Latest news with #Scorpius
The Hill
a day ago
- Science
- The Hill
Buck Moon, ‘Swift Planet' and more: How to enjoy July's night sky events
(NEXSTAR) – The first full month of summer arrives bearing several celestial treats for skywatchers. July will offer a meteor shower, a glimpse of the Buck Moon and a view of the Scorpius constellation, among other sights. On July 4, there will be an uncommonly good opportunity to get a glimpse of Mercury, the smallest, speediest planet in our solar system. Named after the Roman god known for his winged feet and swift travel, Mercury is the planet located nearest to the sun, which it flies around every 88 days, according to NASA. At 12 a.m. CDT on July 4, Mercury will reach its greatest elongation, or the farthest distance from the sun, making it the best time to see it. To get a glimpse of the 'Swift Planet,' EarthSky suggests waiting for the sun to set before looking west for the planet during twilight time. Nearly a week after Fourth of July fireworks illuminate the sky, the so-called Buck Moon will rise on July 10. The name dates back to the Maine Farmers' Almanac, which assigned 'Indian' names to full moons, starting in the 1930s, according to NASA. The names stuck and are still used today. The Almanac reportedly claimed that members of the northeastern U.S. Algonquin tribes called the July full moon the Buck Moon for the male deer whose antlers start to emerge, encased in velvety fur. The tribes also called it the Thunder Moon because of the regular early summer storms in the region. For the astrology geeks out there, one of the twelve zodiacal constellations is a familiar sight in the summer night sky – Scorpius, located in the galactic center of the Milky Way. Depending on the amount of light pollution you're dealing with, Scorpius has a number of highlights to check off, such as Antares, or the 'heart of the scorpion.' The supergiant star has a reddish hue and can be observed with the naked eye. Starting July 18, the Southern Delta Aquariid meteors will become active and will potentially be visible until late August. The Southern Delta Aquariids will reach their peak between July 29 and July 30, according to NASA. The meteors are faint, so they won't be visible if the moon is out. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere and southern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere will have the best odds of a good show. Here's what you can do to increase your odds of seeing them, according to NASA: If the weather doesn't cooperate where you live, there will be plenty to enjoy in August when we get a glimpse of Venus and Jupiter side-by-side, the Sturgeon Moon and the Perseid meteor shower.
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
We Found The Most Romantic Place To Watch The Stars Near Coimbatore – #7 Will Shock You
Coimbatore establishes its reputation through industrial performance yet reaffirms its popularity by sustaining beautiful natural areas which lie near the Western Ghats mountain range in Tamil Nadu. Stargazers will find excellent observation conditions at Coimbatore's hills and forests and cliffs which surround the city. These remote cliffside observation points serve perfectly as the ultimate location for viewing the night sky since they stand free from city light contamination. There are seven primary locations near Coimbatore that offer spectacular views of the night sky. 1. Siruvani Waterfalls and Surrounding Hills The popular day tourist destination Siruvani Waterfalls evolves into an enchanting stargazing location following sunset since it lies 60 kilometers outside Coimbatore. Multiple elevated observation positions in the falls area provide visitors with open views toward the night sky. The site lacks disruptive artificial lighting because of which observers can easily view Orion and Scorpius constellations. The site also benefits from the relaxing atmosphere combined with the refreshing cool wind. 2. Valparai Hills: Aliyar Dam Viewpoint Valparai stands as a region near Coimbatore that belongs to the Anamalai Hills and provides visitors the chance to observe rolling tea estates along with starlit skies. The Aliyar Dam Viewpoint serves as the most convenient destination for people visiting Valparai. From this elevation above the reservoir you can see a vast expanse of the horizon so planet observation such as Venus or Jupiter becomes feasible with only your eyes. Due to both its elevation and low levels of manmade light the place attracts many amateur astronomers. 3. Topslip Forest Area Visitors interested in stargazing can find an optimal location at Topslip which exists within the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary of Anamalai Tiger Reserve. Located above 1000 meters of elevation Topslip presents almost unobstructed views of the sky throughout most months. Guests can find allocated camping areas adjacent to cliff edges which provide them the space to place telescopes and relax on mats under the Milky Way. The thick forest canopy provides total nighttime darkness so observers can see less prominent stars together with meteor showers. 4. Kovai Kutralam Falls Near Coimbatore-Pollachi highway location you will find Kovai Kutralam Falls which locals often refer to as Monkey Falls. Kovai Kutralam Falls draws visitors during daylight hours to view its waterfall but its surrounding hilltops become optimal spots for stargazing at night. From these elevated positions you can see a broad portion of the southern starry sky which displays the brilliant constellations Sagittarius and Centaurus. Many visitors use portable chairs along with blankets to extend their stargazing sessions at this location. 5. Nallampatti Hills The winding roads of Nallampatti Hills can be found about 30 kilometers from the city of Coimbatore showing scenic views throughout. The hilltops of this location attract numerous hiking enthusiasts who come to appreciate the stunning city view from above. The regions which operate as daytime viewing areas transform into private star observation locations throughout nighttime hours. Visitors can experience unobstructed views of space since light pollution from local settlements does not interfere at Nallampatti Hills. This spot serves best the combination of hiking with the enjoyment of astronomy. 6. Velliangiri Mountains (Sacred Seven Hills) Coimbatore residents consider the Velliangiri Mountains to be the 'Kailash of the South' while recognizing these sacred mountains as the most extreme dark zone near the city. The 70 kilometers distant mountain range exceeds 1700 meters in height to create ideal conditions for observing the stars. At these elevated locations the thinner atmospheric conditions minimize interference from the surrounding air. Regionals believe that this destination boasts the human universe connection through an energetic influence which makes it an exceptional venue for night-time meditation. 7. Thirumoorthy Hills and Dam A strong astronomical destination situated at 90 kilometers from Coimbatore stands as Thirumoorthy Hills. A quiet escape exists around the dam region as well as the surrounding hillocks since they remain distant from human settlements. Moonlight reflects starlight onto the water surface thus creating an unreal spectacle during clear nights. Visitors appreciate the proximity of the site to the Amaravathi Reservoir that enriches its overall appeal. Amateur stargazers frequently organize gatherings to conduct night sky exposure photography at this location. Tips for Stargazing Enthusiasts These guidelines will help you reach the highest potential during your stargazing outings around Coimbatore: Stargazers should confirm favorable weather conditions before starting their observation. The monsoon season is not suitable for visitation since cloud cover will impair your visibility of the stars. The Star Map application SkySafari together with Stellarium allows users to detect celestial objects and constellations and planets in the sky. Stargazers should bring binoculars or telescopes along with warm clothing because altitude winds bring intense temperature drops. Practice Leave No Trace principles by keeping your campsite clean and make noises that will not harm wildlife. Select your stargazing dates during new moon periods because the night sky becomes darker and more visible. Conclusion Stargazers can find perfect opportunities to observe the cosmos in Coimbatore because of its location near the Western Ghats. Each spot throughout Coimbatore features a distinct blend between the natural landscapes of Siruvani and sacred mountain ranges known as Velliangiri. These secluded cliffside observatories ensure unforgettable experiences which suit beginners in astronomy as well as experienced stargazers. Prepare your equipment to visit these spots and experience the ancient tales of the stars.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Cosmic rings reveal new planet being born
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. For centuries, astronomers have tried to study the process of planetary formation. Thanks to modern technology like the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT), experts can now see this process with much finer detail. Taken on June 9, 2025, this photograph from the VLT shows star RIK 113 surrounded by clouds of gas and dust, which form a protoplanetary disk. These disks are common around younger stars like RIK 113, and will eventually condense due to the star's gravitational pressure, forming larger objects that will create the beginnings of a planet, known as a protoplanet. The star RIK 113, also classified as 2MASSJ16120668-3010270 is found in the constellation Scorpius, which is around 431 light-years away. The protoplanetary disk surrounding RIK 113 was initially discovered by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in 2024. The initial results showed gap in the clouds around the star, which could be created by a planetary embryo. Curious about this finding, researchers at the University of Galway, Ireland used the VLT to try to get a closer look at star RIK 113. Using the SPHERE or the Spectro-Polarimetric High-contrast Exoplanet REsearch instrument on the VLT, which is designed to look for new exoplanets, the team found that the inner ring of the star's protoplanetary disk had unique spiral features. According to the researchers, potential signals from two planets close to RIK 113 were also detected. You can read more about planetary formation and protoplanetary disks as astronomers continue to understand how planets are created throughout our universe.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
June full moon 2025: What time is tonight's strawberry moon? Here's when, how to watch
June's full moon, also known as the rare strawberry moon will rise tonight next to the bright red Antares star in the constellation Scorpius during a Major Lunar Standstill. Here's what it all means. Wednesday's special strawberry full moon will be the lowest full moon in decades because we are near what's called a Major Lunar Standstill — a phenomenon that occurs every 18.6 years when the moon's orbit is tilted at its maximum angle, reaching its highest and lowest points in the sky. Here's what to know about June's full strawberry moon, the moon phases and the summer solstice. The strawberry moon will reach peak illumination at 3:44 a.m. on June 11, 2025, according to the Almanac. To catch a glimpse, find a location with unobstructed views of the horizon. Click here to see moonrise and moonset times in your area. 🌓 First Quarter: June 2. 🌕 Full Moon: June 11. 🌗 Last Quarter: June 18. 🌑 New Moon: June 25. Similar to April's pink moon, June's strawberry moon gets its name from the seasonal berry harvest, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Ripening berries are traditionally ready to be harvested around this time in the northeastern United States. Albeit, while strawberries are in fact a reddish-pink color, the color of the moon is not reflective of the 'strawberry' name, but rather it gets its reddish glow when it is closer to the horizon and the light rays pass through the densest layers of the atmosphere. The June solstice will mark the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere as it heralds the start of the new season of summer, which this year will begin at 10:42 p.m. ET on June 20, 2025. The July full moon, known as the buck moon, will be visible on July 10, 2025. This article originally appeared on June full moon 2025: What time will strawberry moon be visible tonight
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Can you still view the strawberry moon? Why is moon so low in sky? When is next full moon?
Miss this week's "strawberry" full moon? The full moon peaked at 3:30 a.m. June 11, but prime viewing will continue in Bucks County Wednesday night when the full moon rises at 9:25 p.m. in our southeast skies. It is the lowest full moon in decades because we are near what's called a Major Lunar Standstill — a phenomenon that occurs every 18.6 years when the moon's orbit is tilted at its maximum angle, reaching its highest and lowest points in the sky. This accounts for the lateness of its rise in the night sky. June 12's rise will occur even later, at 10:15 p.m. Thursday night. June's full moon, also known as the rare strawberry moon, appeared this week next to the bright red Antares star in the constellation Scorpius during a Major Lunar Standstill. Here's what to know about June's full strawberry moon, the moon phases and the summer solstice. The strawberry moon reached peak illumination at 3:44 a.m. on June 11, 2025, according to the Almanac. The moon appeared bright and full on Tuesday night, June 10, and will again be visible June 11 in the clear skies over Bucks County until setting at 5:15 a.m. June 12. To catch a glimpse, find a location with unobstructed views of the horizon. Click here to see moonrise and moonset times in your area. 🌓 First Quarter: June 2. 🌕 Full Moon: June 11. 🌗 Last Quarter: June 18. 🌑 New Moon: June 25. Similar to April's Pink Moon, June's Strawberry Moon gets its name from the seasonal strawberry harvest, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Ripening berries are traditionally ready to be harvested around this time in the northeastern United States. While strawberries are of course a reddish-pink color, the color of this moon phase is not derived from the 'strawberry' name, but this year it coincidentally has a reddish glow since it is closer to the horizon and the light rays pass through the densest layers of the atmosphere. The June solstice will mark the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere as it heralds the start of the new season of summer, which this year will begin at 10:42 p.m. ET on June 20, 2025. The July full moon, known as the buck moon, will be visible on July 10, 2025. USA Today trending reporter Maria Francis contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Can you still view strawberry moon? Why is moon so low in the sky?
