Long before this old English rhyme was composed , ancient peoples were fascinated with falling stars and considered them a good omen . Many cultures still believe a shooting star is a good time to make a wish for something positive .
The names of most of the constellations we know came from ancient Middle Eastern , Greek and Roman cultures . However , other cultures across our earth recognized these same patterns of stars . Prehistoric peoples used constellations to guide their way across the Pacific , and thousands of years later we ’ re still looking up at the same constellations that the ancients did .
If you are interested in learning about the wonders of the night sky , there is no need to buy a telescope . You can start by studying the stars with your naked eye . Binoculars are also effective and can serve as a small telescope . The software program Stellarium , a planetarium on your desktop , will help you plan an observing session . You can change the time , date , and view to determine what the night sky will hold for you . Skyportal , a free application for your smartphone , will identify an object when you point your device at it .
Edmund Scientifics has an inexpensive Star and Planet Locator . It is a wheel chart that shows the location of significant planets and stars . First , you select the month and date , then turn the dial to the time of evening you will be viewing the sky . The chart will show stars and constellations
that , assuming it is a clear night , will be visible at your selected time . The kit contains a concise instruction manual .
Sky and Telescope magazine includes a wealth of information . For those of you who are photographers , the publication offers a free Astrophotography Primer you can download . Stargazer ’ s Almanac is a monthly guide that shows when twilight ends , when the moon rises , and which planets you will see on a given night . Planispheres offers a variety of star wheels that locate stars and planets by the month .
If you want some company and assistance in getting acquainted with the night sky , there are two active groups you could join . Lowcountry Stargazers is a diverse group of amateurs who enjoy promoting astronomy in the Charleston area . Their monthly meetings ( on the first Thursday of the month ) cover topics that appeal to beginner and advanced amateur astronomers . More information is available on their website , www . lowcountrystargazers . org . The Kiawah Island Naturalist Group ( KING ) is organized under the Kiawah Island Community Association . The group typically meets about once a month to explore the natural and cultural world on Kiawah and in the Charleston area .
There are more than a few good places to observe the stars on Kiawah . Here are some suggestions : the back deck and beach at the Sandcastle overlooking the ocean ; the open field behind The Station at Freshfields ; multiple points on the Ocean Course ; and the boardwalk at the old inn . NK
WINTER / SPRING 2017 • VOLUME 37
51