The stars in the southern sky, including the Southern Cross. Photo by Robert Corkery.
I always forget how many stars there are in the sky until we visit Australia. Over the last few days, Robert and I have been back in country New South Wales and last night, we took a walk down the lane to see the stars.
Here in the southern hemisphere, there are about twice as many stars in the sky. The north pole faces away from the galactic center of the universe – the Milky Way – and thus there are few fewer and less bright stars in the north. Here in Australia, we can see the Southern Cross and the Milky Way is just jam packed with stars.
But you do look at it all from a different perspective. On my first visit to Australia, I was walking the beach at night in the Great Barrier Reef when I heard an American remark that the man on the moon was upside down. And indeed it was.
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I had no idea about this! My husband is an avid astronomer with this giant telescope we’re bringing on the move to Sweden. I hope he won’t be disappointed.
You’re seeing things about Australia that I don’t notice, for example the moon. I’ve never thought about it being “upside down” but you’re right. And I’ve never thought about the stars before, except when I lived in the outback for a few years and the night sky was absolutely brilliant. Speaking of brilliant… great weather back here.
James, I am glad to hear the weather is not too bad there. As for the moon view, it is funny how we have two different perspectives! Enjoy your last days…
Don’t worry Antropologa. You will see the same northern hemisphere skies! In the north, you can actually see the stars better as there is less glare from all the other stars. But make sure to take your husband to the southern hemisphere to see an amazing range of stars!
Awesome pic! Personally, I am always obsessed with finding the southern cross when I am south of the equator.
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