|
Dudley Observatory
Supporting research and education in astronomy, astrophysics, and the history of astronomy |
|
|
|
Skywatch July 2005 This is the Skywatch Line for Monday, July 25.
By Joe Slomka
The Sun sets tonight at 8:23, with night falling at 10:24 PM. Dawn breaks at 3:40 AM and ends with sunrise at 5:41.
Two bright planets grace tonight’s sky, but one may be difficult to spot. Venus is the brightest, but also very low in West; trees or hills may hide it. Venus resides in the constellation Leo, the Lion. So look for a backwards question mark, low in the West. Venus is the bright object at the bottom of the question mark. Only a few days ago, Venus was to the right of Regulus, the bright star in Leo. Now, Venus is four degrees to Regulus’ left.
Jupiter is easier to spot. It is higher in the southwest amid the dim constellation Virgo. Both Venus and Jupiter are slowly exiting the scene. Venus sets about 9:51, while Jupiter sets about 11:15 PM. Even though the sky is not totally dark, try to observe them while you can.
Four new objects enter the scene at Midnight. Neptune is due south in Capricornus. Uranus roams the dim regions of Aquarius. Both planets are low, but can be seen in small telescopes. They appear star like, but their blue-green color gives them away. Detailed star charts, available in monthly magazines, help locate them.
The Moon shines low in the southeast. The Moon is waning and exhibits only seventy percent of itself.
Mars rises shortly before midnight, and, by dawn, is ideally placed for observation. The planet’s red color against the dim stars of Pisces gives it away. Even the nearby Moon cannot overcome Mars. The planet grows brighter and larger daily. Pre-dawn hours are the best to observe Mars. It will be interesting to track the Red Planet’s progress towards opposition this coming fall.
Below Mars is the dim constellation Cetus. Cetus, the Whale, is one of bunch of water constellations that begin with Aquarius and end with Eridanus. Cetus is the home of Mira, one of the first variable stars discovered. While most stars were thought to be constant, Mira dimmed and brightened. The ancients thought this wonderful.
|
|
|
|
|
Dudley Observatory |
|
|
Copyright © 2007 Dudley Observatory. All Rights Reserved. |
|