Astronomical calendar for July
JULY 4:
Full Buck Moon. This full moon is named after the time of year when male deer grow antlers that they will use to battle for the favor of female deer in the coming autumn.
JULY 5:
Jupiter and Saturn above and either side of nearly full moon. The two gas giant planets will adorn the moon like “Mickey Mouse” ears as the moon rises low in the southeast at 10 p.m. I suggest using binoculars or a small telescope to take in the beauty of this conjunction. Brighter Jupiter will be on the moon’s right with Saturn on its left.
JULY 10:
Venus at greatest illuminated extent. Venus becomes the “morning star” now that it has passed in front of the sun and begins its journey higher and higher into the predawn sky. If you happen to be awake at 4 a.m., look for our sister planet low above the ENE horizon. It’ll be the brightest object there shining as bright as a commercial jet’s landing lights. You may also be treated with what could be a bright comet shining at about magnitude 3 which can be seen dimly with the naked eye and easily detected in binoculars. Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE will be low above the NNE horizon at 4 a.m. You’ll need an unobstructed view (no mountains or tall trees in the way) as it’ll be only a degree or two above the horizon. However, it’ll also be at its closest approach to the sun so it may be sporting a long wispy tail that could make it much easier to see.
JULY 11:
Moon Mars conjunction. Mars and the waning gibbous moon will rise together in the east at 1 a.m.
JULY 14:
Jupiter at opposition. Jupiter will reach its closest distance to us at 11 p.m. on this night. You no longer need to wake up early in the morning to see the Jovian planet. It’ll be prominent in the night sky along with Saturn for the rest of July and well into August.
JULY 20:
Saturn at opposition. This is a great time to view the two largest planets in our solar system. Not only are Saturn and Jupiter visible close together, but they will also look big and bright even in a small telescope. July is the time to get to know better these two fellow travelers in the merry-go-round of our solar system.