Year of the Comet
Comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS)

PANSTARRS information

Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON)

ISON information

Stephen James O'Meara's Secret Sky

Stephen James O'Meara's Secret Sky: Winter wreaths

February 2009: The night sky's "magic circles" tell ancient tales of new beginnings.
Contributed by Stephen James O'Meara
Published: December 29, 2008
Before DVR and DVDs, before radio soap operas, before the printed word, gathering around a fire at night and listening to a loved one spin a tale was part of everyday living. Families and friends relied on this "magic circle" to provide them with nightly entertainment, which helped them forget the troubles of the day and their fears of the night. Like the magic circle of old, the night sky can forge bonds (even if it's just between observers and the stars) and offer us timeless enjoyment.
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