Parties that linger into nightfall can turn people on to the stars.
Summer is such a busy time. People are getting together much more often for barbecues, family reunions, and parties of all kinds. Because of the warm weather, these parties often occur outdoors, by a bonfire or swimming pool or darkened volleyball net. As the sky gets dark and people are talking, someone inevitably points out the first star to shine in the night sky. This summer that first star, if you are looking west, is Venus.
Because school is out, children are often around for these parties that drift late into the evening. Many of them are fascinated to learn that these points of light are anything but stars. Many people, including adults, do not realize that anything other than the stars and moon are visible on the average night.
Looking south in the summer of 2007 you will see another bright "star" that is not a star at all, but Jupiter. An inexpensive pair of binoculars will also show the four largest moons of Jupiter, which circle the planet.
Besides planets, in late July you can catch a meteor or two or more. The Southern Delta Aquarid meteor shower peaks around July 27. Ask your fellow party-goers if they can guess how big the space debris is that causes these bright bursts of light as they burn up in our atmosphere. Can any of them guess that they are only the size of grains of sand?
There are lots of things to point out in the sky to people if they give you a chance. Check this month's sky guide for more.
