2022, October 24: Challenging Mercury, Moon, Looping Planets

October 24, 2022: Before sunrise, a challenging view of Mars and a thin crescent moon is possible.  The bright outer planets – Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn – are looping compared to the distant stars.

2022, October 23:  Saturn’s Retrograde Ends, Goodbye, Mercury!

October 23, 2022: Saturn’s retrograde or westward trek ends today in front of the stars of eastern Capricornus.  Mercury departs the sky after its best morning appearance of the year.

2022, October 22: Venus, Superior Conjunction, Bright Planet Platter

October 22, 2022:  Venus is at superior conjunction today, hiding in the sun’s glaring light. An array of bright planets is visible during nighttime hours along with a morning crescent moon.

2022, October 21: Crescent in Lion’s Belly, Arcturus, Morning and Evening

October 21, 2022:  The morning crescent moon is in the eastern sky before sunrise, seemingly in the belly of Leo.  Arcturus is visible in the eastern sky before sunrise and western sky after sunset.

2022, October 20: Morning Lunar Occultation, Evening Bright Stars

October 20, 2022: The moon covers or occults Eta Leonis in the eastern sky before sunrise.  In addition to Jupiter and Saturn, the Summer Triangle – Vega, Altair, and Deneb – stands overhead.

2022, October 19: Morning Earthshine, Bright Planet Parade

October 19, 2022: The morning crescent moon is above Leo in the eastern sky during morning twilight.  Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars parade across the sky during the night.

2022, October 18: Celestial Donkeys, Planet Parade

October 18, 2022: The thick crescent moon appears near the Praesepe star cluster and the celestial donkeys before sunrise.  Overnight, Saturn leads Jupiter and Mars westward in the overnight planet parade