Stars to look for in the night sky
Now that summer is officially here and the nights, though brief, are more conducive to sitting outside — even if bathed in mosquito repellant — there is lots to see, whether simply gazing at the night sky with your eyes, or actively searching for a particular planet, star cluster or another celestial wonder with binoculars or a telescope.
Detailed star maps and time charts can be found online that will indicate what you can see from your particular location, and at what time of the night; referring to these charts is an excellent way to learn your way around the night sky.
So what can we see in the night sky at this time of the year? Prominent, halfway up the southern night sky, is Vega (magnitude +0.03), the brightest star in the constellation of Lyra — the Harp or Lyre. Along with it, Deneb (magnitude +1.25) can be seen in Cygnus — the Swan to its immediate left (this constellation is sometimes referred to as the "Northern Cross" as the swan's body, outstretched wings, and long neck — pointing due south — resembles a cross). Altair (magnitude +0.77) can be spotted in Aquila — the Eagle (below Cygnus). Together, these stars form the asterism of the "Summer Triangle."
Other prominent constellations of the summer night sky include Hercules — the Giant (to the right of Lyra) and Corona Borealis — the Northern Crown (immediately to the right of Hercules).
Want something more challenging? Try to pick out the small constellations of Vulpecula — the Fox (just below Cygnus), Sagitta — the Arrow (below Vulpecula), and Delphinus — the Dolphin (to the upper left of Aquila); you might need to refer to a star chart to find them.
If you're using binoculars, or are fortunate to have a telescope, take the time to explore that whole region of the sky inside the Summer Triangle (actually part of our Milky Way Galaxy). You won't be disappointed, it is an area rich in celestial objects and beautiful star clusters. Look for the Brocchi Cluster (also named the "Coathanger Cluster"), an open star cluster in Vulpecula, near Sagitta.
By the way, If you don't already know, the dark areas in the Milky Way which you are seeing while viewing this whole area aren't holes in the Milky Way or areas void of stars. They are, in fact, massive clouds of celestial dust within the arm of the Milky Way, so dark and dense they obscure our view of the stars on the other side of the dust clouds.
THIS WEEK’S SKIES
If your primary interest is viewing the planets, here's where and when to find them in the coming week.
Mercury is still too close to the sun to be seen. Venus (magnitude -3.9, look for it in Cancer — the Crab) becomes visible nine degrees above the western horizon around 9:30 p.m. ADT (10 p.m., NLDT) as darkness falls, then sinking towards the horizon and setting around 10:40 p.m. ADT.
Mars (magnitude +1.8, also in Cancer) will be very difficult to see (if at all), as it is only six degrees above the western horizon at dusk.
Jupiter (magnitude -2.6, look for it in Aquarius — the Waterbearer) is visible in the pre-dawn sky, rising around 11:55 p.m. ADT, and reaching approximately 31 degrees above the southern horizon before fading by about 5 a.m.
Saturn (magnitude +0.4, visible in Capricornus — the Sea Goat) is visible about 12:20 a.m., 10 degrees above the southeast horizon, reaching 25 degrees above the southern horizon around 3:50 a.m. before disappearing in the dawn twilight around 4:40 a.m.
Until next week, clear skies.
EVENTS
July 1 — Last quarter moon