To say you’ve done something that is a once in a lifetime event is awesome, but to find out that it won’t happen again for another 6,700 years is super-duper awesome and mind-blowing! I’m referring to Comet Neowise, which is making its rare appearance during the month of July. There is a lot of light pollution where I live, so I didn’t think I’d get to see it. But we spent the past weekend at the Oregon Coast where, fortuitously, the nights were clear, and Neowise was easy to find. Right below the Big Dipper, the comet’s tail displayed as a fuzzy streak in the nighttime sky. I can only say that the view was amazing. Bucket list item: See something that won’t happen again for thousands of years. Check.
The other astronomical delight that is taking place this year is the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn – an event that takes place every twenty years. According to the web site, www.earthsky.org, “astronomers use the word conjunction to describe meetings of planets and other objects on our sky’s dome.” On Dec. 21, 2020, Jupiter and Saturn will be the closest to each other they’ve been since 1623. But you don’t have to wait until the end of the year to see these planetary wonders – they’re visible right now, shining brightly in the southwest direction of the night sky. Can I say “amazing” again? OK, amazing.
No doubt about it: astronomy is cool. Just because you may not have a degree in astrophysics, it doesn’t mean that you can’t become an amateur astronomer. I’ve selected eight books to get you started, but be sure to search our online catalog for more titles at www.fvrl.org. All ages can learn how to develop their stargazing skills, so I’ve included two books geared for young readers: “Looking Up!” by Joe Rao and “The Space Adventurer’s Guide” by Peter McMahon.
Comet Neowise, Jupiter and Saturn – you rock!
• “50 Things to See with a Small Telescope” by John A. Read.
• “Catching Stardust: Comets, Asteroids and the Birth of the Solar System” by Natalie Starkey.
• “Looking Up!: The Science of Stargazing” by Joe Rao.
• “National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Night Sky” by Andrew Fazekas.
• “Photography Night Sky: A Field Guide for Shooting After Dark” by Jennifer Wu.
• “The Space Adventurer’s Guide: Your Passport to the Coolest Things to See and Do in the Universe” by Peter McMahon.
