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Each month I highlight a number of objects you can spot with the naked eye. So here we go for JULY 2022.
PLANETS
Mercury
Mercury is always a tough planet to spot as it follows the sun so closely and is generally low down in the sky.
This month you have until about the 12th to see the planet. By the 7th it is rising only an hour or so prior to the Sun. It will be very low and you'll need to look in a north-easterly direction
Mercury and Venus at around 4:30am on the 7th July
Courtesy of Stellarium
Venus
Venus is currently a stunning early morning object. You cannot miss it - it's like a beacon in the early morning sky.
At the beginning of the month is rises about an hour and a half prior to the sun and by the 31st two hours. So you'll still need to be an early riser!
As with Mercury look in a north-easterly direction. (Do not use optical equipment).
Mars
Mars is improving throughout the month and by the end is rising at midnight.
Here is an example of the planet and where to find it later in the month. It is in the east and really worth a look. Ignore Uranus is this star map as this is not visible to the naked eye. Note Jupiter too.
Mars on the 19th July at around 3am
Courtesy of Stellarium
Saturn and Jupiter
Saturn and Jupiter improve during the month and are due south early morning - around 3am.
Worth trying to see Saturn on the morning of the 16th as it is close to a waning gibbous moon - a beautiful sight!
Saturn close to the Moon on the 16th July - south.
Courtesy of Stellarium
Jupiter close to the Moon on the 19th July - south.
Courtesy of Stellarium
And another reminder:
NOCTILUCENT CLOUDS
The season of noctilucent clouds is with us once again!
These clouds are formed by a thin layer of ice particles at high altitude. - as high as 82Km in what is known as the mesosphere.
If they are present as the sun sets then they reflect the light despite it being dark and glow against the darkened sky.
You can spot them typically about an hour or two after sunset above the north-western horizon.
They are generally low in the sky so you'll need a good low horizon to get a good view.
You may be lucky enough to see them higher in the sky later at night.
They often appear this beautiful blue colour so do let me know if you spot them this month.
Enjoy the night sky this month and let me know about your observations
Thank you for reading this blog and do let me know if there is anything you would like me to add to my Newsletter each month.