The Stars This Week

Chart time 9 :30 p.m. Sunday

Pisces Austrinus, The Southern Fish, rises in the southeast during early evening. Highlighting this group is the bright star Fomalhaut. The name means the solitary one, which is appropriate, since it is the lone bright star in this corner of the heavens. The remainder of this constellation’s stars are dim, requiring a dark moonless sky to trace them out.

Monday

The moon glows to the right of pale gold Saturn this evening. Any size telescope will allow stargazers to take a look at the famous rings that circle the planet along with a look at its largest moon Titan. Larger instruments will show additional divisions within the rings.

Tuesday

Aquila the Eagle is well placed for exploring in the south after nightfall. Highlighting this group is the bright star Altair. A rich band of the Milky Way flows through this constellation providing good views of star fields and deep sky objects.

Wednesday

Watch the moon pass to the north of bright red Mars over the next two nights with tonight the moon appearing to the right of the planet. Mars is very close to the earth in its orbit making it unusually bright. In telescope look for dark surface markings and maybe a glimpse of its polar icecap.

Thursday

Bright yellow Jupiter shines in the southwest during the early evening. The planets four largest moons and colorful bands that cross its atmosphere are easily viewed in telescopes and binoculars.

Weekend

Below and to the right of Jupiter blazes blue white Venus. The planets phase shape can be seen in telescopes. The moon reaches full phase on Saturday. Watch the moon change apparent size and color as it climbs the heavens beginning around sunset. Pink red Mercury glitters low in the northeast before dawn.