David H. Levy's Evening Stars: A David Levy sky

June 2009: All it takes is a dark sky to begin a lifelong interest in astronomy.

Contributed by David H. Levy

Published: April 27, 2009

Joan-Ellen Rosenthal, photographed about 10 miles from the Stellafane convention in Vermont, has a love of a pitch-black sky, and she knows her way around the stars.

Photo by Wendee Levy

Almost 40 years ago, Joan-Ellen Rosenthal was riding in a car down a lonely country road near Enid, Oklahoma, with her then-husband. They were lost. "We know we have to go south," Joan said to her husband. He stopped the car, and Joan got out, looked around, then got back in. "I just found the Big Dipper. From there I found the North Star. We have to take the next right to head south." Her husband was flabbergasted. "Only you know how to navigate by the stars," he said as they were on their way.

Subscriber-Only Content

You are currently not logged in. This article is only available to Astronomy magazine subscribers.

Already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine?

If you are already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine you must log into your account to view this article. If you do not have an account you will need to regsiter for one. Registration is FREE and only takes a couple minutes.

Non-subscribers, Subscribe TODAY and save!

Get instant access to subscriber content on Astronomy.com!

Access our interactive Atlas of the Stars
Get full access to StarDome PLUS
Columnist articles
Search and view our equipment review archive
Receive full access to our Ask Astro answers
BONUS web extras not included in the magazine
Much more!

	Sun	Sun	Moon
RISE	—		—	PHASE	—
SET	—		—	DISK	—

	Mercury	Mercury	Venus	Venus
RISE	—		—
SET	—		—
		—		—

	Mars	Mars	Jupiter	Jupiter	Saturn	Saturn
RISE	—		—		—
SET	—		—		—
		—		—		—