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Readers’ Photo Corner

By Raffy Paredes

For readers who have been drawn into stargazing since the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction last December 21, here’s a calendar of spectacular night sky events for 2021:

February 11: Venus-Jupiter Conjunction

March 9 and 10: Quadruple formation (Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, crescent Moon)

April 22: Lyrids Meteor Shower

May 5: Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower

May 26: “Blood Moon” Total Lunar Eclipse

June 10: “Ring of Fire” Solar Eclipse

July 12: Venus-Mars Conjunction

Late July: Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower

August 12-13: Perseids Meteor Shower

August 18: Mars-Mercury Conjunction

October 8: Draconids Meteor Shower

October 21: Orionids Meteor Shower

November 4-5: South Taurids Meteor Shower

November 11-12: North Taurids Meteor Shower

November 17: Leonids Meteor Shower

November 19: Partial Lunar Eclipse

December 13-14: Geminids Meteor Shower

For more detailed information on these events, visit https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide and https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/12/ten-spectacular-stargazing-events-to-watch-in-2021/ .

Here are today’s featured readers and their photos.

Benj Manalo shares a Christmas-themed photo showing “that even during our pandemic struggle we Filipinos celebrate Christmas in our hearts.” Benj Manalo is the founder of Social Groups Huawei Mobile Photography Philippines and a Huawei ambassador that inspires mobile photographers in the country. Photo was taken with a Huawei P40 Pro.

The photo “Walang Banta Sa Pananampalataya” comes from Dan Alexander Abas. He writes: “Mga mananampalataya patuloy na sumisimba at dumadalo ng pagdiriwang ng Simbang Gabi sa gitna ng pandemya sa Parokya ni San Agustin, Bay, Laguna. Napuno at umabot hanggang sa patio ng simbahan ang dami ng mga maninimba.  Hindi hadlang sa mga maninimba ang problemang kinakaharap natin sa ngayon. Kahit na may nakaharang sa mga bibig at hiwa-hiwalay ang upuan at pwesto ay sama-sama paring nananalig at sumasampalataya.”

Darlene Exconde, currently a first-year college student at the Laguna State Polytechnic University-San Pablo City Campus sent in “Dissatisfied with the Blue Balloon.” She says that this photo reminded her of her childhood experiences.

From Gerbs De Castro is the photo, “The Joy of Sunrise.” He took the photo at the Glades, Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal.

Kent Ramirez Duque from Tagum City shares what he declares is the “Tallest Christmas tree in the Philippines, located in Tagum City, Davao del Norte” with a height of 193 feet. “Even though we are in a hard situation because of the pandemic, this holiday tree gives joy and hope to every Filipino family,” writes Kent.

Kevin Amante contributed the untitled black-and-white photo of bancas in Sampaloc Lake, San Pablo City, Laguna. Photo was taken on Christmas day.

The picture of two cats titled “Pangamba” is from Rinalyn Aiza Loyola. A poem accompanies her photo:

“Sa aming mga mata / Makikita ang aming pag-alala

Aming taga pag-alaga / Kung ang kalagayan nila ay nasa ayos na.“

Marc Jolas Aquino’s photo contribution is titled “Pause,” a composite image of the moon at different phases in 2020.

Lynne Gin sent in an untitled photo of a vendor by a church in Bantayan Island, Cebu.

And from Lea Kim Sia is the photo, “Last Catch.”

For comments, suggestions or just to share an image or idea, email [email protected] or [email protected].