Night Lights Columnist James “Deep Sky” Cackette is a Yukon Astronomer. James is one of What’s Up Yukon’s original 12 writers! Our local sky expert since February 2005. You can follow him on his facebook page Yukon Night Skies
If this is your first night outside, looking at the stars, there are a few things you can do make the experience much more enjoyable.
Tips and hints and other good things: Get ready to enjoy the Yukon night skies Read More »
Living in the North has many advantages. We have crystal clear skies, no air pollution and many hours of darkness in the winter season. This
Keep warm, stay watching: Winter star gazing is fun, but you have to know how Read More »
It would seem that winter is here in full force, bringing icy cold temperatures that chill you to the bone, unless you are prepared for
Taking on the Winter Cold Read More »
The hobby of astronomy has always been an art form of simplicity and function. Let’s face it, when starting out in astronomy, the task of
New Toys and a Lunar Eclipse Read More »
April is the month of great change in the Yukon night sky. It is a time when the constellation of Orion is no longer high
April Skies and Eager Eyes Read More »
I have always found that the hobby of astronomy is filled with unexpected surprises. Some are good and some are bad. Take for example the
Perils of an Eclipse and Mountains of Surprise Read More »
Spring is on the way and that means it is time once again for the Messier Marathon. What is the Messier Marathon you ask? The
Messier Madness and Super Clusters Read More »
Is the Yukon the best place for amateur astronomers? And how can I experience and discover the vast night sky? Let’s take these questions and
Distinguished Guests & Distinguished Night Skies Read More »
The month of April is at a close and, as May begins, great changes are taking place high overhead in the amazing Yukon Night Skies.
The Disappearing Yukon Night Sky Read More »
The sky is clear and I do not have to work tomorrow. At about 6 p.m., I put my gear out and start to get
Sidetracked by Saturn Read More »
Every amateur astronomer’s dream is to have totally dark skies, right in their own backyard. No time spent loading all your telescopes, binoculars, tables and
Lights down and stars up Read More »
For the last week I have been heading out to my rooftop to see the constellation Hercules and the bright globular cluster that resides there.
Farewell Dark Skies Read More »
With May here it is a good reminder that we only have, at best, five weeks of celestial observation left. Recently, I have dedicated much
Charles Messier and the Four Planets in the Evening Sky Read More »
Astronomy and a love for the night sky travels with a person no matter where you go or what you do. In our younger years
Northern Lights Express Read More »
Welcome to the Yukon Winter Night Sky and all the cosmic treasures that are just waiting for you to discover and photograph them. The weather
Imaging the Cosmos … Is It For Me? Read More »
Cygnus, the flying swan, is a very important constellation to amateur astronomers that live in this magical northern land of ours. Also referred to as
Cygnus And The Swans Of Fall Read More »
If you were taking note of the High Lights in the last issue (and this one), you would have discovered that December is chock full
Decembers Planetary Pile Up Read More »
Four hundred years ago (actually in 1609), Galileo gazed up into the night sky with a new invention called the telescope. He was the first
It’s the International Year of Astronomy Read More »
Every once in awhile, the universe and karma come together in some truly spectacular ways. So here is my story … so far. As most
The Mount Before Christmas Read More »
The snow is flying, the sky is full of clouds and apparently this is the way it is to be for a while. What is
The Astronomers Christmas Wish List Read More »
With the middle of winter upon us, the Yukon Night Sky is alive with amazing sights for the cosmic tourist. Dark skies and stable air
The Yukon’s Top 10 Deep Sky Delights Read More »
Welcome to 2009, the International Year of Astronomy. This event celebrates Galileo’s first look at the night sky with a telescope, over 400 years ago.
Calling all Yukon Amateur Astronomers! Read More »
We have been watching Comet PanSTARRS for the last week and it has been fascinating to see it change. When the comet first appeared high
Aprils Comet and Galaxy Adventure Read More »
So how was the Yukon Night Skies Star Party, you ask? The plan was to go Friday and Saturday evening, if the weather co-operated –
A Little Persistence and A Patch of Clear Sky Read More »
Let’s start today’s column with Comet Lulin, which is blazing its way across the Yukon Night Skies. This small and bright comet is really moving
Yukon Night-Sky Action Read More »
The month of March and the Yukon Night Skies Star Party at Grey Mountain: these are exciting events that reminds us that spring is on
Star Party, Yukon Style (Formal Attire Optional) Read More »
As March begins, there is excitement in the Yukon Night Sky. It is time for the Messier Marathon. This is an event that most amateur
A Marathon and a Quick Tour Read More »
The constellation of Leo the Lion definitely seems to be where all the Yukon Night Sky action is. Starting with Ceres, the smallest dwarf planet
Cosmic Invaders and Leo the Lion Read More »
Sometimes, night-time excursions do not always go the way one envisions them. Case in point, the other evening the Moon and Venus were supposed to
Misadventures & the Quirky Pair Read More »
It is Friday evening, the sky is crystal clear and the temperature is a balmy –23 degrees. Add to that a 30-kilometre wind from the
Those Frosty Night Skies Read More »
Springtime night skies offer an endless bounty of galaxies, nebula and star clusters, waiting to be explored. Whether you prefer binoculars or a telescope, there
The Best of the Yukon Night Skies Read More »
The second Yukon Night Skies Star Party was fun and eventful. The skies cleared for a short time to give us some good viewing. As
Grey Mountain Adventures Read More »
Springtime is finally here and, along with it, unstable weather. Our last outing to Grey Mountain was a washout due to clouds and strong wind.
Three Easy Planets and Comet Cardinal Read More »
Finally, the weekend has arrived; hopefully, the weather will be clear. All the weather-information sources, including Whitehorse Clear Sky Clock and others, seem to agree
Of Gremlins and Star Clusters Read More »
I was suffering from aperture fever and was craving bigger and better views … fortunately, my 14-inch Celestron Dobsonian telescope finally arrived. These telescopes offer
The Return of the Big ‘Dob’ Read More »
The month of May is a time of furious activity for Northern amateur astronomers. We are closing in on the time when the night sky
Springtime Star Party: The Clock is Ticking Read More »
In astronomy, there are good nights and there are bad nights. A good night is a cosmic gift: cloud-free skies and transparent atmosphere are basic
A Diamond in the Rough Read More »
While we were waiting for Comet PanSTARRS to arrive in our skies, we had a chance to get up to the Grey Mountain lookout point.
Comet of the Century Read More »
This year it appears that we are going to have comets and asteroids aplenty for our viewing and photographic enjoyment. The first visitor was called
Russian Fireballs, Comets and Asteroids Read More »
For Yukon amateur astronomers, time for viewing those amazing night skies will soon vanish, temporarily that is. At this time of year, as soon as
Those Magical Yukon Night Skies Read More »
We are closing in on that time when visual astronomy is about over for the season. That does not mean there is nothing to do;
Summertime Observing Blues? I Don’t Think So! Read More »
The month of May is over, and so is observing deep-sky objects such as nebulas and galaxies. The only stellar objects in the sky that
Lunar satellite collision Read More »
Lets hope for some greatly improved weather in February, as the January selection was atrocious. Here’s what February has in store for us. Starting off
February Highlights & Astrophotography Read More »
As the month of October closes and frosty November begins, the window of opportunity for observing Mars begins. This little red planet has captured everyone’s
The Martians Are Coming Read More »
The dominant planet in the evening sky is fascinating Jupiter. Located in the early-evening southern sky, it is easily recognizable because it is simply the
Yukon Planetary Cavalcade Read More »
Welcome back to another fascinating year of astronomy in the Yukon. Bad weather this fall has made it a tough go for Yukon amateur astronomers.
Impact on Jupiter and Solar Adventures Read More »
This time of year I am frequently asked the same question: “What is the best gift for someone who wants to get into astronomy and
Stellar Views, Quick and Easy Read More »
As winter sets in, the planets are making a spectacular showing. In the morning hours, the planet Venus is clearly visible even at 7 a.m.
Flaming Dustballs and a Fistful of Planets Read More »
While the rest of the country is obsessed with the H1N1 virus and cure, Yukon amateur astronomers seem to be looking for a cure of
Big View, Small Budget Read More »
As the International Space Station (ISS) approaches completion, it is so bright that some observers have glimpsed it during daylight hours. To do this, the
A Comet, a Hunter and a Charioteer Read More »
As December begins, we reflect on the “High Lights” of November. Unsettled weather, with cloudy nights, high winds and snow flurries, offered few good opportunities
Grey Mountain Adventures Read More »
December is, as always, an action-packed viewing experience full of discovery and adventure for all Yukon amateur astronomers. There are dazzling delights for anyone with
December’s Dazzling Delights Read More »
As the International Year of Astronomy winds down, I am often asked, “What was it all about?” and “Was there anything to come out of
A Yukon Galileo Moment Read More »
The next time you are outside at night, take a moment and look up at those dark Yukon Night Skies. High overhead you will see
Winter Skies for the Cosmic Tourist Read More »
Another year is coming to a close and it is time to reflect on the great cosmic events we have seen, and all the fabulous
The weather is returning to a more normal routine, and although I do love the warmer weather, it does make for cloudy nights, offering few
Cosmic Silhouettes Read More »
Welcome to nightlife in the Yukon night skies. For starters, let’s get acquainted with the night sky as we see it: directly overhead we find
January’s Bountiful Star Clusters Read More »
October is an amazing month for amateur astronomers. Summer constellations like Cygnus, Lyra, Hercules are slowly sinking into the horizon, and winter constellations like Andromeda,
The largest planet, the closest galaxy, and Comet Hartley 2 Read More »
The clock is ticking, soon the Yukon Night Skies will disappear, and sunlight will dominate. It seems like only yesterday that you had to rush
Disappearing Skies and Planetary Photons Read More »
With all this wonderful warm weather, there is a price to pay for amateur astronomers in the Yukon. As a springtime rule, warm weather brings
View From the Hill Read More »
As the month of February begins, many people resort to moving indoors and miss one of the greatest light shows ever to be seen. The
A Ringed Giant and the God of War Read More »
It is Friday night, and everyone is waiting for a great northern light show. The night skies are clear, and we are ready. After several
Mystery in the April Night Skies Read More »
March is one of the most active months for Yukon amateur astronomers. And, this year, we have a visitor making our observing sessions all the
The Hunt for Little Green Fuzzes is On! Read More »
Where are the Northern Lights? The answer as far as I can tell is two-fold. First, we have been pummelled with atrocious weather and, second,
Perfect Skies = Perfect Viewing Read More »
We are back from an astronomical holiday and raring to go. It is great to be back in such dark Yukon skies with no light
Comet Hartley and Starfest Read More »
Here comes the Yuletide observing season, so get ready to tilt your neck up. There are plenty of cosmic events happening in those amazing Yukon
Jupiter Takes Centre Stage Through December Read More »
The Yukon Night Skies are coming alive with winter constellations like Orion, Taurus, and Gemini. Using a pair of humble binoculars, star clusters, galaxies, and
November’s Celestial Musings Read More »
As the end of May approaches, and June begins, we notice darkness at midnight. Living in the 60-degree latitude and above means that in the
Is There Anything Up There? Read More »
Friday was day two at Starfest, Canada’s most amazing astronomical gathering [Aug. 12-15, 2010], and we were not due to be on stage till 7
A Yukoner’s Journey to Starfest Read More »
The biggest problems experienced by amateur astronomers, who live in the Yukon and the northern limits of civilization, is the cold. The cold is brutal
Funky Hand Controllers Read More »
The month of December promises to be an action-packed month of celestial events for every amateur astronomer and nighttime photographer. As long as the weather
The Geminid Meteor Shower and a Lunar Eclipse Read More »
Don’t miss out on the amazing stargazing opportunities in Whitehorse. Learn about astronomy events and celestial sightings in the area.
Happy New Year Amateur Astronomers Read More »
Warmer temperatures motivate and promote amateur astronomy in this marvellous northern land in which we live. For example, my favourite in-town observing site is the
Where were you on Saturday March 19, when the Super Moon occurred? Sounds kind of ominous doesn’t it? So, what is a super moon? As
Saturn and the Super Moon Read More »
Discover the magic of astronomy in the Yukon. Explore the stunning night skies and experience the thrill of springtime stargazing.
Lasers, Photons and Northern Lights Read More »
With the oncoming of spring, the nights are shorter and temperatures are struggling to rise. The Yukon night skies are also in a state of
Astronomy as a hobby can be challenging. You are always at the mercy of unpredictable weather, the local wildlife, and, especially, the bugs. Two weeks
Return of the Cosmic Swan Read More »
The month of February offers long, clear, cold nights, and a chance to explore five of the finest star clusters in the Yukon Night Skies.
Star Clusters and Ringed Giants Read More »
It’s going to be a busy season in those amazing Yukon night skies, with the possibility of three more meteor showers taking place in November.
Showers Forecast for November Read More »
We are in for a rare astronomical treat this month. On December 10, early in the morning hours, we are going to experience a total
December Total Lunar Eclipse Read More »
The month of May brings warm weather observing – parka not required – a pleasant change of pace. It still gets frosty, though. Last weekend
So Many Stars, So Little Time Read More »
For many amateur astronomers, the passion for deep space observing ultimately leads them to photography and imaging of the night sky. It is a good
Astrophotography on a Budget Read More »
This is the busiest time of the year for northern sky watchers. I like to refer to it as the changing of the guard. Winter
Spring’s Rings and Things Read More »
As Christmas approaches I am frequently asked, “What do you get for that special someone at Christmas who is interested in astronomy without spending a
High-Tech Christmas on a $100 Budget Read More »
Our Yukon night skies are hosting some special cosmic interlopers for the next couple of months, including Comet Garradd. This little fuzz ball of a
Comets Abound in Yukon Night Skies Read More »
Winter has arrived and the weather is starting to stabilize. With clear skies and reasonably warm temperatures, it is time to grab your parka and
November Night Skies Read More »
In the last few months you may have noticed an increase in Northern Lights action, with intense displays. I hope you had a chance to
The Pink Mountain Aurora Adventure Read More »
Amazing weather has made the last couple of weeks an absolute dream for observing, with clear skies, warm temperatures and no pesky insects. The northern
Aurora, a Solar Eclipse and a Venus Transit Read More »
With the partial solar eclipse taking place on May 20 it seems only fitting to back it up with a partial lunar eclipse. A little
A Partial Lunar Eclipse and Spectacular Saturn Read More »
For most northern astronomers, summer is either solar observing, or waiting for the return of the autumn night skies. The other option is to head
A Tale of Two Star Parties Read More »
The new year is well underway and the weather has been a bit unpredictable, to say the least – from warm and cloudy, to a
Galaxy Hunting with Binoculars Read More »
Here comes another year with plenty of amazing sights for the cosmic tourist in this great northern land of ice and snow. Now if the
January’s Cosmic Jewels Read More »
Wondrous views await the cosmic tourist in the month of April. The end of March and the first two weeks of April are sometimes referred
April Cosmic Showers; Fire in the Sky Read More »
I have been waiting for a couple of weeks for a strong auroral show so that I could test out a new camera.
Social Media and Sweet Aurora Read More »
As spring approaches, the Yukon night skies sizzle with cosmic happenings. The weather has offered us a few nights of reprieve with well above normal
Mountain Adventures and New Friends Read More »
April is upon us, and even though the weather is warm, and the sky is cloudy. People always ask, “What is an northern astronomer to
200 Billion Stars and Counting Read More »
After a rather busy weekend down at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Center for the Erik’s Main Event consumer electronics show, [what day are we on
Thanksgiving For Clear Skies Read More »
Discover the beauty of Yukon’s autumn constellations. Observe the transition from summer to winter constellations under the clear night skies.
A Feast For the Eyes in October’s Skies Read More »
Astronomy and all its wonders are fascinating regardless of where you are or how much equipment you have. Every year we do the family holiday
The night sky has all but disappeared leaving local amateur astronomers with only solar and lunar observing. There are many perks to solar observing using
Transit Adventures & Summer Observing Read More »
Observers report: Planning a solar eclipse party is a relatively simple affair. The first priority is your observing site, as you have to make sure
Solar Eclipse Party in Whitehorse Read More »
Experience the celestial spectacle in the Yukon night sky. Catch a glimpse of Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn in all their glory.
Dance of the Planets Read More »
Experience the awe of yukon astronomy with enthusiastic Australian visitors. Unforgettable night of deep sky observing and aurora watching.
From Down Under to Northern Night Sky Wonders Read More »
With springtime soon to arrive, Yukon astronomers are gearing up for the event of the year: galaxy hunting season. Unlike game hunting, you don’t need
Springtime Galactic Encounters Read More »
With Christmas soon arriving I am usually bombarded with emails enquiring, what is the best gift this season for a budding Yukon amateur astronomer? The
Gearing Up for Christmas Read More »
Summertime is here, and it is going to be a rip-snorting good time, astronomically speaking, that is. Let’s get started with holidays and star parties.
Starfest 2010, Summer Star Parties and The Solar Express Read More »
