Kinghorn Gardens

Something to Count On…Spring Edition

April 16th, 2010

It’s time to 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 spring, 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:

Dragon (Draco)

Seen best from May to early November, Dragon is a large constellation comprised of a long string of stars which wind around the Little Dipper.  Two sets of two stars make up short legs, while the head is an irregular quadrangle with fairly bright stars.

Thuban, a faint star which appears in Dragon’s tail, served as the Pole Star four or five thousand years ago (in the time that the Pyramids were being constructed).

Great Bear (Ursa Major)

A large constellation, best known as a part of the Big Dipper.  The bowl of the Big Dipper appears as a saddle on the back of the bear.  The tip of the dipper’s handle serves as the bears nose.  To find Great Bear, first look for the Big Dipper, then look for the three sets of two stars which form the bears feet.  Great Bear is best seen through June.

Lion (Leo)

Let the Big Dipper help to guide you to the lovely Leo.  Use the two stars of the dippers bowl, next to the handle, and draw a straight line beyond the paws of the Great Bear. The first star you will hit is Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation and the first star in the ions shoulders.

Since Leo is one of the twelve Zodiac constellations, within which the sun, moon and planets travel, don’t be surprised if there is a little something extra in the constellation from time to time.  Leo is best viewed through June.