Monday, November 26, 2012
Amber Resin Necklace
http://www.amazon.com/Nino-Cerruti-AzureGreen-Amber-Necklace/dp/B000VUYF32/ref=?ie=UTF8&m=A2ZI824SAUKPOT Go to the link above to order.
Amber Resin from the Himalayas is boxed in a beautiful brass charm, and comes on a 24" black satin necklace cord. The charm is also quite elegant worn on a gold or silver chain, or on a choker. The intoxicating aroma is calming, yet helps to balance the body, mind and soul. Wear it to attract the one you love or simply to create an inner sense of harmony. Its rich, wonderful scent will last for years. Brass charm can be square (7/16") or round (" dia.).Price: $24.95
http://www.amazon.com/metapot-com-Moons-of-Magic-Pendant/dp/B0026Y89HO/ref=?ie=UTF8&m=A2ZI824SAUKPOT
Price: $15.95
Friday, November 9, 2012
Sunday is Remembrance Day
O.K. Folks we are all here because of the brave people from the past. The ones who stood up for what they believe in.
This Sunday is Remembrance Day. This is for the fallen.
IN MEMORIAM
Buy a poppy, proudly wear the flower.
Remember them at the eleventh hour.
When we think of the hardship they went through,
Quiet reflection's the least we can do.
Let's bear in mind each selfless sacrifice.
Too many people pay the highest price.
Giving all with courage and conviction,
Through their own volition or conscription.
With dignity these people gave their lives,
Facing bayonets, bullets, bombs and knives.
Two minutes for the unknown soldier's ghost
Cannons salute, the bugler sounds Last Post.
On the line they put themselves everyday,
So those who disagree can have their say.
Pay tribute to them all, alive or slain
So liberty and free speech can remain.
© 08/11/08 MICHAEL DENNIS 'The Black Cab Poet' As featured on and the inspiration for The Janice Long Spoken Word Sessions B.B.C. Radio 2, 18/04/12. Over 40 poems read out on Steve Allen's Early Morning Breakfast Show L.B.C. 97.3FM. Featured on the Jeni Barnett Show B.B.C. Radio London 94.9FM 29/5/11, in an article in The Metro 06/05/08, in Will Self's article in The Standard 20/05/08, The Chav Bird Song as played by David Rodigan on Kiss 100 FM, Complete and Utter Banker Song www.youtube.com/theblackcabpoet tweet@theblackcabpoet www.facebook.com/theblackcabpoet garfieldpark@talktalk.net www.soundcloud.com/theblackcabpoet www.cowbird.com/theblackcabpoet
THE BLACK CAB POET A Collection of Poems available at Amazon on Kindle http://t.co/ybTSB0OS
Is Water Alive?
Masaru Emoto was born in Yokohama, Japan in July 1943 and a graduate of the Yokohama Municipal University's department of humanities and sciences with a focus on International Relations. In 1986 he established the IHM Corporation in Tokyo. In October of 1992 he received certification from the Open International University as a Doctor of Alternative Medicine. Subsequently he was introduced to the concept of micro cluster water in the US and Magnetic Resonance Analysis technology. The quest thus began to discover the mystery of water. He undertook extensive research of water around the planet not so much as a scientific researcher, but more from the perspective of an original thinker. At length he realized that it was in the frozen crystal form that water showed us its true nature through. He has gained worldwide acclaim through his groundbreaking research and discovery that water is deeply connected to our individual and collective consciousness. He is the author of the best-selling books Messages from Water, The Hidden Messages in Water, and The True Power of Water. He is a long-time advocate for peace in relation to water. He is currently the head of the I.H.M.General Research Institute and President Emeritus of the International Water for Life Foundation, a Not for Profit Organization. Mr. Emoto has been visually documenting these molecular changes in water by means of his photographic techniques. He freezes droplets of water and then examines them under a dark field microscope that has photographic capabilities. Some examples from his works include: Water from clear mountain springs and streams had beautifully formed crystalline structures, while the crystals of polluted or stagnant water were deformed and distorted. Distilled water exposed to classical music took delicate, symmetrical crystalline shapes. When the words "thank you" were taped to a bottle of distilled water, the frozen crystals had a similar shape to the crystals formed by water that had been exposed to Bach's "Goldberg Variations"- music composed out of gratitude to the man it was named for. When water samples were bombarded with heavy metal music or labeled with negative words, or when negative thoughts and emotions were focused intentionally upon them, such as "Adolf Hitler", the water did not form crystals at all and displayed chaotic, fragmented structures. When water was treated with aromatic floral oils, the water crystals tended to mimic the shape of the original flower. Sometimes, when we cannot see the immediate results of our affirmations and or prayers, we think we have failed. But, as we learn through Masaru Emoto's photographs, that thought of failure itself becomes represented in the physical objects that surround us. Now that we have seen this, perhaps we can begin to realize that even when immediate results are invisible to the unaided human eye, they are still there. When we love our own bodies, they respond. When we send our love to the Earth, she responds. For our own bodies at birth are more than 60 percent water, and the percentage of water in our bodies remains high throughout life (depending upon weight and body type). The earth's surface is more than 60 percent water as well. And now we have seen before our eyes that water is far from inanimate, but is actually alive and responsive to our every thought and emotion. Perhaps, having seen this, we can begin to really understand the awesome power that we possess, through choosing our thoughts and intentions, to heal ourselves and the earth. If only we believe. Whether you participate in global meditations, or simply do this inner work in the quiet of your own loving mind and heart -- we can heal the body of our earth and recreate a clear, pristine world to hand down to our children for seven generations. Office Masaru Emoto: http://www.masaru-emoto.net/english/e_ome_home.html Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masaru_Emoto Music by: Antony Raijekov-Photo theme Peace, love and light.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
2 states legalize pot, but don't 'break out the Cheetos' yet
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Pro-pot groups cheered passage of referendums legalizing recreational marijuana in Colorado and Washington state as the "light at the end of the tunnel" in their 50-year campaign to make the drug legal nationwide.
"Yesterday's elections have forever changed the playing field regarding cannabis prohibition laws in America (and probably in large parts of the world, too)," Allen St. Pierre, executive director of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, wrote in a celebratory blog Wednesday.
But Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper warned it's too soon to "break out the Cheetos," because his state must still navigate federal laws before citizens can legally buy and sell cannabis.
Highs and lows of using marijuana
The Drug Enforcement Administration quickly tried to spoil the Rocky Mountain high, issuing a statement Wednesday morning saying the DEA's "enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act remains unchanged."
"In enacting the Controlled Substances Act, Congress determined that marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance," the DEA statement said. "The Department of Justice is reviewing the ballot initiatives, and we have no additional comment at this time."
Voters in Massachusetts -- and possibly Montana, pending final vote counts -- also approved medical marijuana referendums, allowing doctors to prescribe the drug to patients suffering serious medical problems, which were carefully spelled out.
Colorado, Washington pass marijuana legalization; Oregon says no
In Massachusetts, a doctor who has a "bona fide" relationship with a patient would have to certify the patient suffered "a debilitating medical condition, such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV-positive status or AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS, or multiple sclerosis."
Medical marijuana is already legal in 17 states, including California, where it was estimated two years ago that Los Angeles County had more medical marijuana shops than liquor stores.
Salesmen invited tourists walking along the Venice Beach boardwalk into a store, next to the T-shirt and sunglasses stall, to see a doctor who would give them a marijuana license and prescription.
The smell of burning cannabis wafted through the air along Hollywood streets and neon green crosses marked where citizens could get their pot supplies.
In the past two years, however, local city councils have enacted restrictions on where the shops can locate, forcing many to close.
"Some medical marijuana clinics have been taken over by illegal for-profit businesses that sell recreational marijuana to healthy young adults and attract crime," Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said in September.
Federal prosecutors have aggressively worked to rein in the proliferation of pot distribution locations, contending the operations draw criminals because of the large amounts of cash involved.
Three forfeiture lawsuits were filed and warning letters were sent to 71 "illegal marijuana stores" in Los Angeles and Huntington Park, California, in September by federal authorities.
Voters approve same-sex marriage for the first time
Last month, a federal grand jury indicted 14 people "associated with a chain of nine marijuana stores" in Orange and Los Angeles counties on federal drug trafficking charges. The indictment included tax evasion and weapons charges.
NORML's main argument is that marijuana is "far less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco," which are the only recreational drugs more popular than pot in the United States.
"Marijuana is nontoxic and cannot cause death by overdose," while hundreds of thousands die from tobacco and alcohol use each year, NORML's website says.
Legalization could save U.S. taxpayers the $10 billion spent each year on enforcing marijuana prohibition, and eliminate the criminal cases against more than 750,000 people arrested per year for possession, which NORML says is "far more than the total number of arrestees for all violent crimes combined, including murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault."
"The voters have spoken and we have to respect their will," Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper said in a written statement released by his office.
"This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug, so don't break out the Cheetos or Goldfish too quickly," he said, referring to two snack food products.
Marijuana could be legal across Colorado within two months, according to a spokesman for the governor's office.
The 536 medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado could begin selling to the general public then, according to University of Denver law professor Sam Kamin.
Whether the federal government allows that to happen is "a billion dollar question," Kamin said.
"Every store that sells marijuana here is violating federal law," he said. "The federal government could come in and seize assets. They could charge people criminally. They could send people to jail for scores of years. They have chosen, so far, not to do that."
With almost half the states now legalizing marijuana to some degree, the federal government will have to make a decision, he said.
"It simply can't go on the way it is," Kamin said. "It can't be a big industry and a Federal crime at the same time."
Highs and lows of using marijuana
Amendment 64 in Colorado will alter the state constitution to legalize and regulate the production, possession, and distribution of marijuana for people age 21 and older.
The Washington state measure includes a 25% tax imposed when the grower sells marijuana to a processor, again when the processor sells it to a retailer, and a third time when the retailer sells it to a customer.
Supporters estimated it would raise as much as $500 million for the state -- a figure analysts say is overstated.
While Washington and Colorado voters became the first to legalize marijuana for recreational use, a similar proposal was rejected in Oregon Tuesday. And Arkansas voters narrowly said no to a medical marijuana referendum similar to the one that passed in Massachusetts.
"Will there continue to be fits and starts, federal government incursion into state sovereignty and obstinate politicians?" NORML's St. Pierre wrote. "Surely. However, the dye for major cannabis law reforms is now cast."
"The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is before us all."
CNN's Stephanie Oswald contributed to this report.
"Yesterday's elections have forever changed the playing field regarding cannabis prohibition laws in America (and probably in large parts of the world, too)," Allen St. Pierre, executive director of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, wrote in a celebratory blog Wednesday.
But Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper warned it's too soon to "break out the Cheetos," because his state must still navigate federal laws before citizens can legally buy and sell cannabis.
Highs and lows of using marijuana
The Drug Enforcement Administration quickly tried to spoil the Rocky Mountain high, issuing a statement Wednesday morning saying the DEA's "enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act remains unchanged."
"In enacting the Controlled Substances Act, Congress determined that marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance," the DEA statement said. "The Department of Justice is reviewing the ballot initiatives, and we have no additional comment at this time."
Voters in Massachusetts -- and possibly Montana, pending final vote counts -- also approved medical marijuana referendums, allowing doctors to prescribe the drug to patients suffering serious medical problems, which were carefully spelled out.
Colorado, Washington pass marijuana legalization; Oregon says no
In Massachusetts, a doctor who has a "bona fide" relationship with a patient would have to certify the patient suffered "a debilitating medical condition, such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV-positive status or AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS, or multiple sclerosis."
Medical marijuana is already legal in 17 states, including California, where it was estimated two years ago that Los Angeles County had more medical marijuana shops than liquor stores.
Salesmen invited tourists walking along the Venice Beach boardwalk into a store, next to the T-shirt and sunglasses stall, to see a doctor who would give them a marijuana license and prescription.
The smell of burning cannabis wafted through the air along Hollywood streets and neon green crosses marked where citizens could get their pot supplies.
In the past two years, however, local city councils have enacted restrictions on where the shops can locate, forcing many to close.
"Some medical marijuana clinics have been taken over by illegal for-profit businesses that sell recreational marijuana to healthy young adults and attract crime," Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said in September.
Federal prosecutors have aggressively worked to rein in the proliferation of pot distribution locations, contending the operations draw criminals because of the large amounts of cash involved.
Three forfeiture lawsuits were filed and warning letters were sent to 71 "illegal marijuana stores" in Los Angeles and Huntington Park, California, in September by federal authorities.
Voters approve same-sex marriage for the first time
Last month, a federal grand jury indicted 14 people "associated with a chain of nine marijuana stores" in Orange and Los Angeles counties on federal drug trafficking charges. The indictment included tax evasion and weapons charges.
NORML's main argument is that marijuana is "far less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco," which are the only recreational drugs more popular than pot in the United States.
"Marijuana is nontoxic and cannot cause death by overdose," while hundreds of thousands die from tobacco and alcohol use each year, NORML's website says.
Legalization could save U.S. taxpayers the $10 billion spent each year on enforcing marijuana prohibition, and eliminate the criminal cases against more than 750,000 people arrested per year for possession, which NORML says is "far more than the total number of arrestees for all violent crimes combined, including murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault."
"The voters have spoken and we have to respect their will," Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper said in a written statement released by his office.
"This will be a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug, so don't break out the Cheetos or Goldfish too quickly," he said, referring to two snack food products.
Marijuana could be legal across Colorado within two months, according to a spokesman for the governor's office.
The 536 medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado could begin selling to the general public then, according to University of Denver law professor Sam Kamin.
Whether the federal government allows that to happen is "a billion dollar question," Kamin said.
"Every store that sells marijuana here is violating federal law," he said. "The federal government could come in and seize assets. They could charge people criminally. They could send people to jail for scores of years. They have chosen, so far, not to do that."
With almost half the states now legalizing marijuana to some degree, the federal government will have to make a decision, he said.
"It simply can't go on the way it is," Kamin said. "It can't be a big industry and a Federal crime at the same time."
Highs and lows of using marijuana
Amendment 64 in Colorado will alter the state constitution to legalize and regulate the production, possession, and distribution of marijuana for people age 21 and older.
The Washington state measure includes a 25% tax imposed when the grower sells marijuana to a processor, again when the processor sells it to a retailer, and a third time when the retailer sells it to a customer.
Supporters estimated it would raise as much as $500 million for the state -- a figure analysts say is overstated.
While Washington and Colorado voters became the first to legalize marijuana for recreational use, a similar proposal was rejected in Oregon Tuesday. And Arkansas voters narrowly said no to a medical marijuana referendum similar to the one that passed in Massachusetts.
"Will there continue to be fits and starts, federal government incursion into state sovereignty and obstinate politicians?" NORML's St. Pierre wrote. "Surely. However, the dye for major cannabis law reforms is now cast."
"The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is before us all."
CNN's Stephanie Oswald contributed to this report.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/marijuana-legalization/index.html
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Night Sky: Visible Planets, Moon Phases & Events, November 2012
The night sky tonight and on any clear night offers an ever-changing display of fascinating objects you can see, from stars and constellations to bright planets, often the moon, and sometimes special events like meteor showers. Observing the night sky can be done with no special equipment, although a sky map can be very useful, and a good beginner telescope or binoculars will enhance some experiences and bring some otherwise invisible objects into view. Below, find out what’s up in the night sky tonight (Planets Visible Now, Moon Phases, Observing Highlights This Month) plus other resources (Skywatching Terms, Night Sky Observing Tips and Further Reading).
Monthly skywatching information is provided to SPACE.com by Geoff Gaherty of Starry Night Education, the leader in space science curriculum solutions. Follow Starry Night on Twitter @StarryNightEdu.
Editor's note: If you have an amazing skywatching photo you'd like to share for a possible story or image gallery, please contact managing editor Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com.
Moon Phases
Tue., November 6, 7:36 p.m. EST
Last Quarter Moon
The last or third quarter moon rises around 11:45 p.m. and sets around 1:15 p.m. It is most easily seen just after sunrise in the southern sky.
Tue., November 13, 5:08 p.m. EST
New Moon
The moon is not visible on the date of new moon because it is too close to the sun, but can be seen low in the east as a narrow crescent a morning or two before, just before sunrise. It is visible low in the west an evening or two after new moon.
Tue., November 20, 9:31 a.m. EST
First Quarter Moon
The first quarter moon rises around 1:00 p.m. and sets around 12:15 a.m. It dominates the evening sky
Wed., November 28, 9:46 a.m. EST
Full Moon
The full moon of November is called the beaver moon. In Algonquian it is called the “much white frost on grass” moon. Other names are frost moon, snow moon and hunter's moon. In Hindi it is known as kartik poornima. Its Sinhala (Buddhist) name is il. The full moon rises around sunset and sets around sunrise, the only night in the month when the moon is in the sky all night long. The rest of the month, the moon spends at least some time in the daytime sky.
Observing Highlights
Thu., November 1, 9 p.m.
Jupiter and the moon
The moon will pass just south of Jupiter soon after moonrise in the eastern sky.
Sun., November 11, 6 a.m.
Venus, Spica and the moon
About an hour before sunrise, The Moon joins the planet Venus and the bright star Spica in the morning sky.
Wed., November 14, morning
Total eclipse of the sun
The path of this eclipse crosses northern Queensland, Australia before heading out across the Pacific Ocean. It will be visible as a partial eclipse over all of Australia and New Zealand, as well as most of the southern Pacific Ocean and southwestern South America.
New Moon
The moon is not visible on the date of new moon because it is too close to the sun, but can be seen low in the east as a narrow crescent a morning or two before, just before sunrise. It is visible low in the west an evening or two after new moon.
Tue., November 20, 9:31 a.m. EST
First Quarter Moon
The first quarter moon rises around 1:00 p.m. and sets around 12:15 a.m. It dominates the evening sky
Wed., November 28, 9:46 a.m. EST
Full Moon
The full moon of November is called the beaver moon. In Algonquian it is called the “much white frost on grass” moon. Other names are frost moon, snow moon and hunter's moon. In Hindi it is known as kartik poornima. Its Sinhala (Buddhist) name is il. The full moon rises around sunset and sets around sunrise, the only night in the month when the moon is in the sky all night long. The rest of the month, the moon spends at least some time in the daytime sky.
Observing Highlights
Thu., November 1, 9 p.m.
Jupiter and the moon
The moon will pass just south of Jupiter soon after moonrise in the eastern sky.
Sun., November 11, 6 a.m.
Venus, Spica and the moon
About an hour before sunrise, The Moon joins the planet Venus and the bright star Spica in the morning sky.
Wed., November 14, morning
Total eclipse of the sun
The path of this eclipse crosses northern Queensland, Australia before heading out across the Pacific Ocean. It will be visible as a partial eclipse over all of Australia and New Zealand, as well as most of the southern Pacific Ocean and southwestern South America.
Sat., November 17, 3 a.m.
Leonid meteor shower peaks
The Leonid meteor shower has at times produced incredible storms of meteors. This year is not predicted to be anything out of the ordinary, but there’s always a chance of seeing a good number of meteors, especially this year since there will be no Moon in the sky after midnight when meteors are most frequent.
Tue., November 27, before sunrise
Venus and Saturn in conjunction
A close approach between Venus and Saturn provides a rare opportunity to see two planets in the same telescope field, as well as being a treat for the unaided eye. Venus will be far brighter than Saturn.
Wed., November 28, 9 p.m.
Jupiter and the moon
The moon will again pass just south of Jupiter soon after moonrise in the eastern sky.
Wed./Thu., November 28/29
Penumbral eclipse of the moon
This eclipse is best viewed in Asia, Australasia, and the northwestern Pacific Ocean. It will be at maximum near the middle of the night, on the night which begins on the 28th and ends on the 29th. The moon will only be passing through the Earth’s penumbral shadow (outer circle), so will only be slightly shaded at maximum eclipse; you will need to look closely to see the shading.
Leonid meteor shower peaks
The Leonid meteor shower has at times produced incredible storms of meteors. This year is not predicted to be anything out of the ordinary, but there’s always a chance of seeing a good number of meteors, especially this year since there will be no Moon in the sky after midnight when meteors are most frequent.
Tue., November 27, before sunrise
Venus and Saturn in conjunction
A close approach between Venus and Saturn provides a rare opportunity to see two planets in the same telescope field, as well as being a treat for the unaided eye. Venus will be far brighter than Saturn.
Wed., November 28, 9 p.m.
Jupiter and the moon
The moon will again pass just south of Jupiter soon after moonrise in the eastern sky.
Wed./Thu., November 28/29
Penumbral eclipse of the moon
This eclipse is best viewed in Asia, Australasia, and the northwestern Pacific Ocean. It will be at maximum near the middle of the night, on the night which begins on the 28th and ends on the 29th. The moon will only be passing through the Earth’s penumbral shadow (outer circle), so will only be slightly shaded at maximum eclipse; you will need to look closely to see the shading.
Planets
Mercury is too close to the sun all month to be observed.
Venus is still a morning “star,” shining brightly before sunrise. It spends most of the month in Virgo, crossing into Libra on November 27.
Mars has faded into the west moving behind the sun. It moves from Ophiuchus into Sagittarius on November 12.
Jupiter is now in Taurus, close to Aldebaran and the Hyades. It rises about an hour after sunset, and is visible the rest of the night.
Saturn reappears from behind the sun in the morning sky around the middle of the month, just in time for a spectacular conjunction with Venus on November 27.
Uranus is visible most of the night in Pisces. It sets around 3 a.m.
Neptune remains in the depths of Aquarius all month, and sets around midnight.
SKYWATCHING TERMS
Asterism: A noteworthy or striking pattern of stars within a larger constellation.
Degrees (measuring the sky): The sky is 360 degrees all the way around, which means roughly 180 degrees from horizon to horizon. It’s easy to measure distances between objects: Your fist on an outstretched arm covers about 10 degrees of sky.
Visual Magnitude: This is the astronomer’s scale for measuring the brightness of objects in the sky. The dimmest object visible in the night sky under perfectly dark conditions is about magnitude 6.5. Brighter stars are magnitude 2 or 1. The brightest objects get negative numbers. Venus can be as bright as magnitude minus 4.9. The full moon is minus 12.7 and the sun is minus 26.8.
Terminator: The boundary on the moon between sunlight and shadow.
Zenith: The point in the sky directly overhead.
NIGHT SKY OBSERVING TIPS
Adjust to the dark: If you wish to observe faint objects, such as meteors or dim stars, give your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Light Pollution: Even from a big city, one can see the moon, a handful of bright stars and sometimes the brightest planets. But to fully enjoy the heavens — especially a meteor shower, the constellations, or to see the amazing swath across the sky that represents our view toward the center of the Milky Way Galaxy — rural areas are best for night sky viewing. If you’re stuck in a city or suburban area, a building can be used to block ambient light (or moonlight) to help reveal fainter objects. If you’re in the suburbs, simply turning off outdoor lights can help.
Prepare for skywatching: If you plan to be out for more than a few minutes, and it’s not a warm summer evening, dress warmer than you think necessary. An hour of observing a winter meteor shower can chill you to the bone. A blanket or lounge chair will prove much more comfortable than standing or sitting in a chair and craning your neck to see overhead.
Daytime skywatching: When Venus is visible (that is, not in front of or behind the sun) it can often be spotted during the day. But you’ll need to know where to look. A sky map is helpful. When the sun has large sunspots, they can be seen without a telescope. However, it’s unsafe to look at the sun without protective eyewear.
by:
Mercury is too close to the sun all month to be observed.
Venus is still a morning “star,” shining brightly before sunrise. It spends most of the month in Virgo, crossing into Libra on November 27.
Mars has faded into the west moving behind the sun. It moves from Ophiuchus into Sagittarius on November 12.
Jupiter is now in Taurus, close to Aldebaran and the Hyades. It rises about an hour after sunset, and is visible the rest of the night.
Saturn reappears from behind the sun in the morning sky around the middle of the month, just in time for a spectacular conjunction with Venus on November 27.
Uranus is visible most of the night in Pisces. It sets around 3 a.m.
Neptune remains in the depths of Aquarius all month, and sets around midnight.
SKYWATCHING TERMS
Asterism: A noteworthy or striking pattern of stars within a larger constellation.
Degrees (measuring the sky): The sky is 360 degrees all the way around, which means roughly 180 degrees from horizon to horizon. It’s easy to measure distances between objects: Your fist on an outstretched arm covers about 10 degrees of sky.
Visual Magnitude: This is the astronomer’s scale for measuring the brightness of objects in the sky. The dimmest object visible in the night sky under perfectly dark conditions is about magnitude 6.5. Brighter stars are magnitude 2 or 1. The brightest objects get negative numbers. Venus can be as bright as magnitude minus 4.9. The full moon is minus 12.7 and the sun is minus 26.8.
Terminator: The boundary on the moon between sunlight and shadow.
Zenith: The point in the sky directly overhead.
NIGHT SKY OBSERVING TIPS
Adjust to the dark: If you wish to observe faint objects, such as meteors or dim stars, give your eyes at least 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
Light Pollution: Even from a big city, one can see the moon, a handful of bright stars and sometimes the brightest planets. But to fully enjoy the heavens — especially a meteor shower, the constellations, or to see the amazing swath across the sky that represents our view toward the center of the Milky Way Galaxy — rural areas are best for night sky viewing. If you’re stuck in a city or suburban area, a building can be used to block ambient light (or moonlight) to help reveal fainter objects. If you’re in the suburbs, simply turning off outdoor lights can help.
Prepare for skywatching: If you plan to be out for more than a few minutes, and it’s not a warm summer evening, dress warmer than you think necessary. An hour of observing a winter meteor shower can chill you to the bone. A blanket or lounge chair will prove much more comfortable than standing or sitting in a chair and craning your neck to see overhead.
Daytime skywatching: When Venus is visible (that is, not in front of or behind the sun) it can often be spotted during the day. But you’ll need to know where to look. A sky map is helpful. When the sun has large sunspots, they can be seen without a telescope. However, it’s unsafe to look at the sun without protective eyewear.
by:
http://www.space.com/16149-night-sky.html
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