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Traveling Spirits

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A Traveling Spirit is a Seasonal Spirit from a past Season who appears in Home and in Aviary Village for a few days. These visits are the only way for players to purchase Expression upgrades, cosmetics , and a Wing Buff from past-Season Spirits, alongside Returning Spirits . One randomly-selected Traveling Spirit returns every two weeks , arriving on Thursday and departing 96 hours later on Sunday.

• 1 Current Traveling Spirit
• 4 Friendship Tree Information
• 5 Historical Appearances
• 6 Visit Randomness
• 8 References

Current Traveling Spirit

The current Traveling Spirit is the Timid Bookworm .

Overview [ ]

Traveling Spirits were introduced to provide players with an opportunity to trade with Seasonal Spirits from past Seasons and acquire Expression upgrades and cosmetics they may have previously missed. [1] Even players who completed the Spirit's Season can benefit from Traveling Spirits, because one Wing Buff is available from each new Traveling Spirit. Also, new items are occasionally added to a Spirit's offerings; in particular, several new Props for Shared Spaces have been introduced. [2]

Traveling Spirits provide an opportunity for new players to (eventually) acquire all of the collectibles offered by Seasonal Spirits. None of the Ultimate Gifts from past Seasons are available (all of which were offered by the Season Guides, not the Seasonal Spirits). [3]

Traveling Spirit at Home

Only players who have completed Valley of Triumph can see the Traveling Spirit at Home . This means you must have been to the Valley Temple and must have meditated at its altar; you do not have to find any Spirits, unlock any Expressions, or buy any cosmetics. Players will see the Traveling Spirit even if they have never relived the Spirit's memory, however if they try to interact with the Spirit, new players are told "This Traveling Spirit is passing through the Realms of Sky. Find their lost memories and become their friend before they leave!" Meaning that in order to access their Friendship Tree, the player must find and relive the Spirit's memory and collect their Expression .

Traveling Spirit at Aviary Village

Players must have started the third Seasonal Quest from Season of Revival to be able to see the Traveling Spirit at Aviary Village . This means you must have unlocked the Map Shrine there to find any Spirits, unlock any Expressions, or buy any cosmetics in Aviary Village.

Players who have previously purchased items from the Traveling Spirit (whether in-Season or on a previous visit) will see those as unlocked items in the Spirit's Friendship Tree . This includes cosmetics, higher Level Expressions , Hearts , Wing Buffs , and some Blessings .

Only Seasonal Spirits return as Traveling Spirits , but TGC has mentioned that Season Guides [3] , Shattering Light and Darkness [4] , and the Revival Mannequins will return in some form, bringing their cosmetics. While there is no confirmation about the Revival Mannequins, Shattering Light and Darkness were included in the Steam Wishlist Goal vote for a future visit, but TGC has yet to confirm if they will function as typical Traveling Spirits like all other standard Seasonal Spirits.

Schedule [ ]

One Traveling Spirit appears every two weeks (even when there is no active Seasonal Event ). The Traveling Spirit appears in Home , standing on the small island in the middle of the koi pond (near the closets ) and in Aviary Village , standing behind the Friendship Constellation Statue in the village plaza area. They appear at server reset Thursday morning, stay for 96 hours, and leave at Sunday night's reset. More specifically:

• The Spirit appears Thursday at 00:00 PST/UTC-8 (during Standard Time) or at 00:00 PDT/UTC-7 (during Daylight Saving Time).
• The Spirit leaves Sunday at 23:59 PST/UTC-8 (during Standard Time) or at 23:59 PDT/UTC-7 (during Daylight Saving Time)
• The next Traveling Spirit will arrive two weeks later at the same times above (depending on your time zone: e.g. For London, server reset is at 07:00 PST/UTC-8 or 08:00 PDT/UTC-7).

During their visit, clicking on the Spirit in Home or Aviary Village will always show a countdown with the remaining time before their departure.

The order used for Traveling Spirits is randomized. There is no way to know which Spirit will appear next, nor to know when a specific Spirit will appear. Guidelines provided by thatgamecompany are:

• The same Traveling Spirits can, and will, appear more than once.
• Spirits from the current Season and previous Season are not eligible to be Traveling Spirits: "Spirits are tired after a particular Season has passed, and will not return as Travelers until another Season is over." Therefore, Season of Revival cosmetics won't be available as Traveling Spirits until Season of the Nine-Colored Deer concludes.
• Traveling Spirits appearing in the Mainland China server (NetEase) differ from those in the global release.

Inferences based on past patterns are detailed below .

thatgamecompany starts to release information about the identity of the next Traveling Spirit a few days before the Spirit arrives.

• The complied list of all the Traveling Spirit hints can be found on a subpage, Traveling Spirits/Hints .
• All of the hints provided to date, categorized by Season, have been complied by Koame. (Note: This site can occasionally be out-of-date.)
• A teaser image (silhouette only) is released roughly 36 hours before the Spirit arrives (i.e., midday Tuesday server time). This image is released in the #news channel of the official Discord server , Sky Facebook page , Twitter page and Instagram profile .

Friendship Tree Information [ ]

To read more about the Friendship Tree, visit the Seasonal Spirits page.

Historical Appearances [ ]

See Spirit Visits for all Spirit appearances and statistics based on them.

Visit Randomness [ ]

Although the "order Traveling Spirits appear in is random," older Spirits tend to visit before newer Spirits, and Spirits that have just visited wait a while before they visit again.

Never in the history of Traveling Spirits has a Spirit from a newer Season visited before at least one Spirit from each of the past Seasons has visited, even with the growing number of new Seasons with Spirits that 'could visit' because "another Season is over", and usually more than one. This means that as Spirits that haven't visited before a certain Season decrease it becomes more likely for a Spirit from that Season to visit because a Spirit from after it won't until one from that previous Season has. I.E. a Spirit from Remembrance won't visit until one from AURORA has, so as Spirits that haven't visited from before AURORA approach 0 it will become much more likely for one from it to visit, since one from Remembrance won't before then, but a Spirit from AURORA could still visit any time.

Never in the history of Traveling Spirits has a Spirit visited twice in the same Season and usually not without a whole individual Season between. Also, even though Spirits that have already visited make up a large portion of the total Spirits, a disproportionate number of new Spirits appear. This is seemingly a necessary deviation from randomness to slow the increase in the growing number of new Spirits that haven’t visited in coordination with the addition of Seasons with only 4 Spirits.

Traveling Spirits do appear randomly, but there are limitations and precedents that inform this randomness. It is not 100% random. There are patterns that haven’t been broken for a long time.

• Traveling Spirits were first introduced with the Season of Rhythm update (Patch 0.8.0 ) in January 2020.
• The first two Traveling Spirits were from noon on Friday to the end of Sunday and visited for 60 hours. The duration was extended to 96 hours in Patch 0.8.4 , starting with the third Traveling Spirit, they visited from Thursday through Sunday.
• On May 27, 2020, thatgamecompany announced a change in future pricing for Traveling Spirits' Friendship Trees to balance the pricing of items. All Traveling Spirits affected by this change have since returned at least once.
• The very first Traveling Spirit to receive a hint was Provoking Performer , for their second appearance on October 1, 2020
• Traveling Spirits were removed from Home after Patch 0.24.5 and exclusively appeared at Aviary Village but that change was reverted with 0.25.0 and they currently appear at both Home and Aviary Village .
• Before the switch, some players were able to see Traveling Spirits in both Home & Aviary Village due to special A/B group testing. [5]

References [ ]

• ↑ thatgamecompany official Support website: “What is a Traveling Spirit?”
• ↑ Sky News - System Update: Traveling Spirits (July 9 2021)
• ↑ 3.0 3.1 thatgamecompany has mentioned future plans to bring Ultimate Gifts using some other mechanism , but details have not been announced.
• ↑ Sky News - Shards of the Past Arrive in Season of Shattering (July 5, 2022)
• ↑ In-game Announcement: Inbox:12-21-2023
• 1 Timid Bookworm
• 2 Children of Light

What are Traveling Spirits?

Traveling Spirits offer players new and old alike another chance to acquire offerings from previous Seasonal Spirits. A new Traveling Spirit will appear in Home every two weeks, and their memories will become available to relive for players who may have missed their stories. Traveling Spirits’ friendship trees will also have other items for players who have already collected their expressions or cosmetics. You will only be able to interact with the Traveling Spirits in-person while they are currently visiting for the weekend, so make sure to develop your friendship with the Spirits before they move on.

Returning Spirits may occasionally appear with a larger group of Spirits from previous events. We plan on doing these events over the course of the year while gathering player feedback, so be on the lookout!

How can I see the Traveling Spirit? I can’t see the Traveling Spirit. Players must have completed the Valley of Triumph in order for the Traveling Spirit to appear in Home.

When do Traveling Spirits appear in Home? Traveling Spirits will appear every two weeks, whether or not there is an active Seasonal event.

Traveling Spirits will be available beginning on Thursday 00:00 PST/UTC-8 (PDT/UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time) and will depart the following Sunday at 23:59 PST/UTC-8 (PDT/UTC-7 during Daylight Saving Time) for a total of 96 hours. A countdown will reflect how much time is remaining before their departure when you interact with the spirit in Home.

How much will items cost from Traveling Spirits? Currency costs will be different from their original Season’s appearance, and require more effort to obtain. The items will use the following currencies: Candles (non-seasonal), Hearts, and Ascended Candles.

What can I get from Traveling Spirits if I already have their cosmetics, expressions, etc? An additional Wing Buff may be obtained from these Traveling Spirits with Ascended Candles.

Why can’t I see the new Wing Buff rewards? How can I acquire Wing Buffs from Traveling Spirits? You will need to complete the Eye of Eden at the finale of the main Sky story to receive these Wing Buffs. This does not need to take place before the Traveling Spirit departs.

Can I purchase items again? Do I have to purchase items again? If you already own an item offered by the Traveling Spirit, it will appear unlocked in the Spirit’s friendship tree. This includes Hearts and some Blessings.

How will I know which Traveling Spirit will appear next? The order Traveling Spirits appear is random. We will tease on Discord and Social Media which Spirit is arriving next.

When will a Seasonal Spirit be eligible to return as a Traveling Spirit? Seasonal Spirits won’t be eligible to return as Traveling Spirits until the  next full Season has passed.

How many times will a Traveling Spirit appear? Traveling Spirits can, and will, appear more than once.

Can I unlock Seasonal Pendants and/or Ultimate Gifts from Traveling Spirits? I missed getting these items from the store or the Seasonal Pass. Seasonal Pendants and Ultimate Gifts will not appear on the Traveling Spirits in exchange for in-game currency. We plan to bring these items back in another capacity but we have not settled on what that will look like or the costs associated with it.

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What Are Traveling Spirits in Sky: Children of the Light? Everything to Know

Sky: Children of the Light is a game filled with stunning realms, a wholesome fanbase, and cute cosmetics to dress your character n. With every new day, there are daily quests, various spirits to visit with, and even new seasons from time to time. The various seasons also bring new cosmetics for a limited time, from the cape you wear to the hair on your head.

The seasons aren’t around forever though. Once its time has come to an end, the seasonal spirits, and more importantly, cosmetics, will all be set to the side. You’ll still be able to complete the quests in game, though the fun cosmetics won’t be available through the same means. You may feel down about not being able to get that really cool cape you saw, but fortunately, this isn’t the case. 

Within the world of sky are Traveling Spirits – spirits from previous seasons who return for a time. While they are around, you’re able to purchase the emotes and other fun things that they once offered, using the in game currencies. But when do the spirits show up? How long will they be here? Who is the current traveling spirit, and what cosmetics are they carrying? We have all the answers for you here, and will update this page every time a new traveling spirit arrives – so keep reading to find out more!

Who is the Current Traveling Spirit?

The visiting traveling spirit is none other than the Slouching Soldier. This spirit was originally from the Spirit of the Little Prince , a collaboration season in the summer of 2021. This spirit hasn’t previously visited as a traveling spirit, this being their first time back. It will remain at the home realm from February 16 to 19, waiting to say hello. During this time, you can purchase all of the cosmetics they carry!

What Cosmetics are the Spirit Carrying – And How Much Are They?

The current traveling spirit, the Slouching Soldier , has several unique items that players may be interested in. The first of these is an item that most TS’s carry: a heart (In-Game Currency) that goes for 3 candles . You can use this heart to help purchase some of the other cosmetics this spirit carries, as well as other seasonal items. 

After that, the spirit offers it’s emote, which is very fitting for the soldier – a slouch. There are four different versions of this emote, costing a total of 13 hearts all together. You only need to get the Level Three version of this emote to progress the Friendship Tree of this traveling spirit though. You’ll also need 2 ascended candles to get some of the more expensive cosmetics, which can be found by going to Eden.

This traveling spirit also carries a music sheet for 15 Hearts, and can be played on many of the instruments you can find in Sky, along with two different spells that go for 5 candles each. More notably, this traveling spirit has both a hair and cape cosmetic. The messy lob of hair, looking a lot like that of someone who hasn’t gotten a lot of sleep, goes for 42 candles. The cape on the other hand, which looks just as beaten up and torn, is 70 candles.

In total, you will need 13 Hearts, 140 Regular Candles, and 2 Ascended Candles if you want to purchase all of these spirits cosmetics. 

Where Can I find the Traveling Spirit?

If you’ve already visited the traveling spirit, and have found you’re unable to unlock the items, there’s a reason for that. You haven’t met them yet! Luckily, it’s pretty easy: All you have to do is find them.

This particular traveling spirit can be found in the Vault of Knowledge, the fifth realm in the game. You can find them in the old season’s location, which is just to the left of the vault’s spawn point. You’ll have to have finished the Valley of Triumph before accessing the spirit (the fourth in-game realm), so be sure to do that first.

Who have been the previous Traveling Spirits?

There has been many traveling spirit visits in the game before the current one, all of whom offer fun and colorful cosmetics to play around with. Here’s a list of some of the more recent traveling spirits, along with when they visited.

February 2023

Slouching Soldier (Current Traveling Spirit) Piggyback Lightseeker

January 2023

Rallying Thrillseeker Baffled Botanist

December 2022

Pleaful Parent Sassy Drifter

November 2022

Bearhug Hermit Prophet of Water

October 2022

Nodding Muralist Laidback Pioneer 

September 2022

Beckoning Ruler Shushing Light Scholar Indifferent Alchemist

August 2022

Scolding Student Thoughtful Director

Doublefive Light Catcher Timid Bookworm

Peeking Postman Hairtousle Teen

Greeting Shaman Prophet of Air

Daydream Forester Spinning Mentor

Scarecrow Farmer Stretching Guru Troupe Greeter

February 2022

Hiking Ground Prophet of Earth

January 2022

Saluting Protector Twirling Champion

We hoped you enjoyed our Sky: Children of the Light guide. Be sure to check out our  All Spirit Locations In the Hidden Forest in Sky: Children Of The Light guide as well. Or to follow our Sky: Children of the Light coverage, and other content, consider joining our  Facebook !

40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 10 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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Don't miss Venus in the late night sky right now before it turns into a 'Morning Star'

The planet Venus is at its peak of visibility in the evening sky this week.

The planet Venus is at its peak of visibility in the evening sky this week. 

Officially, Venus became an "evening star" on October 22 of last year when it appeared from our earthly vantage point to be situated on the far side of its orbit, invisible due to its proximity to the sun in our sky. It wasn't until the end of November or the early part of December before Venus finally began to make itself evident, very low in the western sky right after sunset. Soon after the winter season officially began, it seemed to almost vault upwards, appearing progressively higher and more prominent at dusk, and setting a bit later each evening.

On June 4, the "Queen of the Night" will arrive at its greatest elongation — its greatest angular distance in the sky to the east of the sun — 45 degrees. And during this week, Venus will arrive at that point in this outstanding evening apparition where it will set at its absolute latest. Some astronomy guidebooks will tell you that because it's an "inferior" planet — that is, a planet that is closer to the sun than Earth — that you can never see Venus in the middle of the night. 

But this week, for many locations, Venus will indeed be visible at the witching hour and for some localities well beyond the stroke of midnight!

Related: What is a 'morning star,' and what is an 'evening star'?

Soaring high

Want to get a good look at Venus or other planets in the night sky? We recommend the  Celestron Astro Fi 102  as the top pick in our  best beginner's telescope guide . 

The reason that this is possible is two-fold. First, Venus' elongation from the sun currently measures 44 degrees; just 1 degree shy of its greatest elongation that it will attain in a little over three weeks from now. And in the interim, Venus has been progressing eastward along the ecliptic (the line the sun 'draws' in the sky throughout the year) and in the process also moving northward through that part of the sky that the sun itself will be traversing during June. 

In other words, Venus has been describing a high arc across the sky, which is why at sunset it appears from mid-northern latitudes nearly halfway up from the horizon to the point directly overhead (the zenith). This also means that Venus remains visible after sunset for between 3.5 hours (at 30 degrees North) and 5.5 hours (at 60 degrees North).

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Related: See bright Venus climb to its highest point in the night sky tonight

Delaying sunset, and the setting of Venus

The other reason is that because the length of daylight is increasing, the sun is setting progressively later. But a more important factor came into play on Sunday, March 12 when most places in North America observed the start of Daylight Saving Time (DST). Indeed, pushing the clock ahead forestalled the setting of the sun by an hour, as well as the setting of Venus. So, for example, from New York City, this week Venus would appear to set at 10:45 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, but adding that extra hour delays Venus' setting until 11:45 p.m. 

In recent nights, when, for the final time of the day I walk my dog Sweeney, we've also had Venus for a companion, still shining brilliantly near the west-northwest horizon. Fantastically odd, since usually at half past eleven at night, Venus is long gone from the sky, having already set some hours before.

And for those places located near or along the western flank of a particular time zone, Venus will appear to set even later — in some cases — after midnight! 

Same time zone ... big difference!

Let me use two locations to drive home this point: Bangor, Maine and Marquette, Michigan. Both are located in the Eastern Time Zone. 

Each time zone is generally 15 degrees in width. But Bangor is near the eastern flank of the zone and Marquette at the western flank. Because the Earth is a sphere and rotates from west to east, the setting of a particular celestial object will be seen at a particular moment from Bangor, but that same object will not set for Marquette until about an hour or more has passed; it will take that long for the Earth's rotation to turn enough to bring that celestial object down to the western horizon, as seen from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. And yet for both locations, the clock reads the same because they are both in the same time zone.  

As a consequence, this week, Venus will set from Bangor at 11:41 p.m. EDT. But for Marquette, Venus does not set until 1:03 a.m. EDT!

End of Venus' evening show

Venus will continue to "stay up late" for a while longer, but after this week it slowly will begin to set earlier, and this will really begin to accelerate after July 20 when it becomes stationary against the background stars and begins turning rapidly back to the west toward the sun. 

By then, if you watch for it at dusk, it will appear noticeably lower with each passing evening; during the final ten days of July, it will be setting 5 minutes earlier each night. Our last chance to get a glimpse of it in the evening sky will be at the very start of August, then it will disappear into the sunset glow. 

Returning as a prominent morning star a few weeks later, it will then become a dazzling fixture in the predawn morning sky right through the balance of 2023. 

If you hope to take a look at Venus close-up during its evening apparition, our guides to the  best telescopes  and  best binoculars  are a great place to start. 

And for tips on photographing Venus or the night sky in general, check out our guide on  how to see and photograph the planets and our rundowns on the  best cameras for astrophotography  and  best lenses for astrophotography .

Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's  Hayden Planetarium . He writes about astronomy for  Natural History magazine , the  Farmers' Almanac  and other publications. Follow us on Twitter  @Spacedotcom  and on  Facebook .

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Joe Rao is Space.com's skywatching columnist, as well as a veteran meteorologist and eclipse chaser who also serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for Natural History magazine, the Farmers' Almanac and other publications. Joe is an 8-time Emmy-nominated meteorologist who served the Putnam Valley region of New York for over 21 years. You can find him on Twitter and YouTube tracking lunar and solar eclipses, meteor showers and more. To find out Joe's latest project, visit him on Twitter.

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Norilsk: The city built by gulag prisoners where Russia guards its Arctic secrets

Environmental activists are frustrated by how authorities handled a diesel spill which poured into two Arctic rivers in late May.

International correspondent @DiMagnaySky

Friday 3 July 2020 23:41, UK

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The drive from Norilsk airport to the city takes you past mile after mile of crumbling, Soviet-era factories.

It looks like an endless, rusting scrapyard - a jumble of pipes, industrial junk and frost-bitten brickwork. If you were looking for an industrial apocalypse film setting, this would be your place - but you're unlikely to get the permissions.

Norilsk was built in Stalin's times by gulag prisoners. This gritty industrial city is a testament to their endurance both of the cruelty of Stalin's regime and of the harsh polar climate. There were no thoughts then on how to build to protect the environment, just to survive it.

Vasily Ryabinin doesn't think much has changed, at least in ecological terms. He used to work for the local branch of the federal environmental watchdog, Rosprirodnadzor, but quit in June after exposing what he says was a failure to investigate properly the environmental impact of the gigantic diesel spill which poured into two Arctic rivers in late May.

At 21,000 tonnes, it was the largest industrial spill in the polar Arctic .

Despite the Kremlin declaring a federal emergency and sending a host of different agencies to participate in the clean-up, just last week Mr Ryabinin and activists from Greenpeace Russia found another area where technical water used in industrial processes was being pumped directly into the tundra from a nearby tailing pond. Russia's investigative committee has promised to investigate.

"The ecological situation here is so bad," Mr Ryabinin says.

"The latest constructions such as the tailing pond at the Talnack ore-processing plant were built exclusively by Nornickel chief executive Vladimir Potanin's team and supposedly in accordance with ecological standards, but on satellite images you can see that all the lakes in the vicinity have unnatural colours and obviously something has got into them."

Mining company Nornickel would disagree. It has admitted flagrant violations at the tailing pond and suspended staff it deems responsible at both the Talnack plant and at Norilsk Heat and Power plant no 3 where the diesel spill originated from.

On Thursday it appointed Andrey Bougrov, from its senior management board, to the newly-created role of senior vice president for environmental protection. It has a clear environmental strategy, provides regular updates on the status of the spill, and its Twitter feed is filled with climate-related alerts.

But what investors read is very different to the picture on the ground.

Norilsk used to be a closed city - one of dozens across the Soviet Union shut off to protect industrial secrets. Foreigners need special permissions approved by the Federal Security Service (FSB) to enter the region. It would take an invitation from Nornickel to make that happen and, for the past month since the spill, that has not been forthcoming.

Unlike in Soviet times, Russian citizens are now free to come and go. That's why our Sky News Moscow team were able to fly in and travel around the city, even if getting to the spill site was blocked. What they were able to film provides a snapshot of the immense challenge Russia faces in upgrading its Soviet-era industrial infrastructure, particularly at a time when climate change is melting the permafrost on which much of it was built.

Just downwind from one of the rusting factories on the city outskirts is a huge expanse of dead land. The skeletal remains of trees stand forlorn against the howling Arctic winds. Sulphur dioxide poisoning has snuffed the life out of all that lived here. Norilsk is the world's worst emitter of sulphur dioxide by a substantial margin.

"For 80km south of here everything is dead," Mr Ryabinin says, "and for at least 10km in that direction too. Everything here depends on the wind."

Immediately after the spill, Mr Ryabinin filmed and took samples from the Daldykan river just a few kilometres from the fuel tank which had leaked. By that point the river was a churning mix of diesel and red sludge dredged up from the riverbed by the force of the leak. Norilsk's rivers have turned red before and the chemical residues have sunk to the bottom, killing all life there. Nothing has lived in those rivers for decades.

In his capacity as deputy head of the local environmental watchdog, Mr Ryabinin says he insisted that he be allowed to fly further north to check the levels of contamination in Lake Pyasino and beyond.

Nornickel at the time claimed the lake was untouched by the spill. Mr Ryabinin says his boss encouraged him to let things be.

"I can't be sure I would have found anything, but this sort of confrontation - making sure I didn't go there with a camera, let alone with bottles for taking samples, it was all very clear to me. It was the final straw."

Rosprirodnadzor refused to comment to Sky News on Mr Ryabinin's allegations or suggestions that the agency was working hand in hand with Nornickel.

Georgy Kavanosyan is an environmental blogger with a healthy 37,000 following on YouTube. Shortly after the spill, he set out for Lake Pyasino and to the Pyasina River beyond to see how far the diesel had spread.

"We set out at night so that the Norilsk Nickel security wouldn't detect us. I say at night, but they've got polar nights there now, north of the Arctic Circle. So it's still light but it's quieter and we managed to go past all the cordons."

He is one of the few to have provided evidence that the diesel has in fact travelled far beyond where the company admits. Not just the 1,200km (745m) length of Lake Pyasino but into the river beyond.

He says his measurements indicated a volume of hydrocarbons dissolved in the water of between two and three times normal levels. He thinks after he published his findings on YouTube, the authorities' vigilance increased.

Greenpeace Russia have spent the last two weeks trying to obtain samples from Lake Pyasino and the surrounding area. They have faced difficulties getting around and flying their samples out for independent analysis.

They are now waiting for results from a laboratory in St Petersburg but say the samples remain valid technically for just four days after collection and that they weren't able to make that deadline due to the authorities' actively obstructing their work.

Elena Sakirko from Greenpeace Russia specialises in oil spills and says this has happened to her before. This time, a police helicopter flew to the hunter's hut where they were staying and confiscated the fuel for the boat they were using. Then a deputy for the Moscow city parliament tasked with bringing the samples back from Norilsk was forced to go back empty-handed.

"We were told at the airport we needed permission from the security department of Nornickel," Ms Sakirko says. "We asked them to show us some law or statement to prove that this was legal or what the basis for this was, but they haven't showed us anything and we still don't understand it."

Nornickel announced this week that the critical stage of the diesel spill is over. The company is now finalising dates for a press tour for foreign media and for other international environmentalists.

Mr Ryabinin thinks this should have happened weeks ago.

"If we don't let scientists come to the Arctic region to evaluate the impact of the accident, then in the future if anything similar happens, we won't know what to do."

A spokesperson for Nornickel said the company "is actively cooperating with the scientific community and will meticulously assess both the causes and effects of the accident."

Nornickel considers permafrost thawing to be the primary cause of the accident, but is waiting for the end of investigation before making a final statement, the spokesperson said.

They added that the company "accepts full responsibility for the incidents on its sites these past two months and holds itself accountable for any infrastructural deficits or poor decisions by personnel.

"The imperative is to do everything to clean up our sites, instil a stronger culture of transparency and safety in our workforce, and ensure that such situations do not occur in the future."

May’s Night Sky Notes: Stargazing for Beginners

by Kat Troche of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Millions were able to experience the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, inspiring folks to become amateur astronomers – hooray! Now that you’ve been ‘bitten by the bug’, and you’ve decided to join your local astronomy club , here are some stargazing tips!

The Bortle Scale

Before you can stargaze, you’ll want to find a site with dark skies. It’s helpful learn what your Bortle scale is. But what is the Bortle scale? The Bortle scale is a numeric scale from 1-9, with 1 being darkest and 9 being extremely light polluted; that rates your night sky’s darkness. For example, New York City would be a Bortle 9, whereas Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania is a Bortle 2.

Determining the Bortle scale of your night sky will help narrow down what you can expect to see after sunset. Of course, other factors such as weather (clouds namely) will impact seeing conditions, so plan ahead. Find Bortle ratings near you by visiting  www.lightpollutionmap.info  and entering your location in the Search bar at the top of the page. Additionally, you may click on the map to select your location, providing you with such details as coordinates, Bortle class, and elevation. The map FAQ can be found at: www.lightpollutionmap.info/help.html

No Equipment? No Problem!

There’s plenty to see with your eyes alone. Get familiar with the night sky by studying star maps in books, or with a planisphere. These are great to begin identifying the overall shapes of constellations, and what is visible during various months.

Interactive sky maps, such as Stellarium Web , work well with mobile and desktop browsers, and are also great for learning the constellations in your hemisphere. There are also several astronomy apps on the market today that work with the GPS of your smartphone to give an accurate map of the night sky.

Keep track of Moon phases . Both the interactive sky maps and apps will also let you know when planets and our Moon are out! This is especially important because if you are trying to look for bright deep sky objects, like the Andromeda Galaxy or the Perseus Double Cluster, you want to avoid the Moon as much as possible. Moonlight in a dark sky area will be as bright as a streetlight, so plan accordingly! And if the Moon is out, check out this Skywatcher’s Guide to the Moon: bit.ly/MoonHandout

Put On That Red Light

If you’re looking at your phone, you won’t be able to see as much. Our eyes take approximately 30 minutes to get dark sky adapted, and a bright light can ruin our night vision temporarily. The easiest way to stay dark sky adapted is to avoid any bright lights from car headlights or your smartphone. To avoid this, simply use red lights, such as a red flashlight or headlamp.

The reason: white light constricts the pupils of your eyes, making it hard to see in the dark, whereas red light allows your pupils to stay dilated for longer. Most smartphones come with adaptability shortcuts that allow you to make your screen red, but if you don’t have that feature, use red cellophane on your screen and flashlight.

Up next: why binoculars can sometimes be the best starter telescope, with Night Sky Network ’s upcoming mid-month article through NASA's website!

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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