- Jul 20, 2016
- 6,572
- 20,209
Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my Grandparents, and one of our activities was stargazing. Of course, it was much easier to do in the olden days with less light pollution. My Grandfather and Father were well-versed in the constellations (my Dad was in the Navy), and they shared all of that with me. First up was the North Star, which could always be our guide, then the dippers.
The one I loved the most then and still do today (tonight ) is the Northern Cross. Technically, it is an asterism and not a constellation because it made up of part of Cygnus the Swan. It also is known as the backbone of the Milky Way.
Also, in my early years, I read Kon Tiki, the story of Thor Heyerdahl's journey across the South Pacific on a raft. I became entranced by the idea of the Southern Cross, which later was reignited by Stephen Still's song, Southern Cross.
Given the number of nautical terms I use, I figure I've had some lives on the ocean. The times I've been far away from cities, I've been astounded at the abundance and brilliance of the night sky. There is so much more that just don't see in my normal life.
These are my favorites. How about you all?
Image via Bob Mohler.
The one I loved the most then and still do today (tonight ) is the Northern Cross. Technically, it is an asterism and not a constellation because it made up of part of Cygnus the Swan. It also is known as the backbone of the Milky Way.
The first step to locating the Northern Cross (or Cygnus the Swan) is to find the Northern Cross’ most brilliant star, Deneb. Deneb marks the top of the Northern Cross. Deneb is perhaps just as well known for being one the three brilliant stars of the Summer Triangle, along with the even brighter stars Vega and Altair. Knowing the three stars of the Summer Triangle gives you good footing for locating the Northern Cross, which is embedded within the Summer Triangle asterism.
Roughly halfway between Altair to Vega, and somewhat offset toward Deneb, look for the brightest star in that part of the sky. That’s Albireo. Although a modestly bright star, Albireo is easy to see on a clear, dark night. Since there are no similarly bright stars near Albireo, it is fairly easy to find. Once you locate Deneb and Albireo, you’re only a hop and a skip away from piecing together the Northern Cross.
I don't really know why this one attracts me so, but I do feel an affinity for the star named Deneb. Amusingly, it has made its way into the world of science fiction with settings in Star Trek, Babylon 5, and 2 Isaac Asimov stories. Also, in my early years, I read Kon Tiki, the story of Thor Heyerdahl's journey across the South Pacific on a raft. I became entranced by the idea of the Southern Cross, which later was reignited by Stephen Still's song, Southern Cross.
When you see the Southern Cross for the first time
You understand now why you came this way
'Cause the truth you might be runnin' from is so small
But it's as big as the promise, the promise of a comin' day
Given the number of nautical terms I use, I figure I've had some lives on the ocean. The times I've been far away from cities, I've been astounded at the abundance and brilliance of the night sky. There is so much more that just don't see in my normal life.
These are my favorites. How about you all?
Image via Bob Mohler.
Attachments
-
11.7 KB Views: 1