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2008 Monthly Sky Guides

By Nick Greene, About.com

Learn what is happening in 2008 and what has happened in the past. Discover highlights of the night sky and learn what to look for in the year 2008. Check the appropriate sky guide every month.

1. January 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

January 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
This month, we look at the red Planet and the constellation Gemini. Don't miss an exciting comet fly-by early in the month.

2. February 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

February 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
The Ringed World of Saturn puts in an appearance this month, as we look closer at the constellation Ursa Major. Also, some parts of the world will catch a lunar eclipse while Antarctica is treated to a total solar eclipse.

3. March 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

March 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
That thief, Mercury, emerges from the Sun's glare to put in an appearance as we take a glimpse at the constellation Cancer. Don't forget the spring equimox this month as well.

4. April 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

April 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
The planetary king, Jupiter is in our sights this month as we look closer at the constellation Bootes. Slso, try to catch the Lyrid Meteor Shower if you can.

5. May 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

May 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
We're back to Mercury in May and our constellation Canes Venatici (the hunting dogs) could be after him. Watch for news of the Phoenix Mars Lander late in the month, it's an exciting project.

6. June 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

June 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
Both Saturn and Jupiter catch our eyes during the month of June. Meanwhile, the stars get musical with our featured constellation, Lyra. Things are getting exciting as summer begins in the northern hemisphere.

7. July 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

July 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
Jupiter reaches opposition and makes an earlier appearance this month. Our imaginatins soar with the dragon of the stars, the constellation Draco. We also celebrate an historic anniversary, the first landing on the moon by humans.

8. August 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

August 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
The beauty of the night skies finally makes her appearance as we highlight Venus this month. Some might call her a fox, but our constelaltion definitely is, Vulpecula. If you can, try to catch the total solar eclipse, visible in Canada and Greenland.

9. September 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

September 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
The beauty shares the spotlight with a thief and a warrior this month as Mercury, Venus and Mars form a triangle. Meanwhile, a winged horse, Pegasus is our constellation of the month. Try to get out and catch the Perseids Meteor Shower as well.

10. October 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

October 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
The queen of the night shines brightly in our sights again. We also take a closer look at another beauty, the constellation Andromeda. Meanwhile, we wish NASA a happy 50th and shiver to remember 70 years ago when Orson Wells frightened a nation.

11. November 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

November 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
The king and queen are still ruling the nigt as Jupiter and Venus continue to shine brightly. At the same time, Perseus, son of Zeus, who rescued and married Andromeda is our featured constellation.

12. December 2008 Monthly Sky Guide

December 2008 Skymap Nick Greene
Finally, as the year draws to a close, we look to our companion, the Moon. The Charioteer, Auriga, greets us high in the sky, as our featured constellation this month. Also, the Winter Solstice follows shortly behind the Geminids Meteor Shower to close out another great year.
Nick Greene
Guide since 1997

Nick Greene
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