Press of Atlantic City - Science & Nature

AP Video

A clear sky sets stage for a sea of big stars

By FRED SCHAAF For The Press

Published: Jul 22, 2008

Even when there are no major celestial events scheduled, the night sky does not disappoint. Or, at least, it does not disappoint if the sky is not too hazy or filled with the worst of city light pollution. On a really clear, dark night, the faithful patterns of the summer stars and constellations can treat you to a potent experience.

PATTERNS SOUTHEAST AND EAST: Some stars and their patterns can be seen from the midst of rather large cities or on nights with quite a bit of haze. A prime example is this summer's special arrangement of Jupiter and the Summer Triangle.

Jupiter is not just the brightest point of light low in the southeast these evenings, it's the brightest in the sky throughout the night. So you can't miss it. But something special to notice is that this summer Jupiter is almost being pointed to by the lower side of the season's brightest star pattern: the Summer Triangle.

Look east from about 10 p.m. to midnight this week and you'll see this giant triangle of three very bright stars. Brightest of the three and highest in the east is blue-white Vega. Well to its lower left is Deneb, brightest star of Cygnus the Swan. Well to its lower right is Altair, brightest star of Aquila the Eagle. And this summer, a line drawn from Deneb through Altair and extended about the same distance onward brings your eye to Jupiter. More

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