Today:
When Columbus landed in the Bahamas on this date in 1492, he used the North Star to determine his location. However, he mistakenly used the star Alderamin in Cepheus, and thought he landed near what is now Boston. Either tropical breezes, or an able assistant, helped him to correct his error.
Sunday:
A waxing Gibbous Moon shines in the southern skies this evening, making its way toward the bright, star-like object to its left, the planet Saturn. They start in the southeast as twilight ends by 7 o’clock, and then climb a little higher as they slide to due south by 10 o’clock, one third of the way up from the horizon. By tomorrow, the Moon will be a bit larger, and to the left of Saturn.
Monday:
More and more, Columbus Day has become a celebration of indigenous people. Look to the northeastern horizon just after 8 o’clock, where we can watch the Seven Starry Dancers rise, known also as the Seven Sisters, or the Pleiades. This smudge of stars, well right of the bright star Capella, recalls the Onondaga people’s story of seven boys who neglect their chores, and dance all the way into the heavens.
