1+ week, 4+ day ago   (224+ words) Back in 1974, a complex radio transmission was sent from the now-destroyed Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico toward M13 in the hope of reaching an alien civilization. Astronomers figured that since there are so many stars and planets in that area, there’s…...

3+ day, 18+ hour ago   (310+ words) The Summer Triangle dominates the night sky long after summer begins to fade. So what makes Vega, Altair and Deneb a distinctly summer sight? On clear September evenings, I often find myself looking up just after dusk, expecting the sky…...

6+ day, 13+ hour ago   (1373+ words) September nights can make the stars seem noticeably brighter and sharper than they did just a few weeks ago. The stars haven’t changed—but the sky around them has. Here’s why early fall can be one of the best times…...

1+ week, 18+ hour ago   (490+ words) Last week we talked about some of this month’s larger and more familiar constellations in the eastern sky after dark. During early evening hours this week, it lies high in the eastern sky and is outlined by the three bright…...

1+ week, 1+ day ago   (251+ words) Its namesake season may end in September, but this is the month the big Summer Triangle of bright stars reaches its highest and most viewable position in the south at nightfall. The Triangle’s brightest star is Vega, in the constellation…...

1+ week, 1+ day ago   (959+ words) Across the celestial dome over Pottsville, through the course of the year, big and bright constellations like Orion the Hunter and Scorpius the Scorpion cross the sky, and they’re wonderful to gaze upon, but personally, I’ve always liked diminutive yet…...