Have you taken a look at the night sky recently?
First started in 1973, Astronomy Day is an annual event in the United States. It encourages collaboration between the general public and various astronomy experts or enthusiasts. Astronomy Day takes place twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Following a lunar cycle, the autumn date this year is October 9. With so many great celestial events this month, it's the perfect time to celebrate!
The links given below will take you to our World Book Online eSource.
Wednesday, October 6 is the new moon, the darkest phase of our moon. This is the best time for viewing astrological events, as there's less light reflected in the sky.
Thursday, October 7 is the Draconids Meteor Shower. This is a minor meteor shower (about 10 meteors per hour) and is best viewed in the early evening. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Draco. This is an annual shower that runs from October 6 through October 10, and peaks this year on October 7. Thanks to the new moon phase on October 6, this is a great chance to see those meteors fly!
Wednesday, October 20 is a full moon. This is the phase of the moon when it is fullest and brightest.
Thursday, October 21 is the Orionids Meteor Shower. This is an average meteor shower (about 20 meteors per hour) and is best viewed after midnight. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Orion. This is an annual shower that runs from October 2 through November 7, and peaks this year on the night of October 21. Unfortunately, the full moon's glare will block out all but the brightest meteors.
Monday, October 25 marks the greatest western elongation of the planet Mercury. This means Mercury will be at its highest point above the horizon. Look for it in the eastern sky at dawn, as a bright yellow or golden "star" in our sky.
Friday, October 29 marks the greatest eastern elongation of the planet Venus. This means Venus will be at its highest point above the horizon. Look for it in the western sky at dusk, as a bright silver "star" in our sky. It will continue to be at its brightest through the end of 2021. (In fact, it will get so bright in December, that you might be able to view it with a good pair of binoculars!)
Make sure to mark your calendar for November 4, as well. It's the next new moon phase, and it coincides with the Taurids Meteor Shower (known for bright "fireball" meteors).
Did you know the library has a telescope available for checkout? The Newberry Branch Library is home to the Orion StarBlast telescope. It comes with an instructional booklet and can check out for two weeks. It's a propular item, so be sure to place a hold through our website (or speak to a staff member for help).
The library also has STEM Kits available for check out, including an Astronomy kit. It features a projector that transforms any darkened room into a planetarium. Our STEM Kits are also very popular items, so placing a hold is recommended.
Want more from our catalog? We have downloadable magazines, as well as astronomy books for children and adults. Click on some of our favorites below:
Don't forget local organizations! The Santa Fe College Kika Silva Pla Planetarium hosts special events and online educational tools. You can also visit the Alachua County Astronomy Club; their meetings are free and open to the public.
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”