This Week’s Highlights: The Night Sky

Every Monday, I curate the most exciting celestial events in the northern hemisphere (mid-northern latitudes) for the upcoming week. However, make sure tocheck my main feed for more detailed articles on stargazing, astronomy, eclipses, and more.

The Night Sky This Week: July 3-9, 2023

This week, we will witness the emergence of 2023’s first “supermoon.” While the term originated in astrology, the allure of a slightly larger (and noticeably brighter) full moon entices many to witness a breathtaking moonrise. Hence, I am all for supermoons. The “Buck Supermoon” kickstarts the series of four supermoons this year, followed by occurrences on August 2, August 31, and September 29, 2023.

Although the full moon dominates the eastern sky this week, it is essential not to overlook Venus, shining brilliantly in the opposite side of the post-sunset sky.

Monday, July 3: Full ‘Buck Supermoon’

The “Buck Moon” graces us as the first full moon of summer in the northern hemisphere. Furthermore, it serves asthe first of four supermoonsin 2023, despite being the farthest from Earth at a distance of 361,934 km. For the best experience, catch the moonrise on Sunday, July 2, 2023, just before it reaches its full phase.

Thursday, July 6: Earth Farthest From The Sun And A Countdown To A ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse

Today, we reach Earth’s aphelion, a point where our planet is at its greatest distance from the Sun. Simultaneously, we embark on a 100-day countdown towards an annular solar eclipse, popularly known as a “ring of fire” phenomenon, visible in North America. Taking place on October 14, 2023, this event will feature the moon covering 90% of the Sun’s center along a path spanning 100 miles from Oregon to Texas, extending to Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Saturday, July 7 (Just After Midnight): Moon And Saturn

In the early hours of July 7, shortly after midnight, the eastern night sky will witness an 80%-lit waxing gibbous moon situated approximately 3º above the ringed planet Saturn.

Saturday, July 7 (After Sunset): Mars, Venus And Regulus

After twilight fades, the western sky will present a captivating sight—the luminous Venus positioned beneath the reddish Mars and the brilliant star Regulus, located in the constellation Leo and sitting 79 light-years away from our solar system.

Sunday, July 9: Venus Brightest In 2023

This summer brings considerable change to Venus as seen from Earth. On July 9, it will glow brilliantly as the striking “Evening Star,” hovering near the horizon before initiating its descent. It will subsequently immerse itself in the Sun’s radiance, only to resurface as the magnificent “Morning Star” in the pre-dawn skies, reaching its peak brightness on September 18.

Object Of The Week: Venus

Perceived as an inner planet, Venus exhibits distinct phases as observed from Earth. Currently, it is waning and beginning to blend into the Sun’s glare. Using a small telescope, one can spot it resembling a 25%-lit crescent. Regrettably, this crescent is not visible without visual aids or binoculars.

The provided times and dates are applicable to mid-northern latitudes. For location-specific and accurate information, I recommend consulting online planetariums such as Stellarium and The Sky Live. You can also check planet-rise/planet-set, Follow Google News

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