Friday, July 6, 2018

Stargazing: Planets in the Night Sky

pace.com); Seth Auberon, Crystal Quintero (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

While you're waiting to watch fireworks this Fourth of July, take a look up at the sky to spot Venus and other bright planets.
 
Venus will rise Wednesday morning (July 4) just before 9:00 am and set around 11:00 pm local time, making the "evening star" visible before, during, and after most big firework shows happening around the country.

Look for the orange-colored planet near the western horizon in the evening. It will be situated in the constellation Leo, the Lion.

If you look closely, you may be able to spot Mercury, the "elusive planet," a few degrees south of the sun just after sunset. But be careful not to stare at the sun, because that can damage your eyes.

To be safe, wait until the sun is completely below the horizon before looking for Mercury. [Night Sky, July 2018: What You Can See This Month] More

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