2017 Week 44: (October 29-November 4)

We are kicking the first week of November off without much excitement in the sky!  Neptune will once again be in conjunction with the bright waxing gibbous Moon followed by a Full Moon later in the week.

Date	Event
October 30	Neptune 0.9°N of Moon
November 3	Full Moon

On Halloween night the Moon will be lighting the sky throughout the prime candy collection time.  It rises just after 5pm and will stay in the sky almost until the Sun comes up.  It will be about 90% illuminated so it will help light your way.

Since there are no major events happening in the sky this week we can cover some constellations hanging over our heads.

The three constellations piloted by the Summer Triangle stars are on their way out into the western horizon.  However, you can still catch Lyra, Cygnus and Aquila along with their deep sky objects for another month or so.

Andromeda is in a good location all Autumn as it cruises across the sky just South of zenith.  In dark skies you will be able to see the galaxy as a faint blur of light.  Use the sharp pointy part of Cassiopeia's 'W' to guide you.

Andromeda Galaxy Location

The Great Square of Pegasus will be located on the western edge of Andromeda's chain of stars.  See if you can find the four corner stars forming the square.

If you want to play with the zodiacal constellations you can have a great pick.  Capricornus the goat fish is setting in the southwestern sky in the early evening.  This is followed by my favourite -- Aquarius which is the current home of our farthest planet: Neptune.  Continuing the water theme is Pisces, the pair of fish which houses Uranus at this time.  Pisces is quickly followed by Aries and Taurus.  The bull is back and making its presence known in the eastern sky.

The image below highlights the ecliptic (path of the Sun) corresponding to the zodiacal constellations.

Early November Southern Sky

The sky should hopefully be clear until the predicted Winter storm hits us on November 1.  I am hoping to observe some more constellations and create profiles for them.  Our continuing tour of the southern constellations will likely transpire during the course of the storm.

This evening (October 28, 2017) will be a star night at Ralph Klein Park from 7pm-10pm.  It is free and perfect for families with kids of all ages.  There will be indoor and outdoor activities with hot chocolate!  Hopefully we will see you out there!

We have tentatively booked the McKenzie Lake Community Centre for a community star night from 7pm-9pm on November 10, 2017.  There will be a quick lecture to teach a topic followed by a highlight of what we can see outside through the telescope.  There will be a craft for kids (and adults if you would like!) and hot chocolate to ward off the cool weather.  Following the lecture we will go outside into the school field to look at the discussed objects through the telescope!  Stay tuned on our Facebook Page for more details closer to the time!

Stay warm and keep looking up!