Caribbean Compass Yachting Magazine - May 2018

— Continued from previous page
Saturday, June 2nd
The June Scutids meteor shower begins this evening. The shower is active from
June 2nd through July 29th, with a peak occurring on June 27th. The debris field
appears to be widespread so the actual number of shooting stars is relatively small.
The earliest record of this shower was by the Italian Meteoric Association, from June
25th through 30th, 1869 to 1872.
Which heavenly body will house the first habitat for humans? The Moon or Mars.
Ponder the advancements in science that will make that possible as you view the
conjunction of the Moon and Mars. Look for the Moon to rise around 2200 hours,
followed by Mars a few minutes later. Incidentally, Mars’ autumnal equinox occurred
on May 22nd.
Today is the 160th Anniversary (1858) of the discovery of Donati’s Comet. This
long-period comet was discovered by the Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista
Donati. Visible to the naked eye, it was one of the first comets ever photographed.
Clockwise from above: Donati’s Comet as painted by William Turner in 1859;
an artist’s rendition of the black hole at the center of the Milky Way;
the Moon and Saturn in line with the center of the Milky Way
From all accounts the comet was considered to be a spectacular sight.
Unfortunately, it takes over 1739 years to orbit the Sun, so don’t expect to see it
until the year 3597.
Wednesday, June 6th
As it passes through Aquarius, the Moon approaches Third Quarter phase. It has
completed three fourths of its orbit around Earth since the last New Moon. In seven
days (on June 13th) it will become a New Moon once again, becoming nearly in line
with the Sun.
Friday, June 8th
In Greek mythology, Jason sailed the ship Argo in search of the Golden Fleece,
accompanied by the twins Castor and Pollux. As gods, they were considered to
be the protectors of sailors and placed among the stars that make up the constellation
Gemini. Jason’s ship, the Argo Navis, is no longer officially recognized as
a constellation.
Pollux (with its orbiting planet) is the brightest star in the constellation Gemini.
This evening Venus is located south, sitting on the shoulder of Pollux. Throughout
this period Venus is slowly passing through Gemini.
Saturday, June 9th
Tonight marks the peak of the Herculids meteor shower. Unlike other meteor
showers that require getting up after 0100 hours, this one is viewable when the sky
darkens, as Hercules is already high in the northeastern sky. The number of shooting
stars is variable but there could be up to 72 per hour. This shower runs from
May 19th through June 19th.
FIGURE 4
Sunday, June 10th
You might notice a few shooting stars streaking out of the southeast sky tonight.
There is another peak meteor event tonight. The Ophiuchid meteor shower runs from
May 21st through June 16th. They can best be seen after 2200 hours.
In the News
The European Space Agency (ESA) has recently launched Sentinel-3B. The mission
is at the heart of operational oceanography. This satellite will join Sentinel-3A in
monitoring aquatic biological productivity and marine pollution, mapping sea-level
change and forecasting the sea state for efficient and safe ship routing. Coincidentally,
June 8th is World Oceans Day. Its theme this year is preventing plastic pollution and
encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean.
In an interview (1972) Thor Heyerdahl reflected, “…we had hardly been to sea three
days before we discovered that we were in something like a city sewer — and yet we
were 100 miles or more from land.” “We found oil clots on 43 days of the 57. Apart
from this we saw plastic containers, nylon bags, empty bottles, all sorts of refuse.”
All times are given as Atlantic Standard Time (AST) unless otherwise noted. The
times are based on a viewing position in Grenada and may vary by only a few minutes
in different Caribbean locations.
Jim Ulik of S/V Merengue is a photographer and cruiser.
FIGURE 3 NASA/JPL–CALTECH
FIGURE 2
MAY 2018 CARIBBEAN COMPASS PAGE 37
PICK UP!
Ahoy, Compass Readers! When in Grenada, pick up your free monthly copy of
the Caribbean Compass at any of these locations (advertisers in this issue
appear in bold):
ST. GEORGE’S AREA
Art Fabrik
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SOUTH COAST
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Clarkes Court Boatyard & Marina
North Yacht Shop
Essentials Mini-Market
Grenada Marine
Island View
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Nimrod’s Bar
Prickly Bay Marina
Secret Harbour Marina
Spice Island Marine
TechNick
Bianco Blu Restaurant
Turbulence Sails
CARRIACOU
Alexis Supermarket
Carriacou Marine
Hard Wood Restaurant
Lazy Turtle Restaurant
Port Authority
Regatta Jupa
Round House Restaurant
Slipway Restaurant
Tourism Office
PETITE MARTINIQUE
B&C Fuel Dock
Bocas Marina
Safe Haven in Paradise
“The Undiscovered d Caribbean”
Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Full Service Marina • Calypso Cantina
www.bocasmarina.com • bocasyachtclub@yahoo.com
Haul Out Yard • 60-Ton Travelift
www.bocasboatyard.com • bocasyachtservices@yahoo.com
9°20’.05”N, 82°14’.45”W