What Are the Key Celestial Events This Week?
July 12: Moon at Apogee and Cygnus the Swan
On July 12, the Moon reaches its apogee, the farthest point from Earth in its orbit, at 4:11 A.M. EDT, sitting 251,259 miles (404,362 kilometers) away. In the evening, look east to find the cross-shaped constellation Cygnus the Swan high above the horizon. The alpha star, Deneb, marks the tail, while Albireo marks the beak.
Near the center, Sadr (Gamma Cygni) is surrounded by the open cluster NGC 6910 and the Gamma Cygni Nebula.
| Event | Time (EDT) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Moon at Apogee | 4:11 A.M. | 251,259 miles from Earth |
| Cygnus Rising | After Sunset | Deneb, Albireo, Sadr, NGC 6910, Gamma Cygni Nebula |
July 13: Jupiter and Aldebaran, First Quarter Moon
Early risers can spot Jupiter 5° north of Aldebaran in Taurus around 4 A.M. local daylight time. The First Quarter Moon occurs at 6:49 P.M. EDT in Virgo, passing close to Spica at 11 P.M. EDT, visible as an occultation in North and Central America.
| Event | Time (EDT) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Jupiter and Aldebaran | 4:00 A.M. | 5° north of Aldebaran |
| First Quarter Moon | 6:49 P.M. | In Virgo |
| Moon Occults Spica | 11:00 P.M. | Visible in North and Central America |
July 14: Mercury in Leo
Mercury is visible in the evening sky in far western Leo, remaining above the horizon for about 80 minutes after sunset. It shines at magnitude 0.2 and is 3° high an hour after sunset.
| Event | Time (EDT) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury in Leo | After Sunset | 3° high, magnitude 0.2 |
What Planetary Alignments Can We Observe?
July 15: Moon and Saturn
The nearly Full Moon passes near Saturn tonight. They appear low in the southeast at dusk, with Saturn about 2° to the Moon’s left. They approach each other as the night progresses, coming within 1° before dawn.
| Event | Time (EDT) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Moon and Saturn | Evening | 2° apart, approaching 1° before dawn |
July 16: Full Moon and Partial Lunar Eclipse
The Full Moon occurs at 5:38 P.M. EDT, rising in the southeast at sunset. It lies near the border between Sagittarius and Capricornus. A partial lunar eclipse will be visible across Europe, Africa, and Asia from 20:01 to 23:00 UT.
| Event | Time (EDT) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Full Moon | 5:38 P.M. | Near Sagittarius and Capricornus |
| Partial Lunar Eclipse | 20:01 – 23:00 UT | Visible in Europe, Africa, and Asia |
July 17: Summer Triangle
The Summer Triangle, composed of Vega, Altair, and Deneb, is prominently displayed. Vega stands nearly overhead at midnight, Altair halfway to the zenith in the southeast, and Deneb in the northeastern sky.
| Event | Time (EDT) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Triangle | Midnight | Vega, Altair, Deneb |
What Meteor Showers and Other Phenomena Are Visible?
July 18: Neptune in Aquarius
Neptune rises around 11 P.M. local daylight time, best viewed when it climbs halfway to the zenith as morning twilight begins. It lies in Aquarius, 1.1° east-northeast of Phi Aquarii.
| Event | Time (EDT) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Neptune in Aquarius | 11:00 P.M. | 1.1° east-northeast of Phi Aquarii |
July 19: Southern Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower
The Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower continues to ramp up, peaking around July 28. The radiant point is highest in the sky at 2 A.M.
| Event | Time (EDT) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Delta Aquariids | 2:00 A.M. | Radiant point highest in the sky |
July 20-21: Full Buck Moon Near the Teapot
The Full Buck Moon will lie near the Teapot asterism in Sagittarius. It rises in the east at sunset, reaches its peak at midnight, and sets in the west at dawn.
| Event | Time (EDT) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Full Buck Moon | Overnight | Near the Teapot in Sagittarius |
How Can You Best Observe These Events?
Tips for Observing the Night Sky
- Use Binoculars or a Telescope: Enhance your viewing experience by using binoculars or a telescope to observe details of the Moon, planets, and star clusters.
- Check Local Times: Celestial events are location-dependent. Verify the local times for moonrise, moonset, and planetary alignments.
- Find a Dark Sky Location: For the best viewing experience, find a location away from city lights to reduce light pollution.
- Use Star Charts: Utilize star charts or astronomy apps to help locate constellations and planets in the night sky.
By following these tips and keeping an eye on the sky, you can enjoy the celestial wonders from July 12 to 21, 2024.
