An astronomical observation

[Susan Fox-Davis]

David wrote:

> I don't know if any of you intend to be up and about at midnight in
> the next couple of weeks, but if you are, and live in British
> latitudes, you might be interested to know that the head of the
> constellation Draco will be directly overhead at that time.

Draco is one of the north polar constellations;  as such, Draco is
always there over Britain!

 >I wonder if there is astronomical significance to JKR's choosing the
>summer (antipodean winter) solstice for OoP's release?

To be technically correct, I believe that the Sun enters Cancer
at 9:11 a.m. on the morning of 22 June, so I think not.
The thought process I recall was to make it NOT A SCHOOL NIGHT
as would be Harry's Birthday, Tuesday 1 July.

>And will Mars be bright that night?

Probably!  Mars enters Pisces on 17 June;
that's five signs away from Cancer which means
it is just east of overhead at midnight, the night
we'll all be up 'til midnight at least! <smile>

>(Apparently not, but the baleful influence of
>Saturn might be felt later in the week.)

Oh, I don't know, Saturn is in Trine with the
Mars on 22 June, that's a benevolent aspect.

Susan Fox-Davis