest star in the Northern Crown.
May 30, 2024
Eta Aquariid meteors are richer from the Southern Hemisphere
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is better in the Southern Hemisphere because sunrise comes later in May, where it's now autumn and they are moving toward winter.
May 1, 2024
Cor Caroli, named for the heart of a king
Cor Caroli is a binary star and the brightest star in the northern constellation Canes Venatici, the Hunting Dogs. Its name means Heart of Charles.
April 24, 2024
On the equinox, are day and night equal?
Day and night are mostly equal on the equinox. There's a bit more daylight because the sun is a disk, not a point, and Earth’s atmosphere refracts sunlight.
March 19, 2024
The April 8 eclipse is part of Saros 139. What does that mean?
Enjoy the April 8 eclipse as you witness the 30th of 71 member eclipses in the illustrious procession known as Saros 139. Learn more here.
February 8, 2024
The meridian: When does the sun cross it?
In the jargon of astronomers, the sun is said to make an upper meridian transit when it reaches its highest point for the day at solar noon (midday).
January 2, 2024
Aries the Ram: Here’s your constellation
How to see Aries the Ram in your night sky with its bright star Hamal, plus info about this constellation in astronomy history and mythology.
December 28, 2023
