Courtesy of Kim Bellehumeur

SUMMER STARGAZING THE SEASON’S BEST CELESTIAL SHOWS

2026 | ISSUE 7

Summer offers some of the most comfortable conditions for skywatching and hobby astronomy. From meteor showers and eclipses to breathtaking views of the Milky Way, there are plenty of reasons to stay up a little later and look skyward. The season begins with the Alpha Capricornids, active from July 12 to August 23. While this meteor shower produces relatively few meteors, it is known for spectacular fireballs that can outshine the stars. Overlapping with it is the Perseid meteor shower, running from July 17 to August 24. Widely considered the year’s best meteor display, the Perseids feature fast-moving shooting stars that leave glowing trails across the sky. At the end of July, the Southern Delta Aquariids add a steady stream of fainter meteors. August brings a partial solar eclipse visible across Canada on August 12 followed by a deep partial lunar eclipse on August 27 and 28, when much of the Moon will take on a reddish-orange glow. From July through September, stargazers can also enjoy some of the year’s best views of the Milky Way, with the bright core of our galaxy stretching across the night sky. Grab a blanket, head outside and enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular shows. No matter where you live in Canada, there is something to see in the night sky.

Tarts RICOTTA & SPINACH

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 clove garlic, minced • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese • 2 eggs (1 each for filling and egg wash) • Olive oil & cooking spray • 6 cup muffin tin

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and cut into 6 squares • 1 cup ricotta cheese • 2 cups fresh spinach, blanched • 1 yellow onion, finely diced

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prep your tin by lightly greasing it with cooking spray. 2. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the spinach and cook on low for 5 minutes until fully wilted. 3. Wrap the cooked spinach mixture in paper towel, squeeze out excess moisture. 4. For the filling whisk together the ricotta, one egg, parmesan, salt, pepper and parsley in a bowl. Fold in the dry spinach mixture until fully combined. 5. Season to taste with salt, pepper, parsley and red pepper flakes. 6. Press the 6 pastry squares gently into the muffin holes. Set aside. 7. Spoon the mixture evenly into the pastry cases. Brush the exposed pastry edges with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish. 7. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

No muffin tin? Make a rustic galette instead! Lay the pastry flat on a baking paper-lined tray, pile the filling in the centre, leaving a 1-inch border, fold the edges inward and bake 20 minutes. Try adding crumbled feta, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, crispy bacon or shredded roast chicken!

DO THE BEST YOU CAN UNTIL YOU KNOW BETTER. THEN WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER.”

MAYA ANGELOU

CAPTURE SUMMER’S GOLDEN HOUR

Picture a gorgeous summer day. The sun is low in the sky and everything is bathed in a warm golden glow. Photographers call this magical window the golden hour. It occurs shortly after sunrise and just before sunset, when the sun casts a soft, flattering light that enhances colours and reduces harsh shadows. The result is brighter, more professional-looking photos that can make even smartphone shots stand out. Whether you’re photographing a home for sale, capturing staging photos or preserving special outdoor memories, summer offers ideal conditions. Longer days mean more daylight hours to work with and a wider window to find the perfect lighting. Landscapes appear richer, outdoor spaces feel more inviting and details are highlighted in a natural, appealing way. Taking advantage of the golden hour can instantly elevate your images and help create a lasting impression.

Quick Tip: Position the sun behind your subject for a dramatic silhouette or use side lighting to add depth, texture and dimension to your photos.

GARDEN TIPS FOR SUMMER HEAT

Summer heat can stress even the healthiest plants, but a few simple strategies can help your garden stay healthy and vibrant throughout the season. One of the most effective steps is to water deeply in the early morning. This allows moisture to reach the roots before the day’s heat causes excessive evaporation. Deep watering also encourages stronger root growth, helping plants become more resilient during hot, dry periods. Protecting the soil is equally important. Covering bare ground with mulch, decorative stones or living ground cover plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Ground covers such as moss, microclover, kidney weed, wild strawberries, Kinnikinnick and Baskets of Gold can reduce water loss while adding colour and texture to your landscape. Providing shade can also make a significant difference. Umbrellas, shade cloths and garden structures can shield sensitive plants from intense afternoon sun. For a more natural approach, strategically plant taller species such as ornamental grasses, Northern Sweetvetch or Culver’s root. These plants thrive in sunny conditions while creating pockets of shade that help protect nearby plants and conserve moisture. With a little planning, your garden can flourish even during the hottest days of summer. Circle Sudoku

Place the numbers 1–8 in the empty spaces. Each circle and each straight line must contain the numbers 1–8, with no repeats.

Solution

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