LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – While not strictly related to astronomy, the ides of March is a phrase often heard and worth defining.
The ides of March occurs on March 15 – the same date as this month’s star chart.
It originated in the Roman Empire. The Roman calendar did not count days sequentially from the first through the last day of the month.
Instead, the Romans counted backward from three fixed points in the month: The nones (fifth or seventh), the ides (13th or 15th) and the kalends (first of following month).
The ides was marked by religious observances.
It was the date – March 15, 44 BC – that Julius Caesar was assassinated, hence the phrase, “Beware the ides of March” coined by Shakespeare.
March skies are dominated by the planet Jupiter. It appears as the brightest object in the sky. Look to the south to find it.
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It’s 11 times the size of Earth.
This behemoth has 67 moons and counting, thanks to its powerful gravitational field.
Directly overhead is the constellation Gemini, the twins. Gemini is the Latin word for “twin.”
Two bright stars, Castor and Pollux, mark the head of each twin by the same name.
In Greek mythology the twins were the sons of Zeus.
Finally, on Thursday, March 5, there will be a full moon.
As you gaze at the moon, consider:
– The dark areas are called maria, Latin for “sea.” Before the invention of the telescope, astronomers believed there were oceans on the moon.
– A full moon appears largest when close to the horizon. This is due to how our eyes and brain interprets what it sees.
John Zimmerman is a resident of Lake County and has been an amateur astronomer for more than 50 years. For more information about astronomy and local resources, visit his Web site at www.lakecountyskies.com .