http://youtu.be/kEjmQvtKZx0
Rod Cortright, Wildwood Observatory, Boyne City, MI
The constellation Cassiopeia looks like a great “w’ rising up in the East after sunset. Cassiopeia is named for an Ethiopian Queen, and though this constellation can be seen overhead every clear night of the year in Northern Michigan, it occupies a region of the sky that is quite interesting to star gazers at this time.
Right now, in the region of Cassiopeia, there’s a brand new comet visible, Comet Jacques. Comet Jacques was only discovered in March of this year and can be seen even with the naked eye.
But take heed, while in this region of the sky, Comet Jacques could be stirring up the story of Cassiopeia, which dates from at least the ancient Roman times. Cassiopeia, it was believed, was a proud and arrogant woman who dared to brag about her daughter's loveliness. Her daughter Andromeda, she said, was lovelier than the Nereids, marine nymphs and granddaughters of the great god Oceanus. Insulted by Cassiopeia’s arrogance, they asked the sea god Neptune to avenge the offense.
Neptune sent his ocean beast, Cetus, the whale, to ravage Cassiopeia’s kingdom. Neptune also pronounced that no relief would be forthcoming until her daughter was sacrificed to the ocean beast.
Find this story in the stars as they rise up in the East this week, and note that if you want to look for Comet Jacques, the best viewing will be after 10 pm. Binoculars or small telescopes will help. Star gazers should expect to see Comet Jacques through early September.
I’m Mary Stewart Adams, from Emmet County’s International Dark Sky Park at the Headlands.