http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Pleiad_of_Astronomical_Events_Take_Over_The_Summer_Skies_19680.html
As July approaches fast, astronomy enthusiasts should prepare for a highly anticipated series of events that will turn the night sky into a visual show to remember. As Mars moves toward Saturn through the Leo constellation, with the star Regulus close by, the trio will show up on the July night sky, accompanied by a meteor shower and some highlights from Venus, Mercury and the Moon. On July 2nd, a new Moon will kick off the series of events. By the end of the week, Mars and the star Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo, will already be halfway to Saturn, who will be visible in twilight hours, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory. For those who wish to catch a glimpse of Saturn and its spectacular rings, this is the best time to do it. The rings won't be visible for much of next year's apparition. With a bit of patience and some help from a deeper twilight, its moons are also likely to become visible. Mars and Regulus will be visible in the hours after sunset, as they prepare for the encounter with Saturn, in what is the closest conjunction of the two planets 14 years from now. Jupiter, the largest planet in our Solar System, will be visible one hour after sunset in the southeastern sky. The planet will be surrounded by some distinct and well-defined could bands. The Great Red spot should be visible with telescopes. In the first half of the month, Venus will also make an apparition in the western skies, after sunset. For those who wish to get a better view of Venus, the second half of the month will be the perfect time. Mercury will reign over the morning skies in the east; however, you might want to get out of town to catch a glimpse of it. It should be more visible in the first half of the month. July is also the month of the Summer Triangle, an astronomical event defined by three stars: Altair, in the constellation of Aquila, Deneb, in the constellation Cygnus, and Lyra, in the constellation Lyra. During the summer months, the triangle can be spotted after midnight. Gregory S. Williams [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] ******************************* * POST TO [EMAIL PROTECTED] * ******************************* Medianews mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.etskywarn.net/mailman/listinfo/medianews
