The Bottom Line

Issue date: 5/10/06 Section: News

Sky Sights is written by FSU Professor Dr. Bob Doyle for use by local newspapers and other media in the Tri-State area. Doyle can be reached at rdoyle@frostburg.edu, (301) 687-4270 (press 4 to leave a
message).

ROSE MOON, SATURN-MARSLINE UPAND SUMMER BEGINS: In June, we have the lowest full moon of the year, gliding low across the southern night sky. Often the full moon shines through haze then and has a golden appearance ("honeymoon"). This full moon can only be seen for...8.5 hours. On the evening of June 17, the planets Saturn and Mars appear only a moon-width apart. Saturn is about three times as bright as Mars, even though Saturn is four times far- ther away. (Saturn's greater size, its rings and highly reflective clouds are responsible for its brightness.)

The planet Jupiter is the brightest evening planet, shining in the southeast among the stars of Libra. The brightest planet is Venus, shining low in the eastern dawn.

Summer officially begins in the early day-
light hours of June 21. On this day, the sun rises farthest north, reaches its greatest height in the south and sets farthest north. Daylight...then [lasts for] 15 hours.

At the start of June, the moon appears low in the western dusk. On June 3, the evening moon appears half full in Leo. This is the best time of the month to see the moon's craters and mountains with binoculars or a telescope. On June 6, the moon appears near Spica, Virgo's brightest star. On the evenings of June 7 and 8, the moon appears near the bright planet Jupiter; it will be to the right of Jupiter on the 7 and to the left of Jupiter on the 8. On June 10 the moon appears near the pinkish star Antares in the Scorpion.

The moon is full on the 11, then appearing in the star group Ophiuchus. After June 14, the moon rises after mid- night, shifting into the morning sky. The crescent moon appears near the brilliant planet Venus on June 23 in the eastern dawn.

As June ends, the moon returns to the western dusk. The moon will appear near the innermost planet Mercury on June 26 and then close to Saturn and Mars onthe 27 and 28.

In the June evening sky, there are three very bright stars easily seen. Follow the Big Dipper's handle outward to the bright golden star Arcturus, high in the south. Below and to the left of Arcturus is the white-blue star Vega, about halfway up in the east. The third very bright star is Capella, a golden star seen low in the northwest.

Our regular Sunday public programs at the Frostburg State Planetarium will resume in mid September. To find our June schedule of programs, call the Planetarium at (301) 687-4270 and press 2. Visit FSU's Plane- tarium Web site at www.frostburg.edu/planetarium for more sky information and a map of how to reach the FSU Planetarium. For a free copy of our Planetarium brochure, call the Frostburg State Planetarium at (301)687-4270, press 4 and leave your name and mailing address. FSU is committed to making all of its programs, services and activities accessible to persons with disabilities. To request accommodations through the ADACompliance Office, call (301) 687-4102, TDD (301) 687-7955.

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