This week, stargazers in North America can look forward to an extraordinary celestial event. The highlight of the week is a stunning planet parade featuring Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter, beautifully complemented by a waning crescent moon. Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of what to expect in the night sky this week.
On Monday morning, venture outside about an hour before sunrise to catch a glimpse of the 26%-lit waning crescent moon as it gracefully slides into a gathering of bright planets. Look to the east where Venus and Jupiter will shine brilliantly, while the keen-eyed observers may spot Mercury slowly rising from the horizon. This planet parade sets a captivating tone for the week ahead.
Prepare for another early start as the celestial show continues. At about an hour before sunrise, you’ll be treated to a 16%-lit crescent moon, now positioned just above the dazzling duo of Jupiter and Venus. This day marks Mercury’s greatest elongation west, meaning it’s at its farthest point from the sun in the morning sky. Consequently, this could be the best morning to catch a clear view of the tiny planet.
Midweek presents what might be the highlight of the month for astronomy enthusiasts. A delicate 9%-lit crescent moon will be snuggling up to the brilliant planet Venus in the eastern sky just before dawn. Above them, Jupiter will hover, while Mercury will be seen below. This stunning conjunction creates a magical moment for stargazers.
The planet parade continues on Thursday, but there’s more to explore. A slender 4%-lit crescent moon will shine just above Mercury. Stargazers equipped with binoculars can witness the Beehive Cluster (M44) nestled between the moon and Mercury. This sparkling group of 100 stars offers a delightful view for those eager to delve deeper into the cosmos.
On Saturday, stargazers will experience a new moon, often referred to as a black moon. This term describes the third new moon in a season with four new moons. While the new moon itself is not visible (as it lies between the Earth and the sun), its absence results in pristine, dark skies, perfect for late summer observations.
With the moon out of the evening sky, now is the perfect time to observe the Milky Way right after dark. Look for it stretching from the southeastern sky and arching over to the southwest. The galactic core, rich with stars and dust lanes, will be low on the southern horizon. This week offers excellent conditions to escape city lights and enjoy the beauty of the cosmos.
This week, keep an eye out for the constellation Cygnus, commonly known as “The Swan.” The Summer Triangle, consisting of three bright stars visible in the southeast, is still prominent in the night sky. Deneb, the brightest star in Cygnus, glides gracefully along the plane of the Milky Way, an area rich with star fields and nebulae, making it a fantastic focus for your stargazing adventures.
For the most accurate location-specific information, be sure to consult online planetariums like Stellarium. Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes as you embark on your celestial journey this week!
