DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the Jan. 21 Sun Spots, that bright, visible object in the sky is the planet, Mercury. It rises a tad before dusk and remains visible until the sun is rising and it’s too bright to be seen any longer. I look at it many mornings and have for a long time. I’ve confirmed it with some astronomy references and my Google SkyMap constellations, planets, etc. application that is just like a map of the celestial bodies. It’s awesome and I use it often. If you’re looking for something specific, don’t know what something is called, or just want to know what’s out there, it can provide you with an answer most of the time. It even maps the Perseid meteor showers in the summer.

The map is easy to use and uses our geographical measurements to plot, like longitude, latitude, the equator, prime meridian, International Date Line, etc. I use it because I haven’t been able to afford a telescope quite yet, but that’s on my list and has been for a long time. The phone app shows you what it is from where you are facing it. The movement mimics that of someone taking a video.

— Nicole, no town

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In the Jan. 8 Sun Spots, Dan of Lewiston was looking for an 8mm movie projector. I have one that I believe is in working order and he’s welcome to it. He can call me at 207-539-4188. Leave a message and a contact phone number if I’m not home.

— June, no town

ANSWER: (Happy sigh.) Don’t you just love Sun Spots? Dan, I sure hope you see this!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person who wrote about wanting a wallet-size calendar in the Jan. 18 Sun Spots, I have one that I picked up at a Hallmark store and I don’t need it. Call 207-353-6971 if interested.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: What great readers we have! I feel so lucky to be part of all this.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last Wednesday I was on my way home from shopping at Walmart and realized I didn’t have my cell phone then remembered I had left it in the shopping cart. I returned to the store and checked where I had left the cart, but the cell phone wasn’t there. I went to Customer Service, described the phone, and they had it. Thank you to the person who returned it. There are still some honest people in this world! I enjoy reading Sun Spots. It’s very informative!

— Diane, no town

ANSWER: I can truly say I would freak out if I lost my phone at this stage. Actually, I did lose it a few years ago and a wonderful lady found it on the slushy pavement at Hannaford. She didn’t know how to work it so she brought it to her son who was able to open my contacts where I had my landline listed. This woman not only called to tell me she had the phone but then met me at a convenient location halfway between our two houses so she could return it to me. This was after she had worked a long shift as a CNA at a nursing home. I have never forgotten her kindness!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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