Copy
Happy New Year!

This Week in Berrien Skies

Southern view of the morning sky on January 1, 2018 Image adapted from Stellarium.
Conjunction Throughout January, Mars will appear near Jupiter in the morning sky with the bright star Arcturus shining brightly above them. While their closest approach won't happen until early next week, they'll still be a charming sight as you begin your day.

Bonus challenge Mercury reaches its furthest point away from the Sun (in this case technically called greatest western elongation) on the first morning of the new year. If you can find a completely clear view of the southwestern horizonperhaps somewhere along the lakeshoreyou may be able to catch a glimpse of this little-seen planet. You'll want to try this by the middle of this week, and you have the best chance of success between 7:30 and 7:45 am. Mercury will be about ten degrees above the horizon. To estimate this distance, hold your fist at arm's length toward the sky with the back of your hand facing you. The width of your fist covers about ten degrees. Rotate your arm so that your pinkie finger is at the bottom of your fist and use it to mark the horizon line. Now the top of your fist is about how high Mercury should appear above the horizon. If you don't see it right away, try catching a view through binoculars.

January 3 At a distance of more than 147 million kilometers (91.4 million miles) Earth reaches perihelion, which is the point in its orbit at which we're closest to the Sun.

January 4 Good news! Today's sunrise, at 8:13:30, is the latest sunrise of 2018. After this date the Sun will rise a little earlier each day.

Upcoming Kingman Observatory Events

  • Skywatch Friday, January 12, 7:30-8:30 pm
  • Skywatch Saturday, January 13, 7:30-8:30 pm
  • Skywatch Friday, January 19, 7:30-8:30 pm
  • Skywatch Saturday, January 20, 7:30-8:30 pm

Skywatch is the public observing program of the Kingman Observatory. All Skywatch events are free and open to the public. See Plan Your Visit for information on cancellations, directions, and parking.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

  • From US-31, take exit 15 toward M-139 south.
  • Turn onto Campbell Drive toward Timber Ridge Manor.
  • Park in the visitor section (marked in blue on the map below) of the parking lot at Timber Ridge Manor.
  • Follow the white path marked on the map below.

Link to observatory location on Google Maps
(for reference only; do not use Google Maps directions to the observatory)

Plan Your Visit to the Kingman Observatory
Volunteer

Copyright © 2017 Kingman Observatory, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp