NATURE
MONCTON INFORMATION LINE, August 31, 2018 (Friday)
Please advise editor at nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com if any errors are noted in wording or
photo labeling.
Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com
Transcript by: Louise Nichols nicholsl@eastlink.ca
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** Jane LeBlanc in St. Martin got a very clear
photo of a STINK BUG species preying on a MONARCH BUTTERFLY [Monarque]
caterpillar. Stink Bugs are listed as
potential Monarch Butterfly predators, but catching one in the act is
revealing.
** I revisited the site where I found the LADIES’-TRESSES
ORCHIDS where I realized they were actually the YELLOW LADIES’-TRESSES which
the guides list as rare in New Brunswick.
This may have changed since the guides were published. After Jim Goltz identified the first photos as
the very uncommon Yellow Ladies’ Tresses, a second examination found the
identification features of distinct butterscotch-coloured trough in the centre
of the lip to differentiate it from the NODDING LADIES’-TRESSES, which are the
two Ladies’-Tresses species that are expected to be in bloom now. The habitat they were in was surprising, as
they were in a few inches of seemingly poor soil fragments in the cement
parking lot of an abandoned building.
However, they were happy there, and there were approximately 50 plants
in the area ranging from 12 to 15 inches in height. I realize orchids may not be riveting
information to most, but I’m adding some of the new photos today.
** This week’s Sky-at-a-Glance is included in this
edition, courtesy of sky-guru Curt Nason.
This
Week’s Sky at a Glance, September 1 – September 8
The Summer Triangle is at its highest in early evening. Vega pokes through the twilight overhead, followed by Altair to the south and Deneb to the east. All three are the brightest stars of their respective constellations of Lyra, Aquila and Cygnus. Although it is the dimmest of the trio, Deneb is actually much brighter but it is about 60 times more distant. If it were as close as the other two it would be more than ten times brighter than Venus.
I occasionally sit out on the deck shortly after sunset and just look up at the blue sky, waiting for Vega to appear. Easily amused, the blue background gives me a three dimensional view of my eye floaters. Then, with a little concentration, I look for a Maltese cross of pale yellow and blue light. Haidinger’s Brush isn’t in the sky; it is a phenomenon of the eye caused by the polarized light overhead. If you are really keen to learn about this see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haidinger%27s_brush.
This Week in the Solar System
Saturday’s sunrise in Moncton is at 6:39 am and sunset will occur at 7:57 pm, giving 13 hours, 18 minutes of daylight (6:45 am and 8:01 pm in Saint John). Next Saturday the Sun will rise at 6:48 am and set at 7:44 pm, giving 12 hours, 56 minutes of daylight (6:54 am and 7:48 pm in Saint John).
The Moon is at third quarter on Sunday, rising near the bright star Aldebaran just before midnight. Venus is low in the west after sunset, setting around 9 pm later in the week. Jupiter sets at 10:30 so it is observed best in twilight. Look for its Red Spot with a telescope at 9 pm on Monday. Saturn is the showpiece of the evening sky and it resumes its eastward motion relative to the stars late in the week. Mars still captures the eye with its bright orange glare but a dust storm continues to hide some of its features from telescope users. Mercury is brightening but also moving sunward; this is the last good week to pick it out of morning twilight. Neptune, a binocular object, is at opposition on Friday in case you are looking for something to celebrate.
The RASC NB star party at Fundy National Park takes place Friday and Saturday, August 31 – September 1. The Saint John Astronomy Club meets in the Rockwood Park Interpretation Centre on September 8 at 7 pm.
Questions? Contact Curt Nason at nasonc@nbnet.nb.ca.
The Summer Triangle is at its highest in early evening. Vega pokes through the twilight overhead, followed by Altair to the south and Deneb to the east. All three are the brightest stars of their respective constellations of Lyra, Aquila and Cygnus. Although it is the dimmest of the trio, Deneb is actually much brighter but it is about 60 times more distant. If it were as close as the other two it would be more than ten times brighter than Venus.
I occasionally sit out on the deck shortly after sunset and just look up at the blue sky, waiting for Vega to appear. Easily amused, the blue background gives me a three dimensional view of my eye floaters. Then, with a little concentration, I look for a Maltese cross of pale yellow and blue light. Haidinger’s Brush isn’t in the sky; it is a phenomenon of the eye caused by the polarized light overhead. If you are really keen to learn about this see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haidinger%27s_brush.
This Week in the Solar System
Saturday’s sunrise in Moncton is at 6:39 am and sunset will occur at 7:57 pm, giving 13 hours, 18 minutes of daylight (6:45 am and 8:01 pm in Saint John). Next Saturday the Sun will rise at 6:48 am and set at 7:44 pm, giving 12 hours, 56 minutes of daylight (6:54 am and 7:48 pm in Saint John).
The Moon is at third quarter on Sunday, rising near the bright star Aldebaran just before midnight. Venus is low in the west after sunset, setting around 9 pm later in the week. Jupiter sets at 10:30 so it is observed best in twilight. Look for its Red Spot with a telescope at 9 pm on Monday. Saturn is the showpiece of the evening sky and it resumes its eastward motion relative to the stars late in the week. Mars still captures the eye with its bright orange glare but a dust storm continues to hide some of its features from telescope users. Mercury is brightening but also moving sunward; this is the last good week to pick it out of morning twilight. Neptune, a binocular object, is at opposition on Friday in case you are looking for something to celebrate.
The RASC NB star party at Fundy National Park takes place Friday and Saturday, August 31 – September 1. The Saint John Astronomy Club meets in the Rockwood Park Interpretation Centre on September 8 at 7 pm.
Questions? Contact Curt Nason at nasonc@nbnet.nb.ca.
Nelson Poirier,
Nature Moncton
STINKBUG PREYING ON MONARCH BUTTERFLY CATERPILLAR. AUG 29, 2018. JANE LeBLANC
Summer Triangle
YELLOW LADIES'-TRESSES. AUG 30, 2018. NELSON POIRIER
YELLOW LADIES'-TRESSES. AUG 30, 2018. NELSON POIRIER
YELLOW LADIES'-TRESSES SHOWING LEAF ARRANGMENT. AUG 30, 2018. NELSON POIRIER
YELLOW LADIES'-TRESSES. AUG 30, 2018. NELSON POIRIER
