Huestis: Summer Stargazing
David Huestis, GoLocalProv Astronomy Expert
Huestis: Summer Stargazing
However, there are a couple of planets we will welcome back to the evening sky over the course of this summer. They are Jupiter and Saturn. These distant worlds reveal much detail in the telescopes at the local observatories.
Jupiter and Saturn
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTJupiter will reach opposition on June 10. That means it will rise as the Sun sets. That is also the date of its closest approach to the Earth for this year. Unfortunately, the late rise time on June 10 means some of the local observatories may not be able to focus on Jupiter due to their respective horizon views. Also, because Jupiter will rise in the southeast and travel along a shallow arc across the sky, it will take some time to clear the often murky atmospheric conditions low to the horizon.
I do not wish to discourage one from observing Jupiter if you can. Even as this column goes to press during early June you could wait until Jupiter rises much higher into the sky to begin observing it. My associates have been observing Jupiter in the early morning sky for months (when the weather cooperated). I will provide a Jupiter observing guide in my July column.
Two hours after Jupiter rises, our solar system’s most beautiful ringed-world Saturn will rise. Saturn too will take a similar arced path into the sky, so it also will not rise very quickly above the horizon. You should wait a few hours before observing Saturn and his magnificent rings. Saturn reaches opposition one month later on July 9. My observing guide to Saturn will also be included in my July column.
Mercury and Mars
Within 20 minutes or so after sunset (8:24pm EDT) on the evening of June 23 you can catch a glimpse of our solar system’s innermost planet Mercury. Look about 10 degrees (a fist held at arm’s length provides this measurement) above the west-northwest horizon. You’ll require an unobstructed view to succeed in this observing challenge. Furthermore, an even more challenging task will be to locate the red and dimmer planet Mars 2.5 degrees below and to the right of Mercury. The gauntlet has been dropped. Who will accept and succeed in this challenge?
Hercules
You can locate Hercules on June 1 about halfway up in the eastern sky around 9:30pm. Find the bright star Vega in the constellation of Lyra and Hercules will be the neighboring constellation to its upper right. Four main stars called the keystone outline the body of Hercules, while two streams of stars form his arms and another stream comprise his legs. Though his extremities look like a stick figure, Hercules has been bulking up on his body. While the constellation has a rich mythological history, space does not permit me to relate it here. Just suffice it to say that the star pattern represents the mighty Hercules of “twelve labors” fame kneeling upon the head of Draco the Dragon, holding a club in one hand, and a branch in the other.
To locate the globular cluster please reference the accompanying star map. M13 lies between the two stars that form the western side of the keystone. It is about one-third of the way from the northern most star of the keystone. If you can’t detect it with your naked-eye, try using a pair of binoculars. It looks like a small tail-less comet.
Once you’ve found M13, use a telescope if you have one. A small refractor will show it as a small diffuse patch of light, much like the nucleus of a comet. Larger scopes, say a four- or six-inch reflector, will begin to resolve individual stars within this beautiful beehive of stars. And the beehive description is quite apt, for if one could speed up time you would see these stars, which are all gravitationally bound to the cluster and number about 300,000, orbit the cluster like bees around a hive.
One of my favorite turn of the 20th century authors is Garrett P. Serviss. I often quote him in my columns because he had such a descriptive and poetic style of writing. For your enjoyment I have excerpted a quote concerning M13 from his wonderful book, Pleasures of the Telescope.
“...smaller instruments reveal only the in-running streams and the sprinkling of stellar points over the main aggregation, which cause it to sparkle like a cloud of diamond dust transfused with sunbeams.” “It is a ball of suns. Now you need a telescope. You must have one. You must either buy or borrow it, or you must pay a visit to an obshttp://www.frostydrew.org/ervatory, for this is a thing that no intelligent human being in these days can afford not to see. Can it be possible that any man can know that fifteen thousand suns are to be seen, burning in a compact globular cluster, and not long to regard them with his own eyes?”
On the next clear and moonless night, go out and locate the great Hercules in the sky. Binoculars will certainly show you M13, but a telescope will reveal all its splendor. Telescopic views through the larger telescopes at the local observatories are quite impressive. Think about the above description while you enjoy the image.
Take advantage of the viewing opportunities provided by the local observatories as the summer months progress. Jupiter and Saturn will be the primary focus of attention from mid-summer onwards into fall. In addition will be various phases of the Moon, as well as looks up and down the expanse of our own Milky Way galaxy. Remember, summer brings late sunsets, so please check the respective observatory websites for their open dates and times before venturing out for a visit. Seagrave Memorial Observatory in North Scituate is open every clear Saturday night. Ladd Observatory in Providence is open every Tuesday night. The Margaret M. Jacoby Observatory at the CCRI Knight Campus in Warwick is open every clear Thursday night. Frosty Drew Observatory in Charlestown is open every clear Friday night.
Keep your eyes to the skies.
20 Things to Look Forward to in New England This Summer - 2019
Sipping Del's Lemonade on a Hot Day
While you can probably find Del's Lemonade somewhere during any month of the year, drinking it in the winter is just not the same as when it is a hot day in the midst of summer.
As summer approaches, be sure to locate our nearest Del's Lemonade stand.
PHOTO: Krista Guenin/Flickr Commons
Waterfire
Providence, RI
Waterfire is back for the summer and it's an event and experience that must be had.
As GoLocalProv reported, WaterFire will begin the 2019 season with a basin lighting on Thursday, May 23 or the National Association of State Treasurers Treasury Management Training Symposium and the first full lighting of the season will be Saturday, June 22.
Waterfire is Providence's signature event bringing in people from all over New England and the country to see it.
A great night out for families and couples alike.
PHOTO: Waterfire
Visiting Southwick Zoo
Mendon, Ma
Can't wait to get back to the zoo and visit the animals at Southwick Zoo.
Be sure to check out the giraffes.
The Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for more information.
Taking a Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the M/S Mount Washington
New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee offers some of the best scenery in all of New England and there is no better place to see it from then the M/S Mount Washington.
Click here for more information.
PHOTO: Winnipesaukee.com
The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
Burlington, Vermont
The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival takes place from May 31 to June 19 in downtown Burlington, Vermont.
This 10 day celebration features four stages with free live music from Patti Labelle, Tank and the Bangas and more.
The festival also will feature local food and much more.
For more information, click here.
PHOTO: kingkongphoto/Wikipedia
Walking Along Roger Wheeler State Beach
Narragansett, RI
Look forward to taking a stroll all the way from chair six to chair one as the waves crash along the shore.
PHOTO: RI DEM
Taking a Cruise on a Windjammer
Maine
Head to Maine and sleep aboard a National Landmark, the Maine Windjammer Fleet.
Go on a three, four or six-day cruise and get closer than ever before to wildlife like whales, eagles, and porpoises while you see some of the best coastal scenery that North America has to offer.
Click here for more information.
PHOTO: Maine Windjammer Association
PVDFest
Providence, RI
After another successful festival last year, PVDFest returns to Providence for the fourth year and will take place from June 6 to June 9.
The festival will bring in art, music, performances and more from all over the United States and the world for the free outdoor festival.
Click here for more information.
Catching a Worcester Bravehearts Game
Worcester, Ma
Year after year, the Worcester Bravehearts are one of the best baseball teams in New England.
They bring in some of the best college talent from across the region to compete for the Futures League Championship.
Don't miss a game.
Click here for more information.
Newport Folk Festival
Newport, RI
The Newport Folk Festival is set to be held from July 26-28 and will feature bands such as Sheryl Crow, Hozier and more.
Don't miss out on one of the biggest concert events of the summer.
Visiting Cape Playhouse Theatre
Cape Cod
Taking a ride to Cape Cod and visit the oldest summer theatre in the country, Cape Playhouse. Cape Playhouse was first opened in 1927 by Raymond Moore.
The theatre has been home to some of the biggest stars to ever grace a stage like Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart amongst others.
It opens for the summer on June 12 with "The Importance of Being Earnest."
Click here for more information
Participating in the Worcester World Cup 2019
Worcester, MA
The 2019 Worcester World Cup is set to take place from Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 11.
The Worcester World Cup is more than a soccer tournament. It's a celebration of Worcester and a safe, friendly family event that people look forward to all year.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Worcester World Cup event page
Newport Jazz Festival
Newport, RI
The 2019 festival is set to take place from Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4.
The festival will show off over 50 individual jazz ensembles on four stages including performances at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Fort Adams State Park.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Newport Jazz Festival
Seeing a Movie at the Rustic Drive-In
North Smithfield
Look forward to Calling up your friends, pack a picnic, and sit in your car as feature films are projected on giant outdoor screens.
The audio plays right through your radio, so be sure to turn the volume up high as you snack on your candy and popcorn.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Swampyank/Wikipedia
Zip Lining in the Berkshires
Looking for something new and exciting? Head to the Berkshires and get yourself on a zip line, maybe even do a canopy tour.
There are three different tour options, starting with the base area tour which lasts an hour or the Moutain Top or Valley Jump tour which takes three hours. Both of those are sure to shoot some adrenaline into your day.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Khaufle/Wikipedia
Eating a Clam Cake From Flo’s
Portsmouth, Middletown
Be excited about heading to Flo's and taking a bite of a Flo’s clam cake and you’ll understand why they’ve been around since 1936.
Dip it in a side of tartar sauce or enjoy as is.
Click here for more information
Boston Calling
Boston, Ma
Boston Calling, the first New England music festival of the season kicks off in downtown Boston on the weekend of May 24 to the 27.
The festival features a performance from Twenty One Pilots and much more.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Adam Elmakias/Wikipedia
Vermont Summer Festival
Manchester, Vermont
The Vermont Summer celebration features everything from horses to shopping at onsite boutiques and plenty of places for food and drinks.
The celebration takes place from July 2 through August 11.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Vermont Summer Festival website
Playing Golf at Harbor Lights
Warwick, RI
Harbor Lights in Warwick offers golfers a great place to tee it up this summer.
Not to mention the amazing scenery and the great food at the Par + Tackle restaurant.
Click here for more information
PHOTO: Harbor Lights
RI International Film Festival
Across RI
The Rhode Island International Film Festival will celebrate their 36th anniversary beginning on August 6 and going through August 11.
The Festival features the best local films made with some of the best local talent.
Click here for more information
