BY KAREN BOSSICK
In summer Leo the Lion takes its place between Cancer the Crab and Virgo the Maiden in the night sky.
Recognizable by its many bright stars and shape reminiscent of a crouching lion, its mane and shoulder also resemble a sickle or backwards question mark.
Learn more about the summer constellations when the Hailey Public Library presents “Constellations: Spring into Summer” at 5:30 p.m. tonight—Thursday, June 17.
Bellevue astronomy buff Tim Frazier will present the second of four astronomy talks planned this summer via Zoom. RSVP to receive a link by emailing Kristin.fletcher@haileypubliclibrary.org.
“With warm summer nights on the way, it’s fun to step outside and look for constellations,” said adult programs coordinator Kristin Fletcher. “Tim will describe how to identify prominent constellations and stars we’ll see in the night sky over the next few months. His talks are guaranteed to feature fascinating stories and amazing images.”
Frazier has an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering form Vanderbilt University and has published papers on eclipsing binary stars. He was the faculty sponsor for a NASA-funded, high altitude balloon project, which launched experiments and cameras to altitudes in excess of 90,000 feet.
The past president of the Magic Valley Astronomical Society, he also headed a team from Idaho State University that built an experimental capsule launched into space by NASA.
Upcoming astronomy programs hosted by the library will feature a daytime solar viewing opportunity and a talk about the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. For information, call 208-788-2036.