Sky watch

With little more than a week to go until the winter solstice, the nights are really drawing in, writes Ian Griffin. 

What are you doing on May 14? If you are at a loose end, and the sky is clear, it may well be worthwhile heading out after dark because I think there’s an excellent chance an aurora will be visible...

A few weeks ago, I was sitting beside Hoopers Inlet, enjoying the tail end of what had been a rather beautiful auroral display, writes Ian Griffin.

As we approach the autumn equinox, the nights are lengthening. The sun is rising later each morning and setting earlier each evening. This makes astronomers very happy as there’s more time to...

Continuing for the next couple of weeks, if you are out and about and the sky is clear, keep an eye out for fast-moving meteors, writes Ian Griffin.

The moon reached first quarter at 2.23am today. At sunset, it will be high in the northern sky. Our closest celestial neighbour’s 59% illuminated disc will be perfectly positioned for observation.