Astronomy/Star groupings

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Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 4/8/2005


Question
Steven:

I live in Portage, MI (The latitude of Kalamazoo is 42.291N. The longitude is -85.587W). On 7 April 2005, I noticed seven groups of three stars which were vertically aligned. From the naked eye, the stars appeared to be the same spacing for each trio. This was quite peculiar as I have never noticed this before.

Could you please explain these grouping.

Rick

Answer
Rick:

Well, two of those groupings could be the Belt of Orion, and the Gemini Twins and Saturn.

I would suggest you contact your nearest planetarium, as they would have a better understanding of what is in the sky at your location.  I am near Albany, NY.

Steve

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Steven LJ Russo

Expertise

As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.

Experience

Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.

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