Sunrise Sunset

Fri., Oct. 30 7:10 5:39

Sat., Oct. 31 7:12 5:38

Sun., Nov. 1 6:13 4:36

Mon., Nov. 2 6:14 4:35

Tues., Nov. 3 6:15 4:34

Wed., Nov. 4 6:16 4:33

Thurs., Nov. 5 6:18 4:31

Fri., Nov. 6 6:19 4:30

Meteor Shower

As children wander the early evening streets in pursuit of tricks or treats tomorrow night, the sky above may offer a few surprises. There could be a shooting star or two overhead.

The Taurid meteor shower arrives this coming week. The meteors appear to come from the zodiacal constellation Taurus. The best viewing is later in the night but an occasional early shooting star might be seen.

Meteors are fast moving pieces of space debris that hit the earth’s atmosphere at tremendous speed and burn up before making it to the ground. Our atmosphere works as a shield against these errant space debris.

Consider the Taurid meteor shower an introductory show for the more spectacular Leonid meteor shower on Nov. 17. That show is forecast to be a big one with dozens of meteors being seen in a short time.

Mars

Mars is in both the zodiacal constellation Cancer and the Beehive star cluster, a large assembly that can be seen with the naked eye, appearing larger than the moon.

577 light years away, the Beehive is more distinguishable as a cluster of faint stars with binoculars. The red planet resides in the cluster through the weekend, rising in the east and high enough for binoculars after 1 a.m. Take a look at 3 a.m. and it is easier to enjoy.

M.A.L.