As we enter what is typically the coldest part of the year we are recommended by local stargazers to look up, way up for some of the best sights of 2021.

Education Specialist for the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory in Priddis, Jennifer Howse says it's the best time of the year for space lovers. 

"February is my absolute favourite time to go out and observe the Sky, and that's often the coldest time of year. So it's funny how those two things go together like that. 

She attributes low humidity, as well as an abundance of clear sky to the good conditions needed for sky-watching.

Residents in the foothills have a great view of some of her favourite interstellar sights.

"Constellations including Orion, Canis Major, Gemini, Taurus will all be in the Sky. If you look just due south, they're pretty easy to find." 

You will be able to see everything with just the naked eye with no need for binoculars or a telescope, however, Howse does recommend you use one if you have it.

Those with keen eyes may also be able to spot the Red Planet as it makes an appearance in the night sky.

"You're looking South, then just look a little bit to your right. So meaning that you're going to be looking to the Southwest. You'll see Mars still in the Sky at about 8 p.m.." 

Hawse is excited to see the planet Mars as a rover named "Perseverance" is currently on its way to land on our solar neighbour.

"You can think about it as a robotic geologist is going to be landing on the surface of Mars. It's going to be going to the Jezero crater. That's where the target for the mission is."

Perseverance's main mission is to seek signs of ancient life and collect samples of rock and regolith (broken rock and soil) for a possible return to Earth. Howse mentions there is another, more human, reason for this mission.

"They're also doing a really cool experiment. So there's equipment on Perseverance going to attempt to produce oxygen in the Martian atmosphere and the way it's going to do that is like a tree. It will essentially inhale carbon dioxide and then exhale oxygen."

The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, located near Priddis, is currently closed to the public but is always open for residents to call with questions about the night sky.

For more information on the observatory, click here.

For more on Perseverance, click here

 

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