learn the constellations

Last night was an utterly beautiful one: the lunar eclipse turned the moon fully red. I sat out on the hill with a friend. Whether because it was just a clear night, or because the moon was less bright, the sky was FULL of stars. It was really stunning.

Ursa Major, Polaris, Ursa Minor, Taurus an Orion: all named and shamed! We made a couple up too.. Miss Piggy and Kermit!

I’m getting there now! Orion I’ve got nailed, and I know that Taurus is near (haven’t pinned the shape yet). The great bear and little bear I just about have, andI can find Polaris. I also know that Betelgeuse and Rygil are stars in Orion! Betelgeuse was extremely bright red the other night, which prompted deeper investigation.

I received a bumper collection of starcharts and astronomy books for Christmas. I now officially have no excuse not to do some stargazing. So, here we go!