Michigan’s night sky: Part 1
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Nature observations in Michigan are a wonderful way to engage in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and one of the simplest things to study is the night sky! Although stargazing is a very local act, when you view the stars and planets anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere at night, you are watching a similar night sky that can be viewed in other parts of Michigan, in other U.S. states, and even in other countries around the world. We all share the same sky highlights across our planet and the same stars that have been viewed for centuries, binding us across time and location.
Viewing the stars and planets requires a clear night. That is a very short list of “requirements” and explains why astronomical observations are some of the earliest known scientific studies of which we are aware. Things that can make stargazing more fruitful and fun include a star chart, celestial map, Sky Calendar, a nice outside chaise lounge type chair to recline on, and a compass to help you determine directions. If you bring a regular flashlight on your excursions, you will need to turn it off and give your eyes time to acclimate to the dark. Seasoned stargazers may choose to purchase a red LED flashlight, which will allow you to view your star chart without compromising your night vision, or you can tape red plastic wrap over a regular flashlight. If it is summer, you might also appreciate some bug spray!
When reading a star calendar, you will be Iooking up, holding the chart over your head – this is why a lounge chair is nice! The maps/charts are generally marked with the top as north and you will notice that east and west are backwards to a regular terrestrial map, to compensate for your upwards point of view. Lay down, pull out your red LED light, and orient yourself with the star map above you. It is helpful if you have your head oriented so that it is pointing north. As an alternative to printed star calendars, many apps exist that can be accessed on devices that serve the same purpose; Skymap and Star Tracker are two highly-rated free apps.
During the summer months in Michigan, you can view the summer triangle, consisting of three very bright stars: Vega, Deneb and Altair. Deneb is the tail of the constellation known by the Anishinaabe as Ajiijaak, the crane. Europeans named this constellation Cygnus, the swan, and it appears as a cross in the sky. Other stars to look for include, Cassieopia, which consists of five stars arranged in a “w” pattern, and Ursa Major and Minor. Ursa Major and Minor are also known as the Big and Little Dippers, or Big Bear and Little Bear, were named Ojiig the Fischer and Maang the Loon in Michigan.
Michigan State University Extension reminds beginners to start small, by identifying one or two constellations. Our Earth is revolving around the sun, so our perspective is that the stars are moving in a large sphere above us. Watch them move around the sky for a few weeks! Then, slowly add more groups and constellations to your repertoire and soon you will be a stargazing expert!
