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travel / adventure / guides / summer 2004
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BY CHRISTINE KULYK
Camping in one of Canada's wilderness areas provides a golden opportunity to enjoy the ever-changing wonders of a star-filled night
sky. Summer nights provide comfortable stargazing conditions, and away from city lights, you'll be amazed at the variety of displays you'll see.
Celestial Highlights
Until late May, Venus shines brightly in the west at twilight. On the morning of June 8, it glides directly across the face of the sun - something no one alive today has seen before, as it hasn't happened since 1882. Unfortunately, the sun has not yet risen over most of Canada when this occurs. If it's not cloudy, viewers in eastern North America will see the tail end of this event at sunrise.
Until early June, the ringed planet Saturn shines amid the westward evening stars (in the constellation Gemini). In mid-August, it becomes a pre-dawn sight. This is a prime period for seeing Saturn through a telescope, as its rings are in their most impressive configuration.
July brings a chance to see a "blue moon." In a calendrical coincidence that happens only "once in a blue moon," two full moons make an appearance in the same month, on July 2 and 31. When this occurs, the second of the two is sometimes called a "blue moon," although it looks just like any regular full moon.
July also brings chances to see the elusive innermost planet, Mercury. Early in the month, Mercury hovers close to the red planet, Mars. On July 10, they practically shake hands - so low in the west that they must be caught just after sunset. On July 18 and 19, a thin crescent moon lies close by, while the giant planet Jupiter shines brightly not far away, up and to the left of the moon.
The Perseid meteor shower, a highlight of the summer season, peaks on the night of August 11-12. Prime time for the Perseids is generally after midnight and into the hours just before dawn, when long-trailed fireball meteors are often visible. Meteors ("shooting stars") can appear anywhere in the sky, at any time, suddenly flashing into view when you least expect them.
There are also some exceptional displays of the colourful, shifting streamers and draperies of the northern lights (aurora borealis). One never knows for sure when a display will occur. Look north, although auroras can appear elsewhere too, sometimes covering the entire sky.
Gear for Gazers
Binoculars are the handiest, most versatile of stargazing accessories. Almost any size, from 7x35, 7x50 or 8x40, will reveal thousands more stars than can be
seen with the naked eye, provide great views of craters on the moon and show fine detail in the brightest star clusters or comets. Mount your binoculars on a
tripod to ensure steadier, more comfortable viewing.
For long stints of meteor watching, lie down on a warm blanket or set up a lounge chair to enjoy a neck-friendly panoramic view of the celestial light show.
A thermos of coffee will keep you from nodding off and help fight the night's chill.
Wear sufficiently warm clothing.
Red light saves your night vision for stargazing.
A small flashlight with a
red filter is useful for reading star charts and when
adjusting binocular tripods or telescopes.
A star chart is indispensable for knowing what's up each night. Charts come in many shapes and styles. The most versatile type is
the flat, circular planisphere, which allows you to choose the exact date and time, then lists your viewing options in a small window. Magazines such as SkyNews or Sky & Telescope post monthly tips on their
web sites (www.skynews magazine.com and www.skyandtelescope.
com), which you can print
out in advance.
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When the Stars Come Out
Stargazing clubs from coast to coast host observation camp-outs called star parties, which are ideal gatherings for learning one's way around the night sky. As the once-dark skies over cities glow from light pollution, star parties have become most folks' only chance to see the Milky Way.
Held at locations chosen specifically for dark skies, such events allow stargazers the opportunity to peek through telescopes of all shapes and sizes. Most also offer daytime activities, such as astronomy slide-show talks, observing workshops and equipment swap tables.
A sampling of star parties is provided below. For a more complete list, visit www.skynewsmagazine.com
Mt. Kobau Star Party August 14 to 22
At the summit of Mt. Kobau, near Osoyoos, B.C., dozens gather each year for exceptionally clear, dark skies. www.mksp.ca
Saskatchewan Summer Star Party
August 13 to 15
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Sask., offers fine stargazing on the prairies.
Starfest August 19 to 22
River Place Campground, near Mount Forest, Ont., is the largest annual star party, drawing 1,000 enthusiasts and featuring speakers and workshops. www.nyaa-starfest.com
Nova East August 20 to 22
Smiley's Provincial Park, N.S., offers Atlantic Canada stargazing. www.halifax.rasc.ca/ne
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Christine Kulyk is the assistant editor
of SkyNews. She has enjoyed the celestial sights for more than four decades.
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