Stargazing This Week
Draconid Meteor shower on Friday October 8th
Meteor showers are a fanciful way to describe the motion of the Earth through the garbage/debris path of an object like Comet Giacobini-Zinner. We're about to pass through this particular comet's path, and the associated debris pile will be visible emanating from the head of the constellation Draco. When the comet is close to the Earth - as it was back in 2018 - the debris pile can be massive. As we're not due for another close pass to 21P/Giacobini-Zinner for a few years, please expect this week's show to be feeble. But there are a few reasons worth going outside for.
First, the moon will be below the horizon, so we'll have maximum darkness. Perfect viewing conditions. Second, Draco will be high in the Southwestern sky at sunset, making early evening prime viewing time. So if you're in the northern hemisphere, put on a sweater and take a hot drink outside a bit after sunset next Friday. Southwest will be approximately where the Moon and Venus set. The head of Draco - where the action is - lies close the bright star Vega. Please do let us know how your viewing went!
Familiar Friends for the Night Owls
These days the Pleiades star cluster starts the evenings out low on the horizon, but rises to the East as night progresses. Nearby in the sky, Orion comes out around midnight and begins to rise, with Sirius and other familiar stars from springtime viewing. We mention them here in case you're up after midnight and want to reacquaint yourself with our springtime friends.
Uranus
Given all the darkness this week, if you're looking at the Pleiades you have a good shot at finding Uranus, too. With a magnitude slightly below 6, it is possible to see this distant planet unaided, but binoculars would definitely help. It rises due East at 10pm in the Methow Valley. You can follow the long arc from the bright planets Saturn to Jupiter to the East if that helps.
Seriously, this week, look for Andromeda!
If you want to practice your galaxy viewing, M31 - our closest neighboring galaxy - is out all night this week. With binoculars you should be able to see its rough shape, and in principle its two companion galaxies that are 8th magnitude. Given how dark the skies will be this week, it's well worth the attempt.
