Stars over Sisters

Depicted as a crow or raven, the constellation of Corvus was first listed by Greek astronomer and mathematician Claudius Ptolemy and can be seen in the month of April. It is located just south of Virgo. Visible about 25 degrees above the southern horizon, Corvus consists of five primary stars that form a sail-like shape. The third brightest star of this group, Algorab, is a double star known for its brilliant contrast of purple and yellow.

According to one version of Greek mythology, Apollo needed water to prepare a libation and sent his crow, Corvus, to bring water back in a cup (Crater). At the water source, Corvus found a tree of ripe figs and could not pass up feasting on them. Upon realizing he'd kept Apollo waiting and that the god would be angry, Corvus snatched up a water snake (Hydra) and brought it back with him to blame for his delay. But Apollo did not believe Corvus and threw the crow, the snake, and the cup up into the sky. As a punishment, Corvus is never able to reach the water in the cup, forever chasing the cup across the sky.

Corvus is home to one of the finest examples of two galaxies in collision. The object is known as the "Antennae" because the two long tails of stars, gas and dust thrown out of the galaxies as a result of the collision resemble the antennae of an insect.

The Lyrid meteor shower peaks on the morning of April 22. With no moon to interfere, look to the northeast an hour before dawn and you may see 10 to 20 meteors.

On April 15, Saturn will reach opposition, meaning it'll be directly opposite the sun and visible all night. Also by mid-month, Mercury will be visible low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.

On April 6, a fully illuminate moon will rise in the east at sunset. Fifteen days later, on April 21, a new moon will allow nighttime skies to be dark. Notably, the last quarter of the moon will appear on April 13, and the first quarter on April 29.

Sisters will celebrate National Astronomy Day on April 28 at Sisters High School. The event is intended to provide interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. The theme of National Astronomy Day is "Bringing Astronomy to the People," and on this day astronomy organizations around the world will plan special events. You can find more about Astronomy Day by checking the website for the Astronomical League, www.astroleague.org.