Wonders of the Spring sky

Presentation by Robert Fealey

This presentation offers a comprehensive guide to the Spring sky, transitioning from the brilliant stars of winter to the “Great Diamond” of the vernal season. It highlights key constellations such as Leo the Lion, Boötes, and Virgo, providing practical “star-hopping” techniques—like following the arc of the Big Dipper to Arcturus—to help observers navigate the heavens. Beyond simple identification, the session explores the scientific significance of “Galaxy Season,” explaining how our view shifts away from the Milky Way’s dusty plane to reveal distant deep-space wonders. It serves as both a practical roadmap for amateur astronomers and a compelling look at the celestial mechanics that define the season.

Key Highlights:

The Spring Triangle: Identification of Arcturus, Spica, and Regulus.
Celestial Navigation: Using the Big Dipper as a primary guidepost.
Deep-Sky Objects: Why spring is the best time to view the Virgo Cluster.

Robert Fealey is a retired neurology doctor. Robert is interested in space exploration topics, like e.g. research of the Saturn moon Titan by spacecraft Cassini and lander Huygens. He has a small observatory in his backyard with a 10″ Meade telescope and a few smaller telescopes and digital cameras. He is passionate about astrophotography and he is an active member of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

Observing

Public Sky Observing planets Uranus low on horizon next to the M45 – Pleiades, Jupiter, bright stars, double stars, and more by telescope with guidance members of the Rochester Astronomy Club.

What to expect at Public Sky Observing – click here.

Reload this page before you leave for the event. Event can be cancelled in case of cloudy weather or another reason.