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The Night Sky This Week

Every Monday, I curate the most remarkable celestial events happening in the northern hemisphere (mid-northern latitudes) for the upcoming week. Make sure to check my main feed for more comprehensive articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses, and beyond.

The Night Sky This Week: August 14-20, 2023

This week welcomes a New Moon, making it one of the prime times of the year to indulge in stargazing in the northern hemisphere. With genuine darkness blanketing the area, devoid of moonlight, the Milky Way shines brightly overhead. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan a stargazing expedition or organize a star-themed gathering. Step outside, gaze upward, and immerse yourself in the enchanting wonders of the night sky. Here’s what you can explore:

Monday, August 14: Witness the ‘Shooting Stars’

In the wake of the recent peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, you still have the chance to catch glimpses of shooting stars in the dark and unpolluted skies. For the best experience, venture to a location away from light pollution and ensure a clear sky.

Wednesday, August 16: Embrace the New Moon

Anticipate a night sky shrouded in darkness, free from the moon’s illumination as it slips into the sun’s glare from our viewpoint. The new moon heralds the beginning of a fresh lunar phase, and in the following evenings, an exquisite crescent moon will grace the western horizon shortly after sunset.

Friday, August 18: Encounter the Crescent Moon and Mars

Gaze towards the western sky after nightfall to witness the breathtaking sight of a slender crescent moon a mere 1º away from Mars. Binoculars may prove useful in capturing this stunning celestial conjunction (although any pair will suffice).

Constellation Of The Week: Sagittarius And The Teapot

Sagittarius, the Archer, graces the summer night skies with its awe-inspiring display, comprising the dense star fields of the Milky Way galaxy.

This constellation lies tantalizingly close to the center of our galaxy, offering a remarkable glimpse into the heart of the Milky Way.

However, the primary attraction here isn’t just the shape of “The Archer” but an intricate asterism referred to as the “Teapot.” Direct your gaze southward during the evening hours, preferably to the left of Scorpius.

MORE FROM FORBESJaw-Dropping ‘Ring Nebula’ Captured By Webb Telescope (And How To See It With Your Own Eyes)

Object Of The Week: The Ring Nebula

Lying approximately 2,000 light-years away in the Lyra constellation, this vibrant and multicolored planetary nebula reveals its true splendor when observed through a six-inch telescope.

For optimal viewing of the remnants of a cataclysmic stellar explosion, it is advisable to seek a location free from the encroachment of artificial light sources.

The James Webb Space Telescope recently captured this celestial wonder in extraordinary detail.

The timing and dates provided are specific to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate and location-specific information, consult online planetariums such as Stellarium and The Sky Live. Check planet-rise/planet-set, sunrise/sunset, and

 

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