Adrian Dening's Stars Over Somerset

    Monday 20th to Sunday 26th January 2024

     

    Because the Moon takes the same time to rotate on its axis as it does to orbit around us, we always see the same face and are never able to see what is called the "dark side".  However, our natural satellite exhibits something called "libration" which means it wobbles a bit and sometimes we can see a bit further around the surface than at other times.

     

    A couple of weeks ago I mentioned the seas or "mare" on the lunar surface and the obvious Sea of Tranquility where Apollo 11 landed.  The Mare Orientale on the western limb of the Moon is much harder to spot, but on Saturday 25th, the Moon's libration tilts Mare Orientale and a crater near it called Grimaldi into a slightly more favourable position.  You will need to be up early though, to catch what will be a crescent Moon, rising above the south east horizon from 6am.

     

    There are a number of excellent early evening opportunities to spot the International Space Station next week.  Monday 20th at 5.46pm, Tuesday 21st at 6.34pm, Wednesday 22nd at 5.45pm, Thursday 23rd at 6.33pm and Friday 24th at 5.45pm.  At least one of those evenings has got to be clear surely!  You are looking for a bright pinpoint of light that appears towards the west and spends up to six minutes passing silently overhead, before disappearing to the east.

     

    Finally, a reminder that my next astronomy talk and star party at the Ham Hill Visitor Centre is scheduled for 7pm on Friday 31st January.  To reserve places, please contact the Ham Hill Ranger's Office direct on 07973 887129.

     

    www.starsoversomerset.com

    Screenshots courtesy of Stellarium

    Copyright Adrian Dening and Radio Ninesprings 2025

     

    More from Community & Charity News

    • Adrian Dening's Stars Over Somerset

      Monday 28th April to Sunday 4th May 2025

    • Connor Hyde meets Tim Rice

      Radio Ninesprings arranged for Connor Hyde of Yeovil to meet Sir Tim Rice during his recent appearance at the Westlands Entertainment Venue.

    • New High Sheriff

      A new High Sheriff has been appointed to the role in Somerset.

    • Adrian Dening's Stars Over Somerset

      Monday 21st to Sunday 27th April 2025

    • Battery Fires

      Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has been dealing with an increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, especially in e-bikes and e-scooters.

    • Domestic Abuse

      Avon and Somerset Police, in collaboration with Somerset’s Domestic Abuse Service and Somerset Council, have launched a new initiative to improve the support given to domestic abuse victims.

    • False Fire Alarms

      Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says it’s dealing with an increase in false alarm calls.

    • Dog DNA

      Avon and Somerset Police are encouraging dog owners to protect their pets from theft by entering their details into a DNA doggy database.

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Light rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 6°C

    • Chard

      Light rain

      High: 15°C | Low: 6°C

    • Crewkerne

      Light rain

      High: 15°C | Low: 6°C

    • Somerton

      Light rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 7°C

    • Wincanton

      Light rain

      High: 16°C | Low: 6°C

    Recently Played