Caribbean Compass Yachting Magazine - April 2020

— Continued from previous page
The Lyrids meteor shower can produce up to 90 meteors per hour. The shower is
usually present from April 16th to April 25th. It should peak from overnight tonight
into April 23rd. The meteors are bright leaving long trails that last for several seconds.
The shooting stars will appear to radiate out of the northeastern sky near the
double star Vega. The Lyrids are one of the oldest known meteor showers: they have
been observed for 2,700 years. The first recorded sighting of a Lyrid meteor shower
goes back to 687 BC by the Chinese.
Thursday, April 23rd
As Puppis, the poop deck from the defunct Argo Navis constellation, brightens in
the south-southwest sky, some meteors will begin to streak across the sky. The Pi
Puppid meteor shower peaks tonight and is active from April 15th to April 28th. This
variable shower can produce up to 40 meteors per hour.
Sunday, April 26th
The sliver Moon is locked between the horns of Taurus. Sitting comfortably northward
is Venus at the foot of Auriga, the charioteer. On April 28th Venus will shine
brighter in the evening sky than it has in either 2019 or so far in 2020. Venus only
reaches this level of brightness every 1.6 years. Incidentally, Venus is only 28 percent
illuminated. The reflective atmosphere of Venus is composed of mainly carbon
dioxide and clouds of sulfuric acid. Although shining brightly and pleasant to see,
Venus is hardly a goddess of love and beauty.
Tuesday, April 28th
As mentioned above Venus will be very bright in the western sky. About two hours
after Venus sets, turn toward the east. Scorpius is rising in the east-southeast. A few
meteors can be seen flying out of this constellation from an area near Antares. Active
April 20th to May 19th, the Alpha Scorpiids shower peaks overnight.
Thursday, April 30th
The Moon reaches First Quarter. After dark you will see that it has taken a position
in Cancer near the Beehive Cluster. As the night progresses the Moon will gradually
slip out from the claws of the crab.
May
Besides “May the fourth be with you” (Star Wars Day) the first few days of May have
been allocated through various organizations to generate an interest in science.
Friday, May 1st
International Space Day is observed annually on the first Friday in May. This day
is dedicated to the extraordinary achievements, benefits and opportunities in the
exploration and use of space. The goal of National Space Day is to promote math,
science, technology and engineering education in young people to inspire them to
pursue a career in science, especially a career in space-related jobs.
Saturday, May 2nd
Astronomy Day is a worldwide event observed each fall and spring. Local astronomical
societies, planetariums, museums, and observatories will be sponsoring
public viewing sessions, presentations, workshops, and other activities to increase
public awareness about astronomy and our wonderful universe. For those near
Puerto Rico or Haiti check:
• Sociedad de Astronomía del Caribe, Cabo Rojo, PR 00623
• San Antonio Astronomy Club, San Juan, PR 00925
• Société Haïtienne d’Astronomie, Bon Repos, Haiti
Tuesday, May 5th
In keeping with the tradition of other Astronaut and Space related celebrations,
May 5th was selected for this significant date in history in 1961 when Astronaut Alan
Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the First American in Space, aboard the Freedom 7
space capsule. The brief suborbital flight, which lasted approximately 15 minutes
and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere, was a milestone achievement.
This trailblazing example of heroic bravery and adventurous spirit is the
essence of what National Astronaut Day is all about.
Today also marks the halfway point between spring equinox and summer solstice.
Take a look in the night sky at midnight to find the Spring Triangle setting in the
western sky as the Summer Triangle rises in the east. See Images 3 and 4 to locate
the stars in these two asterisms.
Wednesday, May 6th
It requires getting up around 0400 to view the Eta Aquariids meteor shower. Earth
is traveling through the debris field left behind by comet 1P/Halley (Halley’s Comet).
This shower is active from April 19th to May 28th, producing up to 85 meteors per
hour. These fast-moving shooting stars will radiate out of an area near Mars. They
are speeding through the atmosphere about 238,000 km/h (148,000 mph).
Tuesday, May 12th
Another celestial triad is taking place this morning. Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon
have taken up position in the eastern sky before dawn.
Friday, May 15th
Planet viewing is still for the early morning risers. The Moon has shifted positions over
the last two days. This morning is a close approach between Mars and the Moon.
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 cruises aboard S/V Merengue.
Above: At 0030 hours the Spring Triangle is continuing to set
for the coming of summer.
Below: Looking east at 0030 hours the Summer Triangle is beginning
to rise for the coming season.
april 2020 CARIBBEAN COMPAss pAGE 37
Grenadines Sails
& Canvas • Bequia
DINGHY Chaps in a day
Services provided:
NEW SAILS
SAIL REPAIRS
U/V COVERS
& FOAM LUFFS
BIMINI, DODGERS
& AWNINGS
Dinghy Covers
UPHOLSTERY
TRAMPOLINES
Stackpacks &
Lazy Jack Systems
Tel (784) 457-3507 / 457-3527 (evenings)
e-mail: gsails@vincysurf.com VHF Ch16/68
BOAT PAINT & STUFF
Time Out Boat Yard Saint Martin
Next to the French Bridge
ANTIFOULING SPECIALIST:
PPG Amron COPPERCOAT
Permanent Antifouling
(10 years and more…)
Fiberglass + Epoxy & Polyester Resins
Epoxy primer + Polyurethane Top Coat
Phone: + (590) 690 221 676
info@boatpaintstuff.com
www.boatpaintstuff.com