Profile of Glenn K. Roberts

Biography

Glenn K. Roberts is a member of the Charlottetown Astronomy Club. His column appears in The Guardian once a month. He welcomes comments from readers. Anyone who would like to ...

All articles of Glenn K. Roberts

• This month’s ‘super moon’ biggest, brightest...
  This month's full moon on May 6 will be the closest and largest of 2012.It coincides with the moon's perigee (closest distance to Earth), which ...
• Venus shines in the west, Saturn in the east
  Venus, our "evening star," continues to radiate brightly high in the western sky at dusk throughout April. As it does every eight years, Venus is ...
• Bright planets and a bright comet on display
  In addition to heralding in spring, March presents us with the opportunity to view all five classical planets. By classical planets, I mean the ...
• A chance to view elusive planet this month
  As February opens, Venus shines brilliantly high in the western sky as twilight deepens.Although Venus sets around 8:30 p.m. at the start of the ...
• Bright planets usher in the new year
  One of the most interesting celestial phenomenon takes place this month (actually as you are reading this article). Earth is at its closest ...
• Catch the winter solstice and a Christmas comet
  Once again, the year has rolled around or, at least, will roll around to that time when we witness the shortest day and the longest night.The ...
• Viewing the planets
  This month, the night and pre-dawn sky are rich with planets, many of which can be seen with the naked eye. As night falls, Jupiter already sits ...
• A trio of comets and two meteor showers
  The night sky at this time of the year is clear and crisp, allowing for excellent viewing. That is fortunate for us, as this month we are in for ...
• Look for zodiacal light as autumn arrives
  All this wind from hurricane Irene should clear the air of the high humidity that we’ve had the past few weeks and allow more seasonal and cooler ...
• Last chance for a good look at Saturn
  Although there have been few nights lately suitable for sitting outside to view the night sky above, let’s hope that the month of August, with ...
• Bright planets shine on summer nights
  Now that the nice weather has finally arrived, many people will be spending time at their cottage or going camping in one of the provincial parks ...
• June’s summer solstice marks beginning of summer
  After such a dreary and damp May, let’s hope that June’s weather is warm, sunny and dry, and that the skies (at least at night) are ...
• Rare gathering of planets highlights May
  Beginning in early May, four celestial neighbours make a rare grouping in the pre-dawn sky.To witness this event, you will need clear skies and ...
• Saturn at its best for viewing this month
  Now that the milder weather has finally arrived, April affords an excellent opportunity to view what is considered the solar system's most ...
• Bright planets usher in spring
  It is often said that the only good thing about the month of March is that it brings spring with it. As I compose this month’s column, listening ...
• Watch for the zodiacal light this month
  From an observing point of view, the only good thing that can be said about winter storms at this time of the year is that once the storm has ...
• Bright planets adorn the January dawn
  A new year is upon us, and with it, new opportunities to familiarize ourselves with and to marvel at the wonders that the night sky holds.For ...
• Bright planets grace the springs night sky
  Surely one of these days winter will release its icy grip, the snow will disappear and spring will finally burst forth in all her glory. Until ...
• Planets, meteors and comets mean plenty to see in...
  Though the nights are definitely chillier now, theres much to see in the night sky worth getting out for, especially this month. Dress warmly ...
• Bright Jupiter heralds autumn's arrival
  The cool autumn nights are upon us; gone are the sticky, heat haze nights of the summer. With a light jacket or sweater, sitting outside in the ...
• Bright planets shine in June's night sky
  For those who delight in spotting and identifying planets, June is a good month for viewing some of our celestial neighbours, at least those ...
• Bright planets shine in May's night sky
  Though still a little brisk, the spring evenings of May are not altogether unpleasant to be out under observing the heavens above. Last week, ...