Among the many exciting events in the night sky this month are an annual meteor shower, a close approach of two bright planets to each other, and a rare comet visible to the naked eye. The best time to watch these events is in the pre-dawn hours.
Venus and Jupiter Make a Pair
Venus and Jupiter are easily spotted with binoculars or the unaided eye during their late evening encounter. The second-from-sunset show is a treat for those located far enough south to experience it, but even those located north of the equator should be able to spot both planets. Venus will be the star of the show, a glowing golden ball that reaches a maximum magnitude of -4.0, while Jupiter glows at a much more modest -2.1. The Moon will hang a couple of finger widths below both planets but not interfere.
The Moon’s appearance will be a little less spectacular on Aug. 19 because the Moon will be at perigee, which means it will be closest to Earth in its orbit. Perigee only happens once every 71 years. A full Moon at perigee is sometimes called a “Supermoon” because the Moon appears larger and brighter than usual. However, the term is not an official astronomical term; it’s simply a common name for a full Moon that coincides with its closest approach to Earth. To be a true supermoon, the Moon must also be at its fullest (which it will be this month).
Saturn Covered By The Moon
On the evening of Jan. 12, observers from the Midwest to the Pacific Coast can watch the Moon partially cover Saturn’s disk as it moves across the face of the sixth planet. The Moon will take about two and a half hours to cover about 50% of Saturn’s surface. The rings’ shadow will be visible for 15 minutes after that, giving a beautiful silhouette of Saturn against a dark sky. The rings may be seen for a few more minutes if the skies are clear before Saturn sets.
Another opportunity to view the ringed giant will occur on the evening of Sept. 22. The Moon will be a few finger widths below Saturn and the reddish star Antares in the constellation Scorpius. It will then turn around to pair up with the Pleiades star cluster and Jupiter.
If you’re lucky, a small telescope could pick out the smoky green comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF), which has not been as bright as this since the age of Neanderthals. Some astronomers think the comet could rival the brightness of Comet NEOWISE in 2020 and possibly exceed the brightness of Comet Hyakutake in 1996.
All of the events above have been compiled with North American skywatchers in mind, but they are easily observed worldwide. As always, consult an astronomy app or magazine for more information about your location.
