Messier 13 (M13), the best and brightest globular cluster gracing our northern sky, resides in the Hercules constellation and is a most-intriguing class of star cluster, so very different from all the open star clusters of our Milky Way galaxy.
In the realm of the globulars – Ancient companions of the Milky Way Read More »
One of my favourite star clusters resides high overhead in our winter sky. In fact, it is always in our sky, for our viewing pleasure,
The Double Cluster – Stellar beauties from a distant spiral arm Read More »
At the end of October, the Takhini Hot Springs, a short 30-minute drive north of downtown Whitehorse, will be turned into a hub for astronomy
This party is cosmic Read More »
Whether you’re a hunter, bird-watcher, naturalist, or a combination of all three, optics play a big part in the activity. Sure, wildlife can be spotted
In 2010, I was privileged to hunt with my 12-year-old daughter on our second successful moose hunt. We were able to get a shot at
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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
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
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
