In September, we transfer towards the autumn season in northwest Arkansas. Some leaves are beginning to fall and, whereas the summer time warmth continues to scorch, this can change to cooler climate.
For those who have a look at the southwest at about 11 p.m. or later, you will notice that the planet Saturn has returned, and, for those who keep up very late, say, 1:15 a.m., you may see Jupiter, instantly east about one fist-width above the jap horizon. Quickly, these gasoline large planets can be seen at an earlier hour within the night and can be much more handy to see. They are going to be seen properly in telescopes as small as 3 inches however bigger scopes will present extra element.
As we transfer in the direction of Fall, we transfer off the airplane of our galaxy and begin to see into extra-galactic deep house.
Round this time of 12 months, I at all times search for the return of M31, the Nice Andromeda Galaxy. September is an excellent month to see it. By 10 p.m. within the night, M31 can be within the jap half of the night time sky, shifting in the direction of the zenith. After I first moved to Siloam Springs 30 years in the past, this was an object individuals with good eyes might see with the bare eye. That is way more tough now. My buddy Clinton Willis and I not too long ago tried a picture of M31 with a brand new 8-inch scope. The outcomes have been underwhelming although, technically, we did every part accurately. The issue was two-fold: mild air pollution and smoky haze, most definitely from Canadian forest fires.
M31 is a big spiral galaxy with actually lovely spiral arms. It lies some 2.5 million mild years from our galaxy. The little particles of sunshine, photons, from this galaxy that land on the chip of cameras — or in your retina — have traveled 2.5 million years to make the picture you see and document. To see this galaxy visually, darkish skies, binoculars and a star map to seek out it needs to be used.
The picture I’ve included was made by Dr. Willis. Whereas it might have been superb to document the spiral arms of this galaxy, once we noticed the ultimate stacked picture, we might solely convey out the central core. If we had tried to convey out the arms, the entire image would have been only a white, shapeless blob — mild air pollution allowed solely the core to look presentable. You might be seeing the center third of M31, shut up.
As winter comes on, we hope the fires will exit and we will see this galactic neighbor extra clearly. We are going to attempt once more to get a greater picture.
Wanting instantly south, the constellation Sagittarius is vibrant with its nebular wonders. This constellation is a superb area of our Milky Method and a delight to scan with binoculars.
I want you clear skies …
David Cater
Dr. David Cater is a former college member of JBU. E mail him at starb[email protected]. The opinions expressed are these of the creator.
