July Skies
The moon begins the month at first quarter, meaning it is one-quarter of the way through its phases. And, Jupiter is a scant three degrees south of the moon on the 1st. On Thursday, July 6, Saturn is in a similar position, three degrees south. The moon is full on the evening of the 8th. A day later, our satellite is less than a degree away from the Beehive Cluster (M44). On the 13th, Neptune is in occultation with the moon for viewers in the extreme south of the planet, only close for us in the north. And, you’ll need a good telescope to see it! On the 19th, though, Aldebaran and Venus make a superb trio with Luna, the bright star below (an occultation in Europe) and the bright planet above. This will be an early morning event in the eastern sky. The moon is new on the 23rd, just one month away from what may be the Great American Eclipse. A couple of days later, in the southwest at sunset, Regulus, the bright star in Leo, the Moon, and Mercury form a nice trio. On the 28th, Jupiter is back again, or more properly, the Moon is back again with Jupiter three degrees south.
Mercury is well placed in the west throughout July, but close to the horizon at sunset. Watch for the trio event mentioned above with Aldebaran and the moon. Binoculars or a small telescope will help picking the planet out of the hazy horizon.
Venus is doing its bit as the Morning Star, circling west of the sun as it prepares for its swing behind later in the year. The morning of the 19th is a good day to plan for a viewing or photography session, as the moon and Aldebaran are nearby.
Mars is behind the sun, so not visible.
Jupiter dominates the southern sky at sunset, nicely placed for evening viewing. Two close brushes with the moon occur on the 1st and 28th (one “moonth” apart).
Saturn resides in the obscure constellation Ophiuchus throughout July, also nicely placed for evening viewing. The Ringed Planet and Jupiter will be favourite targets at the National Star Party on July 29. Where will you be?
Uranus rises in the late evening among the stars of Pisces, The Fishes.
Neptune appears very late in the evening, crossing the sky until the early dawn. Occulted in the Southern Hemisphere on the 13th.
James Edgar has had an interest in the night sky all his life. He joined The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in 2000 and is now the Society’s Past President, Editor of the renowned Observer’s Handbook, and Production Manager of the bi-monthly RASC Journal. The IAU named asteroid 1995 XC5 “(22421) Jamesedgar” in his honour.
