LIHUE — The Kauai Educational Association for Science and Astronomy is inviting anyone who loves the splendor of the magnificent spring skies to join them Saturday night. “The constellation Leo the Lion will be almost directly overhead, with it’s brightest
LIHUE — The Kauai Educational Association for Science and Astronomy is inviting anyone who loves the splendor of the magnificent spring skies to join them Saturday night.
“The constellation Leo the Lion will be almost directly overhead, with it’s brightest star, blue-white Regulus as the ‘heart’ of the Lion,” KEASA Association Director Rozlyn Reiner said.
Reiner will present the Skywatch Orientation Program beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, just as she does every month — weather permitting — for the free star watch event, held at the Kaumakani Park and Sports Pavilion in Waimea. Mercury, Jupiter and the moon, all inside the constellation Gemini, will be visible to the naked eye, provided conditions are good.
“Mercury travels so close to the sun that we only see it about 25 nights a year after sunset, and about 25 mornings before sunrise, at times when it is at its greatest angular distance east or west of the sun,” Reiner said.
Mars will also appear this weekend in the constellation Virgo, near Spica, which is Virgo’s brightest star.
“Spica, also known as ‘Hikianalia’ is the star for which a ‘sister canoe’ to Hokule’a was named,” Reiner said.
Arcturus, also known as Hokule’a, the “star of gladness,” will be in view Saturday, northeast of Mars and Spica. It is the fourth brightest star in the sky and was one of the most important reference points for Polynesian navigators.
For those on the island or at the Starwatch event viewing the sky with telescopes, Saturn’s rings and possibly some Saturnian moons will be visible. Saturn, Spica and Arcturus currently form a nearly equilateral triangle in the sky.
Reiner said an important Polynesian north-south navigational star line should be visible if weather conditions cooperate.
“If we have clear skies to the southern horizon, we should be able to view the Southern Cross, or Crux,” she said. “To view Crux, you need an unobstructed view to the southern horizon. Look for two bright stars called Alpha and Beta Centauri. They point to the Cross to their right or west. By about 9:30 p.m., we should be able to see all the way from Polaris, the North Star, to the bottom star in the Southern Cross.”
The free public event May 31 begins at sunset at approximately 7:15 at the ball field viewing site behind the Kaumakani School and Kaumakani Neighborhood Center. The orientation will begin at 7 p.m. KEASA wants everyone planning to attend to bring a light jacket, hat and other warm clothing. They also suggest bringing a beach or lawn chair, a mat or blanket to sit on, and a small flashlight, preferably with a red lens. Red cellophane will be available to cover flashlights. Insect repellent is also recommended.
Please dim car headlights when approaching the area and park facing away from the field. Call 652-2373 late Saturday afternoon for an update on weather conditions. The final weather call for Starwatch won’t be determined until 6 p.m., as is the case each month for the public event.
For further information, visit www.keasa.org.
• Lisa Ann Capozzi, features and education reporter can be reached at lcapozzi@thegardenisland.com or by calling 245-0452.
