Kinghorn Gardens

Something to Count On

December 23rd, 2009

How about re-introducing something into our lives that we can count on?

There is one thing that hasn’t changed and never will.  The stars.

This winter, find a spot away from city lights (early morning hours can be stunning)  and look up toward a seasonal sky with many impressive constellations.  Here are a few bright expectations:

The Big Dipper/ The Little Dipper:

The best known, and perhaps easiest to find is The Big Dipper will dominate the night sky.  Let the two stars which create the tip of the bowl (farthest from handle) point your eye toward Polaris (The North Star) and tip of The Little Dipper’s Handle.  Can be seen at any time of the year

Orion:

Rising in the Eastern sky, you will find the impressive hunter Orion.  Easily spotted by his belt consisting of three bright stars in a row.  Orion will dominate the winter skies, as it contains more, bright stars than any other constellation.  Best seen from December to March.

The Twins (Gemini):

To locate this constellation draw a diagonal line from the point at which the handle meets the bowl of the Big Dipper through the bowl and far beyond - you will arrive at the heads of the Twins.  Their heads each consist of a bright star (Castor and Pollux).  Their bodies and arms will be faint in comparison, and you may need a clear night to see the whole constellation.  Best seen from December to May.