Astronomy Events of 2024

    There were many significant events of 2023 to remember and many more astronomy events to come in 2024. A few of the most remarkable events of 2023 included a near unaided-eye comet, an annular solar eclipse, and the two most prominent meteor showers, the Perseids and Geminids, peaking under a Moon-free sky.

    

🌠Quadrantid Meteor Shower🌠

    The new year will begin with the Quadrantid Meteor Shower peaking on the evening of January 3rd and the morning of the 4th. This shower can produce up to 200 meteors per hour during an outburst, but an observer should plan on around 80 of the Quadrantid meteors during the peak. The Last Quarter Moon will rise around midnight, so I recommend viewing this shower on the evening of the 3rd. 

    🔭Messier Marathon🔭

    The next highlight of 2024 will occur on March 9th. Beginning at sunset, an observer can attempt to view all 110 objects of the Messier Catalog in a single night. Binoculars or a telescope are required, and it's best to have a plan to view all of these objects as the first few objects will set shortly after the Sun, and the last objects on the list will rise shortly before morning twilight. An interested observer should plan to go to a dark-sky site and begin the marathon with M74, as it will lie closest to the western horizon. A Messier Marathon planner like Larry McNish's can be used for a specific location.

    ☀️Total Solar Eclipse☀️

    The next event, and probably the event that observers are most excited about, is a total solar eclipse occurring on April 8th. If an observer still needs to book a hotel, they may be out of luck if travel is required. Interested observers can use this interactive map to view the eclipse path and hopefully find a suitable location to enjoy this extraordinary event.

    ☄️Comet Pons-Brooks☄️

    April will also offer the chance to view a potential unaided-eye comet! Pons-Brooks, a short-period comet, will reach its brightest on April 21st, with a predicted magnitude of 4.2. However, comets are unpredictable, just like the weather, and may appear brighter or dimmer than their estimated magnitude. If Pons-Brooks does get bright enough, it may even be visible during the eclipse on April 8th. 

    🌠Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower🌠

    In early May, the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower will return. This meteor shower will peak on May 5th, allowing observers to view up to 85 meteors per hour. With a New Moon phase occurring on the 8th, observers will experience a Moon-free sky while enjoying this shower. An observer should avoid as much light pollution as possible for the best results possible. 

    🌠Perseid Meteor Shower🌠

    August 2024 brings many events that should capture the interest of any astronomer. Beginning on the evening of the 12th and continuing through the 13th, the Perseid Meteor Shower will peak. This shower is one of the most popular due to the high volume of meteors and the warmer nightly temperatures. The First Quarter Moon will brighten the sky around midnight, so interested observers should begin watching for the Perseids before this time. As always, a dark sky site is recommended to view as many of these meteors as possible.

   ☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩ Planetary Conjunction ☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩

     On the morning of August 14th, observers should look east before morning twilight to witness one of the most notable planetary conjunctions for the next 15 years! Jupiter and Mars can be seen as a single point of light from our Earthly vantage point. A pair of binoculars or a telescope may be required to separate these two planets.

    🌙Occultation🌙

    A week later, on August 21st, the nearly Full Moon will occult Saturn, blocking the ringed planet from view. Unfortunately for Utahns, this event will occur while these two objects are still below the eastern horizon. When they do rise above the mountains, around 10:00 PM, the pair can be found with less than 2° of separation.         

    ⋆⭒˚｡⋆ Planetary Alignment ⋆⭒˚｡⋆

    On August 28th, an observer can step outside before sunrise to view a six-planetary alignment. Every planet except Venus will be visible, with Saturn and Neptune in the west and Uranus high in the south. Finally, Jupiter and Mars, which recently experienced a conjunction, can be seen in the southeast, with Mercury rising in the east. While this planetary alignment can be seen a few days before and after the 28th, a thin crescent moon will join Mars in the morning sky.

    🪐 Saturn at Opposition 🪐

    September is the best time to view Saturn in 2024. The ringed world will reach opposition on the 8th, meaning it will be visible all night. Saturn can be enjoyed with the unaided eye, binoculars, or a telescope. Of course, a telescope will reveal its rings and give the most planetary detail.  

    ☄️Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS☄️

    October brings a chance for another potential unaided-eye comet! Tsuchinshan-ATLAS will make its closest approach to the Earth on the 12th and has the opportunity to reach a magnitude of -1.0. As a comparison, Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, has a magnitude of -1.5. Again, as will all comets, their brightness is extremely unpredictable.

    🌕Supermoon🌕

    October also brings the largest Full Moon of 2024. This Supermoon will grace our skies on the 17th and will appear brighter than any other Moon of 2024 because of its closeness to the Earth. On this date, the Moon will be approximately 220,000 miles from our planet.

    🪐Jupiter at Opposition🪐

    Jupiter will reach opposition on December 7th, making this the best time to view the largest planet in our solar system. Jupiter will remain visible all night so an observer can enjoy the Great Red Spot, the cloud bands, and its moons. This planet can also be viewed with unaided eyes as it shines brightly at magnitude -2.8.

    Aside from any unexpected events such as a new comet or a meteor fireball streaking across the sky, this concludes the astronomy events of 2024. Observers should be sure to mark their calendars for the events they are most excited about. Remember to get outside and look up in 2024!  

Now get outside and look up!

Monthly Night Sky Report: January 2024

           Introduction

    Utahns were able to experience clear skies towards the end of 2023. It was cold, but the clear skies offered the chance to view Orion, Jupiter, and Saturn in the evening sky and Venus shortly before sunrise. Although I could not observe the Geminid or Ursid meteor showers due to cloudy skies on the peak dates, several chances to watch were put online by NASA and different universities and others worldwide.   

    January 2024 has already arrived. It feels like 2023 streaked by and fizzled out like a meteor. Only a few astronomy highlights will occur during January. The first is the Quadrantid meteor shower, which will be favored by a waning crescent Moon that will sink below the horizon early in the evening, allowing more meteors to be seen. Mars will return to the morning sky in late January and can be found in conjunction with Mercury. There will also be a (small) chance of a comet reaching unaided-eye visibility. Observers may also notice that the amount of daylight time is increasing and the amount of darkness is decreasing as the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth begins to tilt towards the Sun once again. 

             

Mercury

    Mercury can be found in the morning sky during most of the month. The innermost planet will reach its greatest western elongation on the 12th, a day after the New Moon. On the 9th, a thin, waning crescent Moon can be found less than 10° from Mercury. For the observer that watches the sky every morning, they should notice Mercury and Venus getting closer together from the Earth's perspective. By the 17th, the pair of planets will be just 11° apart. Mercury will begin to sink closer to the horizon throughout the remainder of the month. Before it becomes an evening planet, Mars will join this tiny world in the morning sky around the 19th. With each passing morning, the two planets will move towards each other in a dance until the 27th, when the pair can be found less than a quarter of a degree apart. A clear view of the eastern horizon is a necessity to view this planetary conjunction.    

  

Venus

    Venus will be the easiest of the trio of morning planets to view during January. The Earth's sister planet will rise above the eastern horizon about two hours before sunrise as the month begins. By the end of the month, Venus will rise about 30 minutes later. Venus can be found within 10° of Antares, the bright red star that represents the eye of Scorpius. The Moon will pass within 6° of Venus on Monday the 8th and will occult Antares around 6:30 AM on this same date. A pair of binoculars may be useful as the morning twilight may obscure unaided-eye visibility. Early risers should bundle up to watch this event!      

    

Mars

    Mars returns to the morning sky in late January. The best time to begin watching for the Red Planet will be on the 19th, when it lies just 6° from Mercury. As the month progresses, this pair of planets will move closer together until the 27th, when they can be found less than a quarter of a degree apart. Unfortunately, Mars will be quite dim and require a telescope to see during this rare conjunction.     

Jupiter

Saturn

     

    Jupiter and Saturn will be visible in the evening sky during January. Jupiter, the closer, larger, and brighter of the two, will be found in the southeast after sunset. This gas giant will not sink below the western horizon until after midnight during the month. A pair of binoculars will easily reveal the four Galilean Moons, while a telescope can reveal the cloud bands and Great Red Spot. The Earth's own Moon will pass within 3° of Jupiter on the 18th.

    Saturn lies further west than Jupiter in the night sky and should still be easy to spot against the background stars of Aquarius. A large pair of binoculars and a calm, steady sky can reveal the rings of this planet. A telescope of any size will more readily reveal this majestic feature. The Earth's three-day-old Moon will pass within 2° of Saturn on the 14th.   

   

       

Neptune

Uranus

    

    The two ice giants can be viewed through binoculars but will look their best through a telescope. Uranus can be found close to the midpoint on an imaginary line formed between Jupiter and the Pleiades. A first-quarter Moon will pass within 3° of Uranus on the 19th. 

    Neptune will trail behind Saturn during January. This most distant ice giant shines at a dim 7.92 magnitude nearly all month, placing it in binocular territory. The Earth's Moon will pass less than 1° from this planet on the 15th.   

Meteor Shower, Occultation, and a Comet

     January will bring the return of the Quadrantid meteor shower. This shower is named after a constellation that no longer exists. Instead, look toward the constellation Boötes rising in the northeast sky on the morning of the 4th to catch the Quadrantid point of radiation. A waning crescent Moon will have sunk below the western horizon before Boötes rises above the opposite horizon. For those unfamiliar with the location of Boötes, look for the bright red star Arcturus, the brightest star of this constellation. This shower will allow observers to see up to 80 meteors per hour from a dark sky location on the peak date.

    Utahns will be treated to a rare occultation of Antares during January. On the morning of the 8th, the Earth's Moon can be seen passing in front of this red supergiant star that represents the angry eye of Scorpius the Scorpion. I recommend using a pair of binoculars, although a telescope that can track objects may benefit some. The occultation will begin around 6:35, with Antares completely disappearing behind the Moon less than 10 minutes later. At approximately 7:45, Antares will begin to peek out from behind the Moon but will likely not be visible due to the morning twilight. 

     A periodic comet can be seen passing through Cygnus the Sawn during January. Comet Pons-Brooks was first discovered in 1812 and returns every 71 years or so. Current predictions have this comet reaching a magnitude of 9.44 by the end of January, but outbursts have been known to happen that increase this brightness by four times, making it an unaided-eye comet. For Utahns, this comet can be viewed in the early evening hours above the western horizon or in the late morning hours before sunrise in the eastern sky. A pair of binoculars or a telescope is required if an outburst does not happen. I recommend using a stargazing app on your favorite mobile device to help locate Pons-Brooks as its position changes daily.  

Monthly Breakdown

January 03: Last Quarter Moon🌗

January 04: Quadrantid Meteor Shower peaks🌠 

January 06: Venus passes within 6° of Antares 

January 08: Moon passes within 6° of Venus

January 08: Moon occults Antares; begins at 6:35 AM 

January 09: Moon passes within 7° of Mercury 

January 10: Moon passes within 4° of Mars 
January 11: New Moon 🌑
January 12: Mercury reaches its greatest western elongation
January 14: Moon passes within 2° of Saturn
January 15: Moon passes within 1° of Neptune
January 17: First Quarter Moon 🌓
January 18: Moon passes within 3° of Jupiter
January 19: Moon passes within 3° of Uranus
January 25: Full Moon 🌕 

January 27: Mercury and Mars conjunction

         

Now get outside and look up!

Planet images were taken by NASA.

Andrew vs. the Cosmos image was taken by Jeff Greenland.

The Milky Way and Trees image was taken by Andrew Greenland.

Orion, Taurus, and Pleiades image was taken by Andrew Greenland.

    

Midmonth Check-In: December 2023 and the Moon

Introduction and Monthly Reminders   

    The first half of the month brought mountain snow and valley rain over much of Utah. While it has been cooler, it is still unusually warm for this time of the year. During the short breaks in the clouds, the evening planets and constellations could easily be seen, in addition to Venus and early morning stars. Due to the active Sun, there was an unusual opportunity to view the northern lights over Utah. Unfortunately, it was stormy during those days from my location. 

    Observers may still have the chance to view the leftover meteors from the Geminids. The Ursids are still fast approaching, with their peak on the evening of the 21st and morning of the 22nd. The Winter Solstice will occur on the 21st. Observers can still watch three asteroids reach opposition: Vesta (21st), Metis (22nd), and Astraea (27th).    

The Moon

    The next planet out from the Sun is the Earth. Instead of discussing the Earth, the Moon would be a more appropriate subject. The Moon is the closest astronomical object to the Earth and is the only natural satellite to our planet. The most popular theory is that a Mars-sized object collided with the Earth billions of years ago, causing debris from the impact to eventually coalesce, forming the Moon. The size of the Moon is roughly one-third of the size of the Earth. If the Earth were the size of a nickel, the Moon would be about the size of a green pea. 

    The Moon lies, on average, approximately 239,000 miles from the Earth. The orbit of the Moon around the Earth is not a perfect circle, so this distance varies, with the apogee being about 252,100 miles and its perigee at 225,600 miles. This change in distance means that the Moon appears slightly larger when it is closest to the Earth, a phenomenon known as a supermoon. The Moon is moving away from the Earth at the face-melting speed of about one inch per year.

    As an observer, an individual may notice that they only ever see one side of the Moon. This is due to the Moon being tidally locked with the Earth. It is thought that after the collision between a Mars-sized object with the Earth, the debris that was flung off the two bodies that later joined together to create the Moon, was molten debris. As the Moon orbited the Earth and cooled, the heavy materials were pulled toward the Earth due to its gravity. When I think of this theory, I think of a piece of bread with peanut butter on it. As the bread falls to the ground, it usually flips, so the peanut butter lands face down.      

    Like Mercury and Venus, the Moon goes through phases. Unlike the inner two planets, the Moon can reach a "full" phase or have the Earth-facing side completely lit up from the Sun. It takes the Moon about 27 days to complete one full rotation around the Earth. During this rotation around the Earth, the phases of the Moon change, typically going from Full phase to Full phase in 27 days. 

    During its orbit around the Earth, the Moon can pass directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow on the Earth and creating an eclipse. Depending on where an individual lies on the eclipse path, they may see a total eclipse, where the maximum amount of the Moon blocks the Sun from view, or a partial eclipse, where only part of the Moon blocks the Sun. As previously mentioned, the orbit of the Moon around the Earth is not a perfect circle, so the Moon can be closer (perigee) or further (apogee) from the Earth. When the Moon is at apogee during an eclipse, we experience an Annular Solar Eclipse, like the one many Utahns experienced in October 2023. During an Annular Solar Eclipse, the Earth-Moon distance is too great for the entirety of the Sun to be blocked. Check out the two images below that I took during the Annular Solar Eclipse from Richfield, Utah.

Image taken with my phone through my astronomy binoculars.

Annular Solar Eclipse taken with my phone. Focus on the reflection above the Sun.

    When the Moon is at perigee during an eclipse, we experience a Total Solar Eclipse like what occurred most recently in August of 2017 across much of the US and will again in April of 2024. During this type of eclipse, the entire Sun and its light will be blocked by the Moon, revealing planets, stars, and the corona of the Sun. Check out these two images that I took during the Total Solar Eclipse in 2017 from Mud Lake, Idaho.

Total Solar Eclipse taken with my phone in 2017.

"Diamond Ring" taken during the Total Solar Eclipse in 2017 with my phone.

    The Moon is the only body in the solar system, other than the Earth, that humans have visited. The first Moon landing occurred on 20 July 1969 with Apollo 11 and involved the NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. A total of 24 humans and over 100 robots have visited the surface of the Moon. These missions have returned over 800 pounds of Moon rocks to the Earth. 

    There are currently seven active missions on and around the Moon from different countries worldwide. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) from NASA has been mapping the surface of the Moon since 2009, has collected a treasure trove of data, and has located some possible landing sites for future crewed missions. Several future missions are planned for our closest celestial neighbor, including Artemis, a mission designed by NASA to land humans on the Moon as early as 2025.  

    Be sure to check back soon for new posts on upcoming astronomical events in 2024 and my January Monthly Night Sky Report.      

     

 

    

Now get outside and look up!

   

Monthly Night Sky Report: December 2023

          Introduction

    The second half of November brought more cloudy skies and snow to Utah. The temperatures also declined slightly, making stargazing a little more unpleasant. Even under these conditions, I could see Jupiter and Saturn in the evening sky, with an 80% lit Moon between the pair on the 22nd. Venus and Orion were easily visible in the early morning sky before sunrise.   

       Aside from colder weather and more snow, December also brings the return of two meteor showers, the Geminids and the Ursids. No planets will reach opposition this month, but three asteroids will. However, a telescope and a star chart is recommended to see them. The winter solstice will also occur this month, marking the time when the daylight hours begin to lengthen and the hours of darkness grow shorter.

             

Mercury

    Mercury should be observed in early December. This tiny planet will reach its greatest eastern elongation on the 4th, giving an observer an extra few minutes to view. A thin crescent Moon will join Mercury in the sky on the 14th. Just over a week later, on the 22nd, Mercury will reach inferior conjunction with the Sun, becoming lost from view.    

  

Venus

    Venus can be found shining brightly above the eastern horizon before sunrise. The bright star, Spica, in Virgo, can be found less than 5° away at the beginning of the month. Venus will pass through Virgo by mid-month and spend the remainder of December in Libra. On the 9th, a thin crescent Moon will join Venus in the morning sky. 

    

Mars

    Mars will remain too close to the Sun to be safely viewed during December. 

Jupiter

Saturn

     

    The gas giants will remain great targets for binoculars and telescopes. Having recently reached opposition, Jupiter will be visible during most of the night throughout December. A pair of binoculars will easily reveal the four Galilean Moons, while a telescope can show observers the Great Red Spot, cloud bands, and transits of the Galilean Moons. On the 22nd, the Earth's own Moon can be found just 5° from Jupiter. A short distance away, the Pleiades can also be found.  

    Saturn can be found in Aquarius, high in the southwest sky, after sunset during December. Even in cold temperatures, the ringed planet is still worth a look. The Moon will pass just 2° from Saturn on the 17th.     

   

       

Neptune

Uranus

    

    The two ice giants can be viewed through binoculars but will look their best through a telescope. Uranus reached opposition during November, making this planet visible nearly all night throughout December. This ice giant can be found about halfway between Jupiter and the Pleiades. A nearly Full Moon will join this planet in the sky on the 23rd when the pair will be just 3° apart.

    Neptune can be found trailing Saturn in the planet trail. The most distant planet will be visible most of the night during December, but interested observers should view its blue disk before midnight to get the best views. The Moon joins Neptune in the sky on the 19th.

Meteor Showers and Asteroids

     December will offer plenty for interested observers to view. Unfortunately, most of these events occur later in the month when most individuals are busy with holiday plans. Nevertheless, the Geminid Meteor Shower will peak on the 14th under a Moon-free sky. Observers can expect approximately 150 meteors per hour radiating from the constellation Gemini. 

    The second meteor shower will peak on the 22nd but may be subpar due to a 74% lit Moon in the sky. The Ursids can produce up to 10 meteors per hour, but outbursts have occurred with rates of up to 25 meteors per hour. Look towards Ursa Major to view these meteors.

    Three main belt asteroids will reach opposition this month, beginning with Vesta. Each asteroid will require a pair of binoculars to view, but I highly recommend a telescope and a star chart (or phone app). Vesta can be found on the border of Orion and Gemini on the 21st, its date of opposition. Use Betelgeuse and Saiph (the star that represents the knee of Orion) to form a line towards Vesta. A star chart is helpful so that it can be compared to the field of view, so the observer knows which point of light is the asteroid.

    The next asteroid to reach opposition is Metis. This occurs on the 22nd. Follow the line formed with Saiph and Betelgeuse and continue through Vesta to reach Metis. Again, a star chart will be helpful to compare this region of the sky with the field of view through a telescope. The "extra" point of light will be Metis.  

    The final asteroid to reach opposition this month is Astraea. This opposition will occur on the 27th. On this date, an observer can form a line through Rigel and Betelgeuse and continue towards Gemini. On the border of these two constellations, the observer will notice a point of light that does not appear on star charts. This is the asteroid Astraea. An observer can also view the region of the sky where these asteroids are located and notice them move over different nights.          

 

Monthly Breakdown

December 04: Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation
December 05: Last Quarter Moon🌗
December 09: Moon passes within 4° of Venus
December 12: New Moon 🌑
December 13: Moon passes within 4° of Mercury
December 13/14: Geminid Meteor Shower peaks 🌠
December 17: Moon passes within 2° of Saturn
December 19: Moon passes within 2° of Neptune
December 19: First Quarter Moon 🌓
December 21: Asteroid Vesta reaches opposition
December 21: Winter Solstice
December 21/22: Ursid Meteor Shower peaks 🌠
December 22: Asteroid Metis reaches opposition 
December 22: Moon passes within 3° of Jupiter
December 23: Moon passes within 3° of Uranus  
December 26: Full Moon 🌕
December 27: Asteroid Astraea reaches opposition

         

Now get outside and look up!

Planet images were taken by NASA.

Andrew vs. the Cosmos image was taken by Jeff Greenland.

The Milky Way and Trees image was taken by Andrew Greenland.

Orion, Taurus, and Pleiades image was taken by Andrew Greenland.

    

Midmonth Check-In: November 2023 and Venus

     

Introduction and Monthly Reminders   

    The cooler temperatures are definitely settling in over Utah. We experienced a couple of stormy days with the mountains receiving snow. Even with the cooler weather and stormy days, I could view Jupiter as it reached opposition on the 3rd. I could also view Venus and Jupiter in the early morning sky and Orion the Hunter with his two hunting dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor. Uranus also reached opposition during the first half of the month and a close encounter between the Moon and Antares on the 14th. I wanted to travel down to Richfield, Utah, again during the first half of November to attempt an astrophotography timelapse, but unfortunately, the weather intervened. 

    Observers can still view the Leonid Meteor Shower on the evening of the 17th and early morning hours of the 18th. There will also be many close approaches between the Moon and the outer planets of the solar system. Mercury will pass close to Antares on the 16th, while Venus will pass close to Spica on the 28th.    

    

Venus

     Last month, I discussed Mercury's formation, traits, and missions. This month, the solar system tour will continue with the second closest planet to the Sun, Venus. The second planet out from the Sun formed at the same time as the rest of the solar system, approximately 4.6 billion years ago. It can be found about 0.72 AU (67 million miles), on average, from the Sun, where the Earth is 1 AU (93 million miles). Venus is the third brightest object in the sky, trailing only behind the Sun and the Moon. Venus is so bright that it can even be seen during the day if the air is free of pollution. Venus is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty and is the only planet named after a female god. 

     The interior of Venus closely resembles that of the Earth. It is theorized that if the Earth and Venus were cut in half and placed next to each other, an observer could not tell the two apart. Venus is also similar in size to Earth, being only 405 miles smaller across than the Earth. These similarities have earned Venus the nickname "Sister Planet" to the Earth. Unfortunately, this is where the similarities end. 

     Venus is a planet of extremes. If Earth and Venus were twins, the Earth would be the even-tempered twin while Venus would be the extraordinarily aggressive and hot-tempered sibling. The surface of Venus is estimated to have over 1600 major volcanoes and thousands more smaller ones, a majority of which are active. These active volcanoes aid in constantly resurfacing the planet, allowing very few impact craters to be seen, similar to Earth. The surface of Venus can reach lead-melting temperatures of 870° Fahrenheit, the hottest surface temperature of any other planet in the solar system. These extreme temperatures are caused by Venus' closeness to the Sun and its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere that traps heat. Venus also has mountains and valleys like the Earth, but of course, it does not have any liquid water since water turns to steam at temperatures above 212 degrees Fahrenheit.    

    While the Earth and Venus both have an iron core encased by a mantle and a thin rocky exterior, our Sister Planet does not have a magnetosphere of its own. Venus instead gets its weak magnetic field from the Sun's magnetic field interacting with the planet's atmosphere. As mentioned, the atmosphere of Venus is mostly made up of carbon dioxide, the same gas that is behind the greenhouse effect on Earth. Instead of having clouds made up of water vapor like the Earth, Venus has clouds composed of sulfuric acid. Higher in the planet's atmosphere, the temperatures ease a bit with a range of 86 degrees to 158 degrees Fahrenheit. In this region of the atmosphere, Venus experiences wind speeds up to 224 miles per hour, about the same speed as hurricane-force winds on Earth. The thick atmosphere of Venus also contributes to its high albedo, or reflective properties, causing the planet to appear bright in our sky. Venus has an albedo of approximately 0.7 which means nearly 70% of the Sun's light is reflected. Recall that the albedo of Mercury was only 0.14, and the Moon has an albedo of 0.1.  

    Since Venus is on the inside track around the Sun, compared to the Earth, observers can view the planet go through phases, like the Moon. A pair of binoculars can reveal these phases, although personally, I have had better luck with a telescope. Unlike the Moon and other planets in the solar system, Venus (and Mercury) can never have a "full" phase since when they are opposite of the Sun from our Earthly perspective, they will be behind our star. However, the inner planets can pass between the Sun and the Earth, creating a planetary transit. The last transit of Venus occurred in 2012 and won't happen again until 2117. I was able to capture a few blurry images during the 2012 transit. The best of which is included below.

Transit of Venus in 2012. Some sunspots were also visible. 

     The Earth's evil sister planet also has a much different spin than what humans are used to. Venus rotates about its axis in the opposite direction as the Earth, meaning the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east. Venus also spins extremely slow, with a day on the planet being longer than a year. Venus does not experience seasons like the Earth either, due to it only having a 3 degree tilt while our planet has about a 23 degree tilt. 

    There have been many missions to Venus, most of which have been Russian missions. There are currently three known missions in the works to return to Venus.`         

   

Spin

Day vs year length

missions

 

    

Now get outside and look up!

   

Monthly Night Sky Report: November 2023

         Introduction

    October was unusually warm for Utahns, allowing stargazers to comfortably enjoy the night sky further into the year than normal. I was able to capitalize on these temperatures by taking out my telescope numerous times and watching the Annular Eclipse. I also enjoyed a few hours of the Orionid Meteor Shower at a dark sky location. I am likely finished with my scope for the remainder of the year, but I plan to take the camera out a few more times.  

    November will offer observers the chance to view the Leonid Meteor Shower, which will peak shortly after the New Moon phase. Jupiter and Uranus will reach opposition this month, making it the best time to view these planets while they are opposite the Sun from our Earthbound perspective. Mercury will return to the evening sky, while Mars will remain too close to the Sun to view. 

             

Mercury

    Mercury makes its reappearance in the evening sky during November. The first half of the month might be challenging for observers to view the innermost planet due to its low altitude in the southwest. However, the fortunate observers with a clear view of this region of the sky will be able to see Mercury. As the month progresses, Mercury will climb higher in the sky, reaching nearly 20°  altitude on the 27th. On this date, the innermost planet will set about an hour after the Sun. A one-day-old Moon can be found floating just 5°  from Mercury on the 14th.   

  

Venus

    Venus will remain visible and an easy object to spot in the morning sky. It rises about four hours before the Sun and will shine brightly at -4.4 at the beginning of the month. A thin crescent Moon will join Venus in the sky on the 9th, about a week after crossing from Leo into Virgo. As Venus moves into the constellation Virgo, it will approach the bright star, Spica. On the 27th, the pair will be found just 5° apart and even closer by the end of the month. Much like the Moon, Venus has phases. A pair of binoculars or a larger instrument can reveal these phases to interested observers.

    

Mars

    Mars will continue to be lost from our Earthbound view through November. The red planet will reach conjunction with the Sun on the 18th. Mars will return to our skies in December.

Jupiter

Saturn

     

    The gas giants were a treat to view through a telescope during October. November will also offer stunning views of Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter reaches opposition on the 3rd, bringing this planet opposite the Sun and close to the Earth, only a mere 3.98 AU (approximately 370 million miles) distant. During this time, Jupiter will appear brighter to the unaided eye and slightly larger through a telescope, allowing more detail to be seen. Jupiter will start the month shining brightly at magnitude -2.76 but will dim slightly to -2.66 as this gas giant moves away from the Earth. A pair of binoculars will reveal the four Galilean Moons, while a telescope will allow observers to view the cloud bands, Great Red Spot, and the shadows of the Galilean Moons as they transit the planet. A nearly Full Moon will join Jupiter on the 25th, passing just 3° away. 

    While Saturn is not currently in opposition, further away from the Earth, and does not shine as brightly as Jupiter, the ringed planet is a favorite for many observers, myself included. Saturn can be seen in the southeast sky shortly after the brightness of the Sun fades after sunset. A few moons can be seen through a telescope, most notably Titan. The most exciting feature of Saturn, the rings, which draw in many observers, will also be visible through a pair of binoculars but are more apparent through a telescope of any size. The Earth's own Moon will pass close by Saturn on the 20th with only 3° separating the pair.   

   

       

Neptune

Uranus

    

    The two ice giants can be viewed through binoculars but will look their best through a telescope. Uranus will soar above the Rocky Mountains about an hour after Jupiter during November. Ten days after Jupiter has reached opposition, Uranus will also reach opposition. This occurs on the 13th, the same day as the New Moon phase, making this night a great time to view this distant planet. A nearly Full Moon will pass through the Pleiades, joining Uranus on the 26th with only 3° of separation. During any night of November, except for the 26th, observers should view the Pleiades in conjunction with Uranus. 

    Observers waiting to view Uranus and the Pleiades due to their low altitude and having already viewed Saturn and Jupiter should jump to Neptune. The most distant planet can be found in between Saturn and Jupiter along the ecliptic. The Moon, in the first quarter phase, will pass less than 2° below Neptune on the 21st, allowing observers to use the Moon as a guide to find this planet. Neptune is currently about 29 times the distance from the Sun as the Earth, causing it to glow dimly at magnitude 7.7. 

Meteor Shower

     November won't have as many events as October, but observers may still glimpse some meteors from the Leonid Meteor Shower. As the name suggests, the meteors will appear to radiate from the constellation of Leo the Lion, found rising above the eastern horizon shortly before midnight. This shower is active during most of November but peaks during the late hours of the 17th and early morning hours of the 18th. The Moon will be in a Waxing Crescent phase, sinking below the western horizon before 10:00 PM. Observers should expect around 10 meteors per hour on the peak date. For those willing to brave the cold, I suggest viewing the gas giants, Saturn and Jupiter, and while waiting for Venus to rise around 4:00 AM, view as many meteors as possible. Be sure to dress warm and bring a hot beverage!

 

Monthly Breakdown

  

November 03: Jupiter reaches opposition
November 05: Last Quarter Moon🌗
November 09: Moon passes within 1° of Venus
November 13: New Moon 🌑
November 13: Uranus reaches opposition
November 14: Moon passes within 1° of Antares
November 16: Mercury and Antares within 3°

November 17/18:  Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks 🌠

November 18: Mars and Sun conjunction  

November 20: First Quarter Moon 🌓

November 20: Moon passes within 3° of Saturn

November 22: Moon passes within 2° of Neptune

November 25: Moon passes within 3° of Jupiter

November 26: Moon passes within 3° of Uranus  

November 27: Full Moon 🌕

November 28: Venus and Spica within 4°

         

Now get outside and look up!

Planet images were taken by NASA.

Andrew vs. the Cosmos image was taken by Jeff Greenland.

The Milky Way and Trees image was taken by Andrew Greenland.

Orion, Taurus, and Pleiades image was taken by Andrew Greenland.