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The Orionid meteor shower of 2009

Find the radiant point for Orionid meteors on October 20-22

Then look outside, low in the southwest at dusk and nightfall, to find something else … the ruddy star Antares to the west (right) of the waxing crescent moon tonight. Antares is the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius the Scorpion.

At mid-northern latitudes, Antares sets shortly after nightfall at this time of year. Farther north, Antares sets even earlier, whereas farther south Antares sets at a later hour. In fact, at middle latitudes south of the equator – like at southern Australia and New Zealand – Antares sets a good 3 hours later than at our mid-northern latitudes.

One thing remains constant, however, no matter where you live worldwide. Whenever Antares sets in your southwest sky, the Pleiades star cluster in the constellation Taurus the Bull rises into your northeast sky. Another thing remains constant as well. Antares sets 4 minutes earlier every day while the Pleiades star cluster rises 4 minutes earlier daily.

By mid to late November, Antares will disappear from the night sky, while the Pleiades star cluster will shine all night long!

Written by Bruce McClure, Deborah Byrd

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