Astronomy Calendar RSS
August 2018 Astronomy Calendar
Mars, Stars, & Meteors August evenings begin with bright Venus in the west, followed by Jupiter, and Saturn in the southern sky. Following the July 27th opposition, Mars rises earlier each night, but begins to dim after about mid-August. As if to give Mars a send-off, the Perseid Meteor shower peaks in the pre-dawn morning hours of Sunday August 12th and Monday August 13th. The New Moon is Saturday, August 11th, meaning there will be no bright Moon to interfere with seeing the Perseids this year. August 11 will also see a partial solar eclipse for parts of Europe, Asia, and Northern Canada. We...
July 2018 Astronomy Calendar: Red Mars & Summer Nebulae
Mars At Its Best This month we are introducing an observing challenge that will require a 6" or larger telescope, to celebrate the Mars opposition: Can you spot Mars' two small moons? See details at the end of the article. July evenings begin with bright Venus in the west, followed by Jupiter, and Saturn in the East. These planets are the opening act before Mars steals the show. Mars begins the month rising a little before 11:PM from the SE. By the end of July, Mars will be rising just after sunset, and be out all evening. The best viewing for Mars will be the...
June 2018 Astronomy Calendar
The King of Planets Reigns
Jupiter commands the night sky this month, rising just before the sun sets. Throughout the night, it shares the stage first with Venus (in the west after sunset), followed by Saturn as midnight approaches, and finally Mars enters the stage just after midnight, and sliding into the late evening hours as the month progresses.
May 2018 Astronomy Calendar
The Moon and Planets Play Tag
May will be an exciting month full of Lunar-Planetary conjunctions for both evening and morning stargazers. The Moon will be chasing all four bright planets across the evening and mornings skies.
Morning Stargazers will continue to be treated to Saturn and Mars all month long. Look for Jupiter to rise earlier each evening, with opposition on May 9th - it's best and brightest of the year.
Venus will continue shining brightly all month long, moving gradually higher in the evening sky, with another beautiful Lunar conjunction on May 17th...
