08/09/2024
It's HOT!! We had some rain and cooler weather in July, but the "Dog Days" of August are here. Sirius, the Dog Star, is very bright and close to the sun this time of year. Ancient astronomers thought it added to the sun's heat, and I'm pretty sure I believe them!! When it gets ahead of the sun in the mornings, we'll start to cool off, but that's still weeks away,
Evening skies: Venus is hard to see as it is close behind the sun at sunset. It will slowly get higher and become a bright Evening Star as fall arrives! The summer stars of Sagittarius, Scorpio, and the Summer Triangle are high in the sky. They'll drop lower into the west as we get closer to fall. Perseid Meteor Shower is a late night show August 12/13th and could be good if you are away from the city!
Full Moon is on the 19th.
Morning skies: 3 Planets in the morning: Saturn is setting in the southwest, Jupiter and Mars are a bright pair in the east! Orion is just behind them, rising ahead of the sun.
At the Quarry and around town: Chimney Swifts fill the air, cicadas are singing, Green Herons are hunting.
You never know what you'll see: photo is of a Polyphemus Moth at the Quarry, a wild looking guy! He showed up during orientation years ago.
School starts soon, ready or not, but don't forget to get outside and look around when you can! Always a good thing to do, in spite of the heat!!
PKL
