Annular Eclipse of the Sun
On 14th October those living in North, Central and Southern America may be lucky enough (clouds permitting) to witness an annular eclipse of the Sun. Like all solar eclipses, this happens when a new Moon appears to move in front of the Sun. However, this will not be a total solar eclipse, which allows for observation of the Sun's atmosphere, as the new Moon will be at its furthest distance from the Earth, called apogee. Being at apogee means the Moon will appear smaller in the sky than the Sun and, instead of totality, create a phenomenon called a “Ring of Fire”. It is this spectacular effect that gives this eclipse its name, from the Latin Annulus or ring.Watch this video from NASA for a great explanation of why we get annular eclipses, and why we don’t get an eclipse every single month.
What will people experience?
Unlike a total solar eclipse, the sky will not darken completely. In fact, it will remain quite light as almost 10% of the Sun's surface will still be visible around the edge of the Moon’s shadow. The point of greatest eclipse will occur off the coast of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, where viewers will see a Ring of Fire lasting 5 minutes, 17 seconds.
How to best observe a solar eclipse?
Never look directly at the Sun. Most importantly, never use any instrument like a telescope or a pair of binoculars without proper filter technology to look at the Sun either. This will undoubtedly cause significant injury to your eyes and even blindness.
Watch this video from NASA on how to observe annular solar eclipses safely.
The Orionids
Back in the very first edition of Stella Cartography I mentioned the Perseids, a spectacular summer meteor display caused by remnants of comet Swift-Tuttle. Well, not to be outdone, autumn also has its own meteor display of note - The Orionids. Whilst not usually as numerous as the Perseids these tiny flecks of dust and ice have some very famous connections which make them a must for any backyard astronomical observer. The show will start from October 2nd and last through until November 7th. The peak of the shower, however, will be on or around 21st October when viewers on the ground could be treated to between 50 and 70 shooting stars an hour.
The best way to observe this natural firework show is the same as the Perseids. Find a place with relatively dark skies, throw down a comfy deck chair, and just sit back and enjoy the show. Remember, it may be colder as we are in autumn, so I usually take a thermos of hot black Earl Gray tea to drink, and a warm coat to wrap up in.
What makes them so famous?
First, these shooting stars have a very famous parent. They are the remnants of comet Halley, the famous short period comet that has made appearances throughout human history, in everything from Babylonian tablets to the Bayeux Tapestry.
Second, the show will appear to radiate near to the most famous star, in the most famous constellation, in the northern hemisphere - Betelgeuse in Orion. This makes them very easy to find without any real help at all. Just lay back, look at Orion and enjoy.
The planetarium
The Moon
Here are the Moon’s phases during October along with the dates.
• Last Quarter – 6th October
• New Moon – 14th October
• First Quarter – 22nd October
• Full Moon – 28th October
There is a very partial lunar eclipse this month visible from across most of the world, on Saturday 28th October with totality occurring at 8:15pm. This lunar eclipse, where the Earth passes in between the Moon and the Sun, is very partial indeed, with only a tiny sliver of the Moon’s face obscured.
The full Moon on the 28th of October is also known as The Hunter’s Moon, or more menacingly The Blood Moon. This isn’t an entirely undeserved name as October’s full Moon rises early in the evening, which means that you are more likely to see it near the horizon. When you observe the Moon while it’s near the horizon the Moon will look bigger and redder. This is because you’re seeing it through a thicker atmosphere, which scatters more blue light and lets more red light pass through to reach your eyes. Check it out for yourself, did it look redder to you?
Mercury
Mercury remains a reasonably bright morning planet but is now very close to the eastern horizon in the constellation of Virgo. Best viewed during the first week of October, after that it will become somewhat lost in the brightness of the rising sun and the horizon.
Venus
Venus is dazzling with its morning brightness. Found in the constellation of Leo, she will reach her greatest western elongation from the Sun on 24 October. In all honesty, if you are up early before dawn for work, or for any other reason and the skies are clear – look East, you really can’t miss her and she’s spectacular now.
Above is a stunning image of Venus via Celestron CPC1100 telescope from my friend Trent at the Boreal Edge Observatory in Alberta, Canada. It is easy to understand why she is so bright, that atmosphere is so thick and so reflective.
Mars
Mars is currently impossible to view as it passes directly behind the Sun from us.
Jupiter
Jupiter is visible all night low within the constellation of Ares, and much like Venus in the morning – if you find the brightest star in the evening sky, you’re almost certainly looking at the planet Jupiter. There is a great opportunity to spot Jupiter during the partial lunar eclipse on Saturday 28 October, as Jupiter will be the bright star to the left of the Moon at totality.
Saturn
Saturn continues to impress in the constellation of Aquarius. A great chance to spot Saturn is during the evenings of the of 23 and 24 October when the Moon in its gibbous phase (the phase of the moon in which its illuminated part is greater than a semicircle and less than a circle). On those days the Moon will be just next door to Saturn.
Uranus
Grab those binoculars - it's time for the Ice Giants. Uranus is visible (clear dark skies and binoculars or telescope) all night in the constellation of Aries. A great viewing opportunity will be when the planet is near the star Botein in the constellation of Aries (down and to the right of the Pleiades). Jupiter will also be nearby; both joined by a gibbous Moon on 1st and 2nd of October.
Neptune
Neptune reached opposition last month, and continues to rise every evening in the constellation of Pisces the fish. You will need a telescope to see much of anything, but even if you do have a decent telescope what will you see?
Above is an image of Neptune that my friend Trent (from the Boreal Edge Observatory) caught with his Celestron CPC1100 telescope a few weeks ago. A beautiful, but very small ocean blue dot - just a few pixels across.
Next Month’s Preview
Next month Stellar Cartography will look at the November skies including a focus on two of the best back garden sights, the Pleiades and the Orion Nebula.
What did you think of this edition of UFP Stellar Cartography? Let us know in the comments below.
WRITTEN AND EDITED BY WoorLord
IMAGES SOURCED FROM Wallpaper-mania.com - Pinterest.com - Boreal Edge Observatory
I won't be able to grab that Solar Eclipse as I'm on the wrong side of the Pond (Atlantic Ocean) for it but best of luck to any members who try to catch it there, definitely stay safe if you attempt though.
Thanks for the update, looking forward to hearing about the Pleiades and the Orion Nebula next month.