Celestial wildlife unique to summer skies are in full view in the east to southeast as evening twilight deepens at summer solstice time. Two avian constellations appear in the Summer Triangle, which climbs high on the celestial dome from east to west all night. The Triangle’s corners are marked by Vega, Altair, and Deneb; Vega being the brightest of the three. Deneb is the tail star of Cygnus the Swan. The outstretched wings of the swan extend out from its body close beyond Deneb, then the line of its body and long neck reach into the center of the Triangle, ending with Albireo at its head. Cygnus, also known as the Northern Cross, is visible in its entirety in dark skies absent of light pollution.
Aquila the Eagle is the second bird in the Summer Triangle. Locate Altair, then focus on the stars that compose the triangle that forms the Eagle’s wings.
I am always thrilled to see Scorpius the Scorpion appear in the evening sky, having appreciated its figure on winter mornings. At dusk and early nightfall, look to the right, south of Altair, for the Scorpion standing on the horizon. As night progresses, the constellation moves from southeast to southwest rather close above the horizon until setting at dawn. Notice the Scorpion’s centerpiece star, bright red Antares.
Christi Belcourt’s painting, “The Night Shift” connects sky and earth—rendered close to heaven and earth in feeling—with heart, tenderness, and depth of experience observing and studying the natural world.
The powerful image holds many messages and urges action. Dark skies and fireflies (Lampyridae), Luna moths and starry nights are inextricably connected. Nocturnal pollinators are threatened by light pollution. We are losing dark skies at an accelerated rate.
Act Now: At Home, Work, Community
Follow the straightforward rules outlined in the diagram below, and for a world of perspective, download the Dark Sky International brochure.
A must for Massachusetts residents: Sign on to Massachusetts Dark Sky Bill. Learn from Nantucket’s model community initiative.
