What’s in the Sky

Jim White

For The SenTinel

June brings the summer solstice and the start of summer on June 21. That means long days and short nights, especially at our latitude.

The further north you are in the northern hemisphere, the shorter the nights at this time of year. And we are farther north than a lot of people realize. My estimate is that we live farther north than one-fourth of all Canadians, including those in Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa!

One thing we are all hearing more about recently is displays of the northern lights, or Aurora borealis. I am sometimes asked, “When and where can I see them?” Alas, they do not occur on any regular timeframe, and seeing them requires some persistence and luck. They are caused by powerful geomagnetic storms on our

Sun and occur when one of these storms ejects material aimed toward Earth. Since it takes a couple of days for the storm material to reach Earth, there are alerts that you can subscribe to, in order to get a chance to see them. Check out the “Space Weather Prediction Center” at www.swpc.noaa.gov/ products/aurora-30-minuteforecast. You can subscribe and get email updates. The Sun goes through an approximate 11-year cycle of geomagnetic storms, and we are currently on the upswing in the cycle. It helps considerably to have dark skies, and of course you’ll have to stay up late at this time of year.

While you are watching and hoping for an Auroral display, you can check out the June night sky. You will not miss Venus—our neighbor and near twin continues to shine quite brightly in the western evening sky. I get more questions about from a wildfire professional who can give personalized advice and recommendations about wildfire preparedness. Klickitat County Burn Ban Zone 2 is being discussed to start in early June 2023. It will be Fire District No. 4 (Lyle), No. 5 (Centerville), No. 6 Dallesport), No. 7 (Rural 7), No. 11 (Wishram), No. 12 (Klickitat), No. 14 (High Prairie), No. 15 (Wahkiacus), and the City of Goldendale. Please be responsible when burning—you could be held liable.

Reminder: on June 10 head on out to our local lakes and join in the fun! Washington Game Commission is offering a free Fishing Day. First at Spearfish Lake, there will be sponsors there to teach fishing with bait, tackle, and poles provided, from 9 a.m. to noon. Then at Horsethief Lake, there will be games, prizes, and kayaking instruction from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a good way for your youngsters to find a great outdoor hobby. Questions? Call (541) 506-8475.

Venus than just about anything. On the 21st, the thin crescent Moon will be just above Venus, which should be a very nice sight. On June 30, Venus and Mars will be very close together. The two planets will be about 3 degrees apart. The full Moon is about a half degree in diameter, for comparison. Our Moon will be full on June 3, with the new Moon following on the 17th. The bright planets Jupiter and Saturn remain in the morning sky. By the end of the month, Saturn will be rising by about midnight. For you early risers, the waning crescent Moon and Jupiter will be close to each other on the morning of June 14.

To expand your learning and entice your imagination, the Fort Vancouver Regional Library in White Salmon is sponsoring a reading program from June 15 through August 15 that offers con- tests and prizes for summer reading. Those who join will receive a free book (as supplies last) and be registered to receive prizes by competing in weekly categories. This is a good opportunity to keep your child’s—and your— mind active all summer long. You can register at fvrl.org or at the library. This is for all ages, so bring the kids and grandparents. They can compete with each other.

I’m sure that all of Lyle would like to give a quick shout-out to our local EMTs by recognizing our paramed- her daring tricks. You can follow her five-month-long summer run on Facebook at Shane and Haley Proctor Fans page. Don’t miss this year’s rodeo. It will be a truly unique one. ics and EMTs during EMS week! We appreciate all that you do getting emergency care to visitors and residents of Klickitat County! A new little business has popped up along Highway 14, almost in the heart of Lyle. It is offering fresh vegetables, eggs, starter plants, and more, all organically grown and raised, so check it out. They'll be there every Thursday and Friday. Submit your news to Mildred E. Lykens, (509) 365-2273 or lykensme41@gmail.com.

Christina Kuhnhausen has placed rodeo parade entry forms in the General Store and post office for anyone wishing to reserve a spot in the parade. For more information, you can reach her at (509) 364-3326. Here’s another reminder from Jennifer Hallenbeck that Stellar Vacation Bible School (VBS) is coming June 26 through 30, 9 a.m. to noon, at the church. VBS is free for all. Registration forms are available at the post office and the church. Call (509) 364-3517.