A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth

Well what a month July was, mainly because of the justified excitement over comet Neowise, but also because Jupiter and Saturn were prominent from early evening. Society members managed to get some photos of the comet, many of which have been posted on our Facebook Chat Group page.

What to look out for in August – a summary

You may have noticed that the nights are starting to draw in. This increase in the length of the night is noticeable in the late evenings in August and heralds the ‘shoulder season’ for astronomical observations – August is the month when one begins to notice the stars again. And with it being predominantly warm, it is probably the month with the best combination of evening comfort and  darkness.

The Perseids meteor shower is the highlight of the month, but with the Moon present it will make viewing challenging. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn will be easy to spot. The Andromeda Galaxy makes a re-appearance and you can also look for the Double Cluster and the Cygnus Star Cloud. Also prominent is the Summer Triangle of Deneb, Altair and Vega.

A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth

Just a summary of observing this month as our usual contributor is unavailable. As with June, with the long summer days, there is not much opportunity for observing, but there are a few standout events.

A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth

Space news – stop press

Elon Musk’s attempt to ferry two astronauts to the ISS has been successful! The first attempt was halted after poor weather, but the second on Saturday was a success. Observers in the UK could see the shuttle playing tag with the ISS as it went overhead later in the evening. After 19 hours in space the Endeavour capsule docked with the ISS on Sunday. Thus opens a new era in manned space exploration. See Space.com for up-to-date news.

A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth

Well, were you able to take advantage of that wonderful run of clear, moonless nights during the second half of April? I hope so, because from about May 3rd right through to the end of July, it doesn’t get astronomically dark at all. And this prevents observation of all but the brightest deep sky objects, and even those can only be seen between midnight and 0200 BST.

A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth

Oh dear! Those jobs we’ve put off doing for years and for which we can no longer use the excuse that we haven’t got time to do, will have to be done. There are no excuses left; we’re confined to barracks! So in this era of social distancing, are there any reasons for us astronomers to be cheerful? Well, maybe.

A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth

Solar System

The Moon

Best seen from Sunday 1st to Saturday 7th as it waxes from crescent through first quarter on the 2nd to gibbous, high in the sky to the SW and S. It can again be seen as a wafer-thin crescent low in the SW on the 27th through to the end of the month.

A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth

The Moon

Best seen at the beginning of the month (first quarter on the 2nd) through to around the 6th, then again from a wafer-thin crescent low in the SW on the 25th through to the end of the month. As a waxing crescent, it passes some degrees below and to the left of Venus on the 27th.

A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth

A Happy New Year to all our Readers!

Prospects for 2020

Well, here we go. Another year; another chance to see something you’ve never seen before, or just to re-acquaint yourself with old celestial friends.