Follow the Stars

Epiphany is coming, the day on which we remember the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem, bringing gifts for the Baby Jesus. When we talk about the Magi in Sunday School, we emphasize that they were so wise, people thought they were magic. The Magi knew a lot about lots of things, but the thing they knew the most about was the stars. In fact, they were late to Bethlehem because they were following the wild star all the way from the East, and travel was pretty slow back then.

You and your family can put yourself in the Magi’s sandals this week by following the stars just like they did! We don’t always look up at night, but there’s so much to see. In fact, tonight is a new moon, so you’ll be able to see more than usual. There are between 4 and 5 planets visible over the next few nights, depending on when you’re looking. Tomorrow, you can watch the Quadrantid Meteor Shower. And on Thursday, the very day of Epiphany, the constellation Gemini will be visible.

If you’d like to track the astronomical sights beyond this week, the Fairbanks Museum in Vermont posts a nightly breakdown. Vermont isn’t on exactly the same latitude as Arizona, but it’s close enough that the night sky should look decently similar.

You can also enhance your stargazing experience with one of a number of apps that help you identify what you’re seeing in the sky. Many of them even include a feature where you simply point your device at the sky, and it can identify what’s above you! Here is a list of free or cheap apps. If your family’s interest in the heavens is intense enough to justify investing a little more money in it, here is a list of some fancier, slightly more expensive apps.

We’re so lucky to have early sunsets and temperate weather in Arizona right now, and many areas with less light pollution than in other parts of the country. So bundle up, take the family outside, and follow the stars!

What celestial sights are drawing your attention upwards? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.