The month starts with the moon just past full. While it’s rising, above it is Mars and nearly opposite the moon in the sky are Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter and Saturn own our evening sky show this month. Saturn is east of Jupiter at the start of the month. Both are moving east, but Jupiter […]
As the sun sets at the start of November, Boötes and the orange star Arcturus are setting along with Ophiuchus and Serpens. Jupiter and Saturn are in the south as they draw closer together for their great conjunction in December. Mars is rising alongside Pisces. Orion and Gemini are late evening risers. Venus and Mercury […]
Planet watching is exciting this month as Jupiter and Saturn draw closer to each other for December’s great conjunction. Start watching them evenings just east of Sagittarius. Each planet is moving toward Capricornus. Jupiter is moving eastward faster than Saturn and will catch up to it a few days before the end of the year […]
Mercury is a horizon hugger this month. Try to see it in the west just after sunset. It won’t be easy. You’ll probably need binoculars or a telescope to see it against the sunset’s light. The planet doesn’t make much of a journey into the night sky this orbit, so you’ll have to settle for […]
As this month begins, if you can see Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE), it will be in the west after sunset. You’ll need binoculars or a telescope. Say goodbye to this visitor which will not be back our way for approximately another 7,000 years. Never forget the wonder it brought to this summer’s already exciting night […]
A comet from a far out orbit is visiting our part of the solar system this month. Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) is a northern hemisphere object and may be seen with the naked eye in the northwest after sunset and in the northeast before sunrise. It sets in late evening and rises in early morning. […]
Planet watching June starts with good views of Mercury, especially in the northern hemisphere. It’s at greatest elongation on the 4th. The planet is moving through Gemini. As is always the case with the messenger planet, you have to catch it quickly. By the middle of the month, it’ll be lost in the sunset. Leo […]
Orion is setting as evening begins. Gemini is above it and sets not long after. Leo is on the meridian as darkness sets in. Hercules and Boötes are rising. By midnight, the great celestial birds Cygnus and Aquila are rising. Look for Pegasus and Capricornus rising just before the sun’s morning light takes the stars […]
April begins with Venus just below the Pleiades in the evening sky. A first quarter moon is just above Wasat in Gemini near the meridian at sunset. Leo is rising with Boötes rising below it. Wait until after midnight and you’ll see Lyra and Cygnus rising. One of the best planetary get-togethers in a long […]
Venus continues its reign as the bright object of the evening sky. At the start of the month, it’s by the eastern fish of Pisces. Look westerly and see Pegasus to the right and Cetus to the left. Venus moves eastward among the starry background, passing Uranus on the 7th. For the next two weeks, […]