Hello astrophiles. I hope it wasn't too long to wait until the 29th day of February instead of the 28th. Welcome back to "Cosmic Communiqués by Hiya". Through this special feature on the pages of our magazine every month, we attempt to acquaint you with the most beautiful celestial wonders of the month gone by and a short peek into the ones to look out for in the month forthcoming. Now that our next issue will be our very first seasonal edition, we certainly have a lot more to tell you about. Fear not, we will continue to bring you a complete list of upcoming cosmic events on a quarter-yearly basis on the pages of our subsequent issues.

This permanent feature of our magazine is courtesy of one of our ex-editors, Celestia Carrow.

Through this feature, I, Hiya, Editor-in-Chief of this magazine, will be taking you on a magical ride through the universe, guiding you on the path of exploring mystical and magical beauties in the sky, possibly alongside your partner or loved ones. Was romantic stargazing one of your favorite dates this Valentine's month? Mine certainly was, although with only myself for company. I am just joking. I was actually accompanied by my most loyal and very useful friend, the von Rheticus telescope that I bought in my first year at Hogwarts. I love my friend so much that I keep it in my pocket and let it accompany me to the Astronomy Tower. Professor Robert Plumb won't be very pleased to see you walking in with any other model, though. The von Rheticus model of telescopes is honestly the best for students. It has been on the supply list of Hogwarts for generations now.

February was the shortest month of the Gregorian calendar year. All good things end faster, but this was a special February, with the blessings of the Chinese gods ushering in the Year of the Dragon and the leap year giving us an extra day to canter around with our Valentines or simply treat ourselves. Read on to discover more about a leap year in the Gregorian calendar and why we have a 29th day every four solar years. I hope you had a wonderful Chinese New Year and made an adorable wish. Cheers to new beginnings, whether romantic or otherwise.

The most significant cosmic events in February 2024 included:

✧ The most beautiful and brightest star in the constellation Virgo, Spica, paired up with Jupiter and was in conjunction with the Moon on February 1.

→What a romantic sight! Astrophotographs of this perfect union were the ultimate epitome of beauty to watch.

✧ On February 2, the magical effects of Mercury were drastically reduced due to the planet being at aphelion (i.e., at its maximum distance from the Sun).

→Creativity levels did not have much leverage during this event.

✧ Antares, a red supergiant star in the constellation Scorpius, was distinctly visible in the sky at night on February 4 due to its bright reddish hue.

→I hope it inspired a smile or two and sparked hope among those who were gazing at the sky that night.

✧ On February 8, the Alpha Centaurids meteor shower which runs from January 28 to February 21 peaked and put on a grand light show. It is a minor annual meteor shower with its radiant point (the area of space that meteor particles emanate from) located within the constellation Centaurus. The Zenith Hourly Rate (how many meteors on average are visible during an hour) is 5, although if a comet is nearby, the number can significantly rise. The speed/velocity of the particles causing the meteor shower is 58km/s. The population index, however, is 2 (the population index is the magnitude distribution of the meteorites, and the higher the population index, the dimmer the meteors are, and vice versa). Let our Editorial and Publishing Team know if you want to see a separate and very bright column written exclusively on meteor showers. Your wish will be duly respected. Our office is open to correspondence (please find the address in the column "From Our Team" in the magazine) or drop into our office yourself to provide feedback, suggestions, or opinions.

→I hope you made a wish together with your loved ones upon each shooting star (yes, that's what meteors are called in some cultures).

✧ February 9 was the month's New Moon night.

→I know who grew friskier, but while spellcasting and potion-brewing experiments aren't entirely limited to the most experienced of magical inventors, I wouldn't recommend that you try anything funny, such as casting the spell you created for your first-year Charms essay assignment, even during the New Moon. There is no harm in trying the first-year Astronomy essay that requires planetary observation, though, if you can match the other criteria in the rubric, that is.

✧ On February 10, Saturn came very close to the Moon.

→I hope you made some lovely progress in your relationships through empathy and thoughtful consideration, with a touch of help from Saturn.

✧ On February 15, Jupiter could be seen 3.2 degrees south of the Moon, by those with keen eyes glued to a telescope.

→I hope any sudden, inevitable changes didn't unnerve you.

✧ On February 22, Venus and Mars bonded through a planetary conjunction.

→This means that they enhanced each other's effects during the overlay. Venus may have led to emotions rocketing sky-high, whether love or anger, and I understand if the air of passion around Valentine's Day didn't do anything to help. Mars, on the other hand, may have brought forth war and destruction, and I hope you managed to remain in your senses. But do not panic if you didn't; what is done is done. As they say, all's fair in love and war. I am sure all of us will move on and embrace the state of peace and harmony that we deserve.

✧ Dearest Werewolf Readers, we hope you found our attempt to notify you useful on February 24, the night of the Full Moon. What was different about this one, though? Not much, except cultural nomenclature. Early Native American Tribes called it the Snow Moon because the heaviest snow fell during this time of the year. Also, due to the harsh weather, some tribes found it difficult to hunt for food at this time and called it the Hunger Moon.

Let's now talk about some spectacular milestones achieved by astronomers in the month of February:

• February 22 - A robotic spacecraft, built by Intuitive Machines and nicknamed Odysseus, safely landed on the Moon at 6:23 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, becoming the first American spacecraft to land on the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.


• February 27- The distant worlds of Uranus and Neptune have more celestial companions than we already knew. Three new moons were discovered, increasing Neptune’s tally of moons from 14 to 16 and Uranus's moon count from 27 to 28. One of Neptune's two newfound moons is the dimmest moon ever detected with ground-based telescopes. The newly identified moon of Uranus is also the first discovery of its kind in over two decades and is believed to be the planet’s smallest, with a diameter of merely five miles.

A very happy spring to all of us, and warmest regards for the eventual journey into summer.

Important cosmic events in the months of March, April, May, June, and July 2024 will include:

✧ March 10 will be the New Moon night, and the defences of many magical creatures will be low.

→Brewers of Wolfsbane, take the cue. The werewolves among us need you. For those who are confused, Wolfsbane potion is best brewed during the New Moon. If you are curious why, you may want to pay attention during Professor Draekon's guest lecture at the top of the Astronomy Tower, in your second year at Hogwarts.

✧ March 20 is the day of the March Equinox, which means the Sun will shine directly on the Equator and there will be nearly equal lengths of day and night throughout the world.

→It is also the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (vernal equinox) and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere (autumnal equinox).

✧ On March 20, Mercury will reach its Greatest Eastern Elongation of 18.7 degrees from the Sun, providing the best possible view of the planet all month at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for it low in the western sky just after sunset.

→Look up to the sky for sudden bouts of inspiration and creativity on this day. Let it spark your imagination and make the most of Mercury's divine as well as magical grace.

✧ WARNING: Dearest Werewolf Readers, please exercise caution on March 25, the night of the Full Moon. This Full Moon is named the Worm Moon by early Native American Tribes because this is the time of year when the Earth would begin to soften and earthworms would reappear from their holes. Other names by which this Moon has been known include the Crow Moon, the Crust Moon, the Sap Moon, and the Lenten Moon.

✧ On March 25, we will also experience a penumbral lunar eclipse (when the Moon passes through the Earth's partial shadow, or penumbra).

→ Please replenish your stores of Wolfsbane nonetheless and stay safe.

✧ April 8 will be the New Moon night.

→ This will be the perfect night to honor Damocles Belby's mastermind. For those who need a refresher, Damocles Belby is a highly acclaimed living potioneer, best known as the inventor of the Wolfsbane Potion. He is also an entrant in the British Wizarding Hall of Fame. For talented astronomers, maybe you want to schedule a stargazing event with your friends? Or perhaps a planetary observation gathering on that night?

✧ Also on April 8, a total solar eclipse (only the Sun's corona will be seen at the stage of maximum occultation) will take place and be visible from multiple places in the United States, an occurrence that won't happen again until 2045. Stay tuned for this rare, once-in-a-lifetime event for zealous eclipse-viewers who live in the United States. For those who plan to travel to the United States for eclipse-watching, book your tickets now. However, appropriate caution is advised, irrespective of whether or not you are native to the country.

✧ The night sky will be stunningly beautiful on April 22–23, thanks to the Lyrids meteor shower, an average meteor shower that runs annually from April 16–25 and usually produces about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is a result of dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in 1861. The radiant point will be located within the constellation Lyra.

→Make a wish upon a shooting star, and it is likely to come true. If you don't believe in superstitions, you may still want to watch the beauties nonetheless. This is a great chance for astrophotography.

✧ WARNING: The Full Moon night in April is on April 23. Check your Potions cabinets and stay safe, beloved werewolves. This Moon was called the Pink Moon by early Native American Tribes because it heralded the appearance of one of the first spring flowers, known as moss pink, or wild ground phlox. Other such cultural names of the Pink Moon include the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Growing Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon (a name given by coastal tribes because shad swam upstream to spawn during this time).

✧ On May 6 and 7, the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower, an above-average shower that produces upto 60 meteors per hour at its peak, will take its turn to beautify the night sky. Although it will be better visible from the Southern Hemisphere, skygazers in the Northern Hemisphere may be able to catch a glimpse of the showers at a rate of upto 30 meteors per hour. This meteor shower is created from dust particles left behind by the famous Halley's comet, which has been observed since ancient times. Halley's comet appears every 76 years. The meteors will radiate from a point within the constellation Aquarius.

→Astrophotographers, don't miss the chance. If you are not one, you still don't want to miss the show. Devour the mesmerizing spectacle or make a wish.

✧ On May 8, the New Moon will be in the sky.

→It will be time to brew Wolfsbane again, study the properties of magical creatures at their lowest defence, and make the most of one's innovative urges. Astronomers will find this a good spot in the month's schedule to observe the night sky.

✧ On May 9, Mercury will be best visible at its highest point above the horizon, at its Greatest Western Elongation of 26.4 degrees from the Sun.

→Pray to Mercury for renewed creativity and inspiration. Maybe Mercury will influence your creative writing and artwork.

✧ WARNING: May 23 will be the Full Moon night. Dearest Werewolf Readers, please chug the potion when required. Spring flowers in abundance lent their name to this Moon, making early Native American Tribes refer to it as the Flower Moon. Also known as the Corn Planting Moon and the Milk Moon, this Moon, with its cultural references, certainly appeals to me.

✧ The next New Moon will be in the sky on June 6.

→If the absence of the Moon's magic means a lot to you, get ready for the drill.

✧ The June Solstice will occur on June 20, meaning that the North Pole of the Earth will be tilted towards the Sun. The Sun will be directly over the Tropic of Cancer, announcing the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

✧ WARNING: Here comes the exhortatory notice again for our Dearest Werewolf Readers. On June 22, the Moon will be Full. Early Native American Tribes called this one the Strawberry Moon because it indicated that it was that time of the year in which they would gather ripened fruit, or, in other words, the peak of the strawberry harvesting season. It was also known as the Rose Moon and the Honey Moon.

✧ July 5 will bring yet another New Moon up in the sky for nocturnal magical creatures, magical creature enthusiasts, astronomers, and magical inventors alike to start feeling skittish again, but taking too many liberties is not recommended on any such night. 

✧ WARNING: Dearest Werewolf Readers, please prepare for the Full Moon on July 21. What name did the early Native American Tribes ascribe to this one? It is the Buck Moon. This is due to male buck deer beginning to grow their new antlers at this time of the year. Other cultural names for this Moon include the Thunder Moon and the Hay Moon.

✧ On July 22, Mercury will again offer a miraculous view of itself at its Greatest Eastern Elongation of 26.9 degrees from the Sun. To observe the best view of Mercury possible all month when it is at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky, keep an eye low in the western sky just after sunset.

→Need some inspiration for your canvas? Trying to write a new story, complete a novel, or craft an article, but suffering from writer's block? Having a tough time being creative for a DIY project? Let the close presence of Mercury guide you through fruitful endeavors.

✧ The night sky will look splendid on July 28 and 29, dotted by the Delta Aquarids meteor shower. It is produced by debris left behind by comets Marden and Kracht and runs annually from July 12 to August 23, peaking on the night of July 28 and morning of July 29. This average meteor shower has a Zenith Hourly Rate of 20 meteors per hour, and its radiant point is located within the constellation Aquarius.

→Enjoy the breathtaking views or make a wish. You may also engage in astrophotography if that's what you would like.

These are the noteworthy events that you must look forward to while you wait for our next issue.

I am now going to open up the secrets of a leap year prior to closing this topic.

So why exactly do we have leap years? To what do we owe this one extra day every four years? In essence, the Gregorian calendar is slightly inconsistent with the full length of a solar year (the time taken for the Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun). The Earth actually takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds to orbit the Sun. However, the Gregorian calendar does not allow the extra 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds, which is approximately 6 hours, or 1/4th of a day, to be taken into account. To compensate, we require a pile-up of these 6 hours to build until we get a full extra day to account for, which happens once every four years. This extra day is known as a leap day and is added to the Gregorian calendar at the end of the month of February to prevent a huge backlog later. I am sure very few of us have a complaint about the shortest month of the year being not so short once every four years. The Chinese Lunar Calendar follows a very different principle, though, which we will discuss in detail in a later topic in this issue. It follows the cycles of the Moon. The Chinese Lunar New Year falls on the second New Moon, that is, the one that occurs between January 21 and February 20. It was celebrated on February 10 this year. The celebrations lasted no less than 17 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival held on February 24. Which New Year do you think is the best? I personally prefer the solar calendar to the lunar one. What is your opinion? I would love to know. 2024, the current solar year we are in, as per the Gregorian calendar, is a leap year. So will be 2028, 2032, and so on. If you haven't been to Arithmancy class yet, this is what we could call a valid set. It is based on arithmetic progression, where each successive number is derived by adding the same value, which is 4, to the previous number.

That was all for this month. Stay tuned to "Cosmic Communiqués by Hiya". See you next on July 31.

Credits go to Professor Robert Plumb for his excellent teaching and for his masterpiece lessons, where I got the privilege to access fascinating magiastronomical concepts and terms. Credits go to Professor Vaylen Draekon for his dedication to explaining how potions work, particularly Wolfsbane, during his guest lecture in my second-year Astronomy classes at the top of the Astronomy Tower. Credits go to Professor Calum Buchanan for teaching meticulously about valid sets of numbers in Arithmancy lessons.

Sources: -

seasky

starlust

Earthsky

Britannica Chinese New Year

chinesenewyear.net

- Hiya Debnath, Journalist, Editor-in-Chief, Compiler, Publisher, Hogwarts Monthly Magazine.