Billed as a “tour of the night sky,” instructors at Coastal Discovery Museum will first help you locate the Orion constellation, which will be the basis for locating the brightest star in the sky, Sirius. You’ll then learn to “star hop” to locate constellations in the winter hexagon. You’ll focus on Taurus, Canus Major, Canus Minor, Gemini and Auriga, among others.
While the temperature may be a little chilly during the evening, wintertime is the best time of year to go stargazing because the cold, dry conditions make for a very clear sky. And heck, if you have to stargaze in the cold, you might as well do it in Hilton Head’s mild winter temperatures.
According to this calendar of the phases of the moon, it should be pretty dark out there Jan. 23 because there will be a new moon. A new moon occurs when the moon is positioned between the earth and sun. The three objects are in approximate alignment, so the entire illuminated portion of the moon is on its back side, the half that we cannot see. Here’s another interesting graphic that shows the phases of the moon.
Reservations are required for the two-hour program. Simply call 843-689-6767 ext. 223. The fee is $12 per person. Be sure to bring a flashlight and binoculars for the field portion of the evening.
Have fun looking at the stars!
For more information on Sunset Rentals, please visit www.sunsetrentals.com.
