Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (May 3, 2017)
30 Wednesday, May 3, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Stars over Sisters Hannah Ezell & Wyadd Hernandez Correspondents There is a variety of astro- nomical objects to observe during the month of May. One of the constellations vis- ible is Virgo, which can be seen between April and July. Virgo is depicted as a woman carrying wheat and a staff lying down with her head toward the east. The constellation takes up 1,294 square degrees of the celestial sphere, making it the second largest constellation in the night sky (Hydra is the largest). The brightest star in Virgo is Spica, Latin for “ear of corn.” Spica is also known as Alpha Virginis. It is the sixteenth brightest star in the night sky and is classified as a blue giant. East of the left arm of Virgo is a cluster of over three thousand galax- ies, none of which are visible with the naked eye. Located some 60 million light-years from the earth, spiral galaxy NGC 4388 lies within this massive gal- axy cluster and as a result strong gravitational effects are transforming it in a non- standard manner. While the galaxy’s outskirts appear smooth and featureless, typi- cal of an elliptical galaxy, its center displays remarkable dust lanes where new stars are being formed. This con- dition is just the opposite of that found in normal spiral galaxies. In Greek and Roman mythology, Virgo is a power- ful female figure. Virgo is the only zodiacal constellation represented by a female. She is the goddess of wheat and agriculture. Virgo is some- times depicted as goddess Lusatia or Astrea holding the scales of justice. Adjacent to Virgo is the relatively small and faint constellation of Crater. Crater means “the cup” in Latin. It is only the 53rd largest con- stellation in size. Additional neighboring constellations include Corvus, Hydra and Leo. In Greek mythology, Crater represents the cup of powerful deity Apollo. It belongs to the Hercules fam- ily of constellations. According to the story, Apollo needed water to make a sacrifice. He sends a raven (Corvus) to go fetch water for him in a cup (Crater). While the raven is getting the water, he becomes distracted by a fig tree and spends a few days there eating figs. When the raven finally brings Apollo the water, he also brings a water snake (Hydra) as an excuse for being late. Apollo was quick to realize that the raven was lying and out of anger sends the raven, the water snake, and the cup into the sky. By May, Jupiter has already passed its maximum brightness but still shines prominently at nightfall. The giant planet is visible nearly the entire night, setting only an hour and 25 minutes before the sun rises at mid- month. On May 17 Mercury will be at its greatest western elongation. This is the best time to view Mercury low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. On the night of May 6 and the morning of May 7 the Eta Aquariids Meteor shower will occur. This shower is capable of producing 30 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, the light from a waxing gibbous moon this time around will mask many of them. The new moon will occur on May 25, providing the best time of the month to observe faint objects like galaxies and star clusters. Something to keep in mind while stargazing is light pollution. Light pollu- tion is a growing issue all over the world. It is exces- sive and unneeded use of light that affects our ability to see astronomical events. Central Oregon is far from the worst offenders compared to big cities, but we should always strive to minimize our light usage. To cut down on light pollution, only use light where and when you need it, using fully shielded lamps that direct light only to the needed areas. Do all you can to protect our dark skies here in Central Oregon. On the evening of Saturday, May 20, the Sisters Astronomy Club will host a public starwatch at the Sisters Park & Recreation District building, adjacent to Sisters High School. After a brief astronomy-related presenta- tion, local amateur astrono- mers will invite the general public to view prominent celestial objects through their A Partnership Beyond Your Expectations Stop by and visit with Tiana Van Landuyt & Shelley Marsh. 220 S. Pine St., Ste. 102 | 541-548-9180 HOWELLS REALTY GROUP Phil Arends 541-420-9997 phil@blackbutte.com PEAK PROPERTIES PARTNERSHIP — Sellers of Luxury Homes — Black Butte Ranch, Sisters Area, and Central Oregon www.realestateinsisters.com | Beautifully up- dated and remod- eled in 2007, this home features 5 bedrooms (3 masters), with one master fully ADA compliant, gourmet kitchen open to the dining and living room,gas fi replace,bonus room, utility with 2 washers and dryers, fantastic outdoor living space. $1,095,000. MLS#201703159 Dick Howells 541-408-6818 rahowells@blackbutte.com 220 S. Ash St., Sisters Virtually every aspect of this home has been updated. New roof, new HVAC systems, new fl oor-to- ceiling rock fi replace,new bamboo fl ooring and carpet, Kitchen, baths all updated. $995,000. MLS#201703307 PHOTO COURTESY NASA NGC 4388 is a spiral galaxy locaded ad a disdance of 60 million lighd- years in dhe consdelladion of Virgo. telescopes. Proceedings begin at 9 p.m. and the event is free. Contact Ron Thorkildson at 541-549-8846 for more information.
