Tag: sky

Sky Views

Pastel Sky

GeorgiaLeave a comment

We’ve had a run of cool, clear weather this week, providing Nature with a wide open canvass on which to work. Just as I used to create masterpieces of sidewalk art using an array of colored chalk, Nature has chosen a palette of glowing pastels to paint the sky. img_4192

Most of the leaves are off the trees, although a few of the oaks and maples have strong, stubborn leaves that are not quite ready to head earthward, not ready to leave summer behind.

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As I stepped outside this morning, about 50 crows were gathering in the tops of the cherry and cottonwood trees. Apparently, something big was afoot because there was much cawing and flapping and launching off branches only to return after circling a few times. We usually see only four or five “neighborhood” crows during the summer. This must have been the extended family. After a few minutes, they all took to the air and continued on their journey. Our backyard trees are merely “rest areas” along the bird skyway.crows

 

Sky Views

Morning Sky Awesomeness

GeorgiaLeave a comment

I’m not really a morning person (and some of us around here definitely aren’t!), but this month’s early morning sky is making it a bit easier to get out of bed before sunrise. January 2016 begins with the Moon and Venus and Saturn forming a nice cozy group in the eastern sky about an hour before sunrise on Wednesday the 6th–don’t miss it!

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View looking east at 6:45 AM CST using Stellarium software

Here’s the view as you look towards the rising Sun. Although you can’t tell from the image, the Moon is in its waning crescent phase and will look a bit like a capital letter C.  To the lower right of Venus and Saturn, you may see the bright red-giant star Antares.

In the coming weeks, there will be more good things to see in the morning sky… but this will get you started. Don’t hit that snooze button–grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!