Reaching for the Skies

Amidst the millions of stars in the night sky are stories, legends and important history that have been passed down for generations. This month’s Cape Fear skies program at the Cape Fear Museum summed them up.

“This time of year, Scorpius the scorpion is denoted as a summer constellation and that would be one folks could go out and see in the night sky tonight,” said Jeff Zuege, the Cape Fear skies program facilitator.

According to the ancient Greeks, the Scorpius constellation is the scorpion that killed the great hunter Orion. But Native American tribes would say there is no scorpion, and that the hunter’s name is Longsash.

“I learned the scorpion [legend],” said Riana Cases, who was visiting the museum from New York. “I’ve never seen that one before.”

Beyond the legends, Zuege says stars also served practical purposes. Without them, sailors may never have been able to find their way in and out of the Port City.

“Before the days of GPS and all the things we have nowadays, they would utilize the night sky,” Zuege said.

Jacky Rutchik was also visiting the Cape Fear museum from New York.

“Probably me and my friends are probably going to look up and try to find all different constellations now,” she said. “So, it’ll be more fun cause then I’ll know what to look for.”