Looking Up! December 2016 & January 2017
Bedfordshire’s Night Sky Spot the Space Station (or Santa) over Bedfordshire:
The International Space Station (ISS) returns to our evening sky in the run up to Christmas this year. Look for a bright white light moving steadily across the sky on a roughly west to east or south-east trajectory. The space station does not flash or make a noise, but silently sails 250 miles above us at 17500mph. Best times to spot the ISS are from 6 December until 20 December. It’ll be visible for about 8 minutes each evening between 4:30pm and 6pm. Exact timings can be found online.
Venus Emerges as the Evening Star: Not
to be confused with the space station Venus begins its ascent to prominence in December. An hour after sundown look low to the southwest and you’ll spot a piercing bright white light in the fading twilight. Above and to the left of Venus look out for a dimmer red coloured ‘star’. This is Mars. On 2 January a thin crescent moon sits between both planets making for a spectacular view.
Jupiter Emerges as the Morning Star:
Out and about at 6:30am this winter? Look high to your south-east and you’ll spot Jupiter. It is the biggest planet in our solar system and is the brightest star-like object in the pre-dawn sky. You might spot another bright star below Jupiter. This is Spica - one of the bluest stars in the sky. By Seb Jay Image Credit: NASA
Dark Sky Telescope Hire www.darkskytelescopehire.co.uk
Rescue, Rehabilitate & Re-home stray & abandoned Cats Based near Toddington, Bedfordshire. We always have lots of beautiful cats waiting for loving homes. Cats of every age, colour, size, shape and personality. Ring the shelter on 01525 875993 or Sue on 01582 650167 to arrange a visit to view our cats. Or check our website @ www.straycatrescue.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1098984