Our Astronomical Advantage
The Florida peninsula is known for having some of the best seeing (steadiest skies) anywhere, an important factor in observing detailed features on Mars, Jupiter and in Saturn's rings. This is due in some part to the jet stream's customary path away from the state, and also to our relatively high humidity, which tends to steady the atmosphere. Of course, pleasant winter weather conditions make it a pleasure to observe the beautiful winter sky, often in shirtsleeves or with only a light jacket.
In addition to the winter weather, Brevard County night sky observers have an advantage not shared by many in the United States. Our southerly latitude gives us a good view of many southern sky stars and deep sky objects not well seen or impossible for those who live in more northerly areas.
Here are a few examples:
- Omega Centauri is the best and brightest globular cluster in the sky. Part of the constellation Centaurus, it reaches 15 degrees above the horizon at its peak. With perhaps 1 million stars, Omega Centauri is visible unaided as a fuzzy spot low in the southern sky and is a truly awesome sight in a large aperture telescope. A binocular or small telescope is also a good instrument for viewing this beauty. Centaurus also contains the bright, unusual galaxy Centaurus A, to the north of Omega Centauri. Look for Omega Centauri after dark in the spring.
- Canopus is the second brightest star in the sky, and part of the constellation Carina (the Keel, part of the ancient constellation Argo Navis). At its highest point, Canopus is 10 degrees above the horizon, which is high enough to be visible above distant trees. Look for Canopus in the winter, when the constellation Orion is high in the sky to the south. Canopus is almost due south of Sirius, the brightest star of all.
- Achernar is the ninth brightest star in the sky and only gets five degrees above the horizon at its peak for Brevardians, so a good southern horizon is needed to see it. Achernar is the brightest star in the constellation Eridanus (the River), which starts just southwest of Orion and winds its way toward the southwest. Look for Achernar in the evening in the late fall, or any time the Great Andromeda Galaxy has just passed its highest point in the sky.