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After a little break (of 25 years or so) Bob King is celebrating his retirement with a return to The North 103.3's airwaves!After almost 40 years with the Duluth News Tribune, Bob is now retired. But scratch a print guy and you'll find a radio guy; King and then-UMD Planetarium Director Glen Langhorst hosted Startalk on KUMD for several years in the early '90s.Listen for Astro Bob every other Tuesday at 8am on Northland Morning.

Astro Bob's Backyard Astronomy: The Moon Breaks Rank and the Milky Way Rises

Bob King
The Summer Triangle and the Milky Way as seen from Grand Marais

Although the moon has fallen out of formation with the planets, there is still time in the early morning to see Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn in an orderly line. Look to the south and east through the first week of July - and don't forget to set your alarm clock for about 4 a.m.

Bob King
The view from Hawk Ridge in Duluth in the early morning of June 27th

Late June is also prime time for locating the Summer Triangle, says Bob King. "Look halfway up the eastern sky as it's getting dark in late June, and you'll spot the three bright stars that make up the figure called the Summer Triangle. A bright portion of the Milky Way appears between them."

Map: Stellarium

To make the most of the short summer nights, Bob recommends heading to the country. For Duluthians, this might mean driving about ten miles north, away from light pollution. Seek out a dirt road with a wide horizon line. And while you're looking up, don't forget to look around; the presence of fireflies will add to the twinkling experience.

Luke Moravec is the host for Northland Morning on The North 103.3. He’s also a local actor, musician and writer. He loves puzzles, riddles and fun mysteries.