What’s the Most Amazing Thing You’ve Seen in the Night Sky? Vote from Our Top Ten

National Science Week is currently taking place, and it’s a time when science enthusiasts across Australia come together to celebrate and explore the wonders of the universe. This year, the focus has shifted to the night sky, inviting people to share their most awe-inspiring experiences. From the twinkling stars to the mesmerizing auroras, the night sky has always been a source of fascination and wonder. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has launched a poll to determine the most amazing phenomenon witnessed in the night sky, starting with an initial list of 22 breathtaking events. Over ten days of voting, the list has been narrowed down to the top ten, and now readers have the chance to vote for their favorite.

In previous years, National Science Week has brought attention to various natural wonders, such as Australia’s favorite tree and animal call. These initiatives have not only sparked curiosity but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the natural world. This year, by focusing on the night sky, the ABC aims to highlight the celestial phenomena that captivate stargazers and astronomers alike. The poll has generated significant interest, with thousands of votes cast and numerous suggestions submitted by the public. One of the most intriguing additions to the final round is the moonbow, an ethereal and silvery arc created by moonlight refracting through water droplets. This wildcard entry has added an extra layer of excitement to the voting process.

The results of the poll will be unveiled during a live ABC news blog on August 16th. This event promises to be a celebration of the night sky, featuring discussions on light pollution, the Milky Way survey, and the importance of preserving dark sky locations. Light pollution, caused by excessive artificial lighting, has become a growing concern as it obscures our view of the stars and disrupts nocturnal ecosystems. By raising awareness about this issue, the ABC hopes to encourage efforts to reduce light pollution and protect our ability to enjoy the night sky.

One of the most popular phenomena in the poll is the aurora, a dazzling display of lights created by the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field. Known as the aurora borealis in the northern hemisphere and the aurora australis in the southern hemisphere, these light shows are a testament to the dynamic nature of our planet’s atmosphere. Auroras have fascinated humans for centuries, inspiring countless myths and legends. Witnessing an aurora is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s no surprise that it has garnered many votes in the poll.

Comets, another spectacular sight in the night sky, have also captured the imagination of voters. These icy bodies, composed of rock, dust, and frozen gases, travel through the solar system on elongated orbits. As they approach the Sun, the heat causes the comet’s ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and a tail that can stretch for millions of kilometers. Comets like Halley’s Comet and Comet NEOWISE have provided unforgettable views, leaving a lasting impression on those lucky enough to witness them.

Lunar eclipses and meteor showers are two other events that have attracted significant attention in the poll. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. Depending on the alignment, this can result in a partial or total eclipse, with the Moon taking on a reddish hue due to the scattering of sunlight by the Earth’s atmosphere. Meteor showers, on the other hand, are caused by the Earth passing through the debris left behind by comets. These showers can produce stunning displays of shooting stars, with some, like the Perseids and Geminids, being particularly prolific.

The Milky Way, our home galaxy, is a perennial favorite among stargazers. Best seen from dark or remote locations, the Milky Way appears as a dense band of stars stretching across the sky. This celestial river of light is actually the combined glow of billions of stars, along with vast clouds of gas and dust. Observing the Milky Way can be a humbling experience, reminding us of our place in the vast expanse of the universe. For many, it’s a sight that evokes a sense of wonder and curiosity about the cosmos.

The full moon and its various phases also provide stunning views throughout the month. From the delicate crescent of a new moon to the brilliant glow of a full moon, each phase offers a unique perspective on our closest celestial neighbor. The full moon, in particular, has been the subject of countless poems, songs, and works of art, symbolizing everything from romance to mystery. Its bright light can illuminate the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere that has captivated humans for millennia.

Among the more unusual phenomena in the poll is the moonbow, a rare and beautiful event caused by moonlight refracting through water droplets in the atmosphere. Similar to a rainbow, a moonbow appears as a faint, silvery arc, often visible near waterfalls or during rain showers at night. The subtle beauty of a moonbow makes it a cherished sight for those fortunate enough to see one, adding to the allure of the night sky.

Saturn and its iconic rings are a must-see through a telescope. This gas giant, with its intricate system of rings composed of ice and rock particles, offers a stunning view that never fails to impress. Observing Saturn through a telescope reveals details that are invisible to the naked eye, such as the division between its rings and the varying colors of its atmosphere. Saturn’s beauty and complexity make it a favorite target for amateur astronomers and a highlight of any stargazing session.

Australia’s dark sky locations provide some of the best views of stars, planets, and galaxies. Places like the Warrumbungle National Park and the Central West Astronomical Society’s observatory in Parkes offer pristine skies free from light pollution. These locations are ideal for observing deep-sky objects, such as nebulae, star clusters, and distant galaxies. The clear, dark skies of Australia make it a prime destination for stargazers and astrophotographers from around the world.

The emu in the sky, a formation in the Milky Way, holds significant cultural importance for many Aboriginal communities. This dark constellation, formed by the dark dust lanes within the Milky Way, resembles the shape of an emu and is featured in numerous Aboriginal stories and traditions. The emu in the sky serves as a reminder of the deep connection between Indigenous Australians and the night sky, highlighting the rich cultural heritage associated with celestial observations.

The International Space Station (ISS) is another fascinating object that can be spotted moving across the night sky. Orbiting the Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers, the ISS is the largest human-made structure in space. Its bright, steady light makes it easily recognizable as it travels across the sky, providing a tangible link to the ongoing human presence in space. Watching the ISS pass overhead can be a thrilling experience, sparking curiosity about life aboard the station and the scientific research conducted there.

Jupiter’s four largest moons, known as the Galilean moons, can be seen with binoculars or a small telescope. Discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610, these moons—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—offer a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of our solar system. Each moon has its own unique characteristics, from Io’s volcanic activity to Europa’s icy surface, making them intriguing objects of study for astronomers. Observing the Galilean moons can provide a sense of connection to the history of astronomy and the ongoing exploration of our cosmic neighborhood.

The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, is a cluster of stars that can be seen with the naked eye. This group of young, hot stars is located in the constellation Taurus and has been admired by cultures around the world for thousands of years. The Pleiades’ bright, blue-white stars are often associated with mythological stories and serve as a marker for the changing seasons. Observing the Pleiades can evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the universe.

Venus, the brightest planet in the night sky, has been admired by many cultures throughout history. Often referred to as the “morning star” or “evening star,” Venus can be seen shining brightly near the horizon just before sunrise or after sunset. Its brilliance is due to its thick, reflective cloud cover, which reflects sunlight effectively. Venus’s visibility and striking appearance have made it a prominent feature in the night sky and a subject of fascination for astronomers and skywatchers alike.