The Wilderness Center (TWC) is proud to announce the release of the COVID-19 Nature Center Toolkit, and extensive guide to address the challenges unique to nature centers and nature organizations. TWC Executive Director Jeanne Gural was instrumental in this collaboration between select members of the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) and Marshall & Sterling […]
If there was ever a time to “think globally and act locally,” this April stands out as a perfect opportunity! This year Ohio will be among the first states in the country celebrating a Native Plant Month, while the 50th anniversary of Earth Day is commemorated around the world. House Bill 59, sponsored by Representative […]
I know that it has been cloudy and rainy, but if we get a clear morning and/or evening it will be well worth your time to take the kids and spend some time under the early morning and evening skies. If you have been to the Planetarium you have heard me talk about our five […]
It’s the first day of spring and Mother Nature is tuning up for a springtime symphony! Listen to learn some of the melodies you’ll be hearing outdoors, and then go see if you can find them yourself! Happy Spring, everyone!
While TWC is closed and we aren’t able to offer in-person or on-site programming, we are going to be creating a series of fun, educational videos to engage folks of all ages. Schools are closed, but there is plenty your kids can learn right in the backyard! Over the next few weeks, join Karrie for […]
Thank you to our friends at Columbia Woodlands for donating the auction proceeds from their upcoming Nature Lovers' Night to TWC!
Let’s Get Sirius
Sirius, the Dog star, is now in our night sky. Sirius is the heart of the winter constellation Canis Major the “Big Dog.” Right now, Canis Major is rising in the southeast and is above the horizon by 8:15pm. Canis Major is one of the easiest constellations to see because it actually looks like a dog. If you’re familiar with the constellation of Orion, draw a line through his belt stars and it points at Sirius. As the nights go by from winter to mid-spring you can watch Canis Major move from the southeast to the south to the southwest.
Sirius is the brightest star in the sky. It is a blue-white supergiant star 8.6 lightyears away. In ancient Egypt, the name Sirius meant scorching or sparkling. Sirius will seem to twinkle in lots of colors. This twinkling is the result of Sirius being low to the horizon causing us to see it through a thick blanket of atmosphere. Differences in air temperature and density in this blanket cause the star to dance and change color. Sirius has actually been reported as a UFO!
Have you ever heard of the dog days of summer? Sirius is behind the sun as seen from Earth during the summer. It was once believed that those hot days were due to the combined heat of the sun and the brightest star in the sky. Scorching indeed! Winter in Ohio has a lot of cloudy nights, but if we have a clear one put on the hat and coat and look for Sirius.
Image Caption: How to find Sirius
A message to all our friends and members who have supported TWC over the past year:
Start your new year by taking steps to get your affairs in order. Join Foxfield Preserve staff this Thursday from the comfort and safety of your home to learn more about conservation burial.
Sign-up to receive the Zoom code: bit.ly/2MNUZwD
