The Stars This Week

Chart Time: 10 p.m. Sunday

Those who missed this weekends peak display of the Perseid meteor shower can still go out late tonight and early tomorrow morning to catch a view of these bright colorful meteors. With the moon out of the way the conditions for watching will be excellent. Be sure to look towards the northeast where 50 or more meteors may be seen every hour.

Monday

A slim wisp of a crescent moon glows low in the west during evening twilight. To the left of the moon shines blazing bright blue white Venus This eyecatching scene will draw the attention of even the most casual of stargazers.

Tuesday

Mid August marks the peak of the Dog Days of Summer. The Dog Days are associated with the heaven’s brightest star Sirius. Currently Sirius can be found in the same region as the sun. Legend says that the heat from the sun mingles with the star producing the extra hot days that we have been experiencing.

Wednesday

The moon slips north of the bright blue white Spica. This star is the most brilliant member of the constellation of Virgo and represents a grain of wheat being held by the celestial maiden.

Thursday

The moon shines above and to the right of bright yellow Jupiter. The giant world is a fine object to look at with small telescopes and even binoculars. You’ll be able to see the planets four largest moons and colorful bands that cross its atmosphere.

Weekend

On Saturday the moon sweeps north of red Antares. This star marks the heart of Scorpius the Scorpion a popular member of the zodiac To the left of Antares shimmers pale gold Saturn. The famous rings that circle the planet can be seen in any size telescopes To the left of Saturn rising in the southeast at sunset is red Mars. Currently it outshines all the planets except Venus since it is so close to the earth.