📷 Image Credits: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
July 03, 2024
Skywatching enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to this month as NASA provides a comprehensive guide to the celestial wonders visible in the July sky. From planetary action to elusive star clusters, there’s plenty to observe.
Planetary action takes center stage in July, with Saturn rising around midnight and climbing high into the south by sunrise. Following closely behind, Mars rises a couple of hours later, with Jupiter trailing in its wake and shifting higher in the sky each day. On July 2nd and 3rd before sunrise, skywatchers can catch a glimpse of the crescent Moon alongside Jupiter and Mars in the eastern sky, along with the Pleiades star cluster, Capella, and Aldebaran.
For those with an unobstructed view of the western horizon, July 7th and 8th offer the opportunity to spot Mercury shining brightly, accompanied by a slim crescent Moon. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere can enjoy Mercury’s visibility throughout the month after sunset. Additionally, on July 13, the Moon will be in close proximity to the bright bluish-white star Spica, creating a captivating celestial display.
Mid-July presents a chance for skywatchers to observe Mars in the early morning hours, with the distant planet Uranus in close proximity. While Uranus is usually challenging to spot without assistance, its alignment with Mars provides a convenient reference point for observation.
The night sky also showcases the constellation Scorpius, adorned with the bright red star Antares. At the tip of the scorpion’s tail lie two prominent star clusters, M6 and M7, both easily visible in July. M7, also known as Ptolemy’s Cluster, and M6, the Butterfly Cluster, offer a glimpse into the beautiful tapestry of the night sky, with their open star cluster formations.
M7 and M6, located about 5 degrees east of the bright stars marking Scorpius’ tail, reach their peak visibility around 10 or 11 pm local time. With simple observational tools like binoculars or a telescope, these star clusters reveal intricate details, showcasing the wonders of our universe.
In conclusion, July 2024 promises an exciting month for skywatchers, with a host of celestial events and phenomena waiting to be discovered. Whether observing planetary alignments, elusive planets like Uranus, or star clusters like M6 and M7, the night sky offers a captivating spectacle for all astronomy enthusiasts.
Stay updated on NASA’s ongoing missions and explore the depths of the cosmos at science.nasa.gov, your gateway to the latest discoveries and astronomical insights.
