Winters in Canada can sometimes be extremely severe. Amidst the frigid temperatures and mounds of snow, this season also welcomes the luminous winter constellations.
Orion – the Hunter is the most famous configuration in the entire sky.
The three stars forming a line that represent his belt are positioned on the celestial equator, making this cluster of seven stars visible in both the northern and southern hemispheres as it depicts the Hunter confronting Taurus the Bull.
With earlier sunsets, one can commence star gazing and capturing images of the sky post-dinner, which is much earlier than around 10 p.m. during summer. Alongside these seven radiant stars, numerous other constellations surrounding Orion also showcase brilliant stars. In total, approximately a dozen bright points of light dominate the evening sky. Hanging from the belt stars, identified as Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka, is the fictional sword.
That nebulous patch of light is the Orion Nebula, a region filled with gas and dust situated approximately 1,500 light-years (ly) away and spanning an estimated 24 ly in width. It is important to note that one light-year is nearly equivalent to 10 trillion kilometers. Within this region, new stars are being formed as clusters of gas and dust gradually condense and collapse inward.
As the star matures, its internal temperature and pressure elevate until it ignites in a thermo-nuclear reaction.
Among the brighter constellations such as Auriga, Gemini, Canis Minor and Major, along with Taurus, exist two brilliant planets. The first is Jupiter, towering high in the night sky within the constellation Taurus. Currently, Jupiter is roughly 632 million kilometers or 35 light-minutes distant, while the orange-hued star Aldebaran, located to the lower right, is 66 light-years away.
This star is known as the “angry eye of the bull” and serves as a foreground star for the more distant star cluster named the Hyades, located 154 light-years away. The Pleiades, often referred to as the “Seven Sisters,” is a spectacular view in low-power binoculars and is mythologically considered the “heart” of the Bull.
Proceeding east, we arrive at the constellation Gemini, characterized by the luminous stars Castor (51 ly) and Pollux (33 ly). Below and aligning with these two suns is Mars. Known as the red planet, it appears a bright orange and will be near Earth on January 16. This close encounter happens every 26 months, providing a great opportunity to observe features on Mars’ surface with a telescope.
On the night of January 13, Mars will either be obscured and hidden by the moon for up to an hour or will nearly miss it, depending on your location in North America.
And let us not overlook the planet Venus, currently positioned in the lower western sky. It sets around 8:30 p.m. local time. To its upper left is the heavenly treasure of the sky, Saturn. Exhibiting a yellowish tint, Saturn is now 83 light-minutes away. Venus and Saturn will align (appear closest together in the sky) on the evening of January 18. Modern astronomy apps can assist in identifying the planets and understanding the constellations. The night sky is a realm of fascination that can be appreciated throughout the year.
Clear skies,
Known as “The Backyard Astronomer,” Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker, and former monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, as well as a STEM educator. He has been featured on over 60 Canadian radio programs and various television networks across Canada and the U.S. In recognition of his public engagement in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honored him by naming Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. You can follow him on Facebook and through his website: www.wondersofastronomy.com.