We’re half-way to summer!

(Photo by Hubblesite.org)

What is the point called when we are half-way between two season markers like the beginning of Spring and the beginning of Summer? A cross-quarter day of course. Cross-quarter days are celebrated in different ways around the world. Keep your eye out for Venus as it comes close to a position of note, although most people may not realize how significant it is. It will be at its greatest declination North for the last several centuries. If your wondering what declination is— it’s like longitude in space. After this Venus’ elevation above the horizon will begin to drop setting earlier and earlier every night. But don’t worry, even though the focus is on Venus, there will still be many planets to see in the night sky. Also, a meteorite, at about, 157,000 pounds or so, broke up in the Earth’s atmosphere depositing fragments on land in California. Scientists predict there will be more fragments available to be found. But be aware that most of the objects that come from space look like regular earth rocks so you really have to know what your looking for to find one of these fragments on land. All this and more on this weeks Sky Talk.[audio: st20120430.mp3]

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