Tag: sky watching

2017, August 21: Chicago’s View of the Great American Solar Eclipse

As an astronomy instructor, I spoke with students about the "solar eclipse in 2017." Well, it's upon us. On August 21, the moon's shadow races across the United States from the northwest to the southeast, with its path crossing through southern Illinois.  As the moon revolves to the east and passes directly in front the … Continue reading 2017, August 21: Chicago’s View of the Great American Solar Eclipse

2017, May 22: Venus and Moon

Brilliant Venus and the waning crescent moon appear together this morning in the eastern sky.  The moon is about 3.5 degrees from Venus this morning. For more information about the planets see: 2017 Evening Planets 2017 Morning Planets Venus as a Morning Star, 2017 Chart and Image Collection Jupiter’s Year with Spica:  A Triple Conjunction

2017, May 11: Jupiter, Spica & Big Dipper

Jupiter shines in the southeastern sky during the early evening hours near the star Spica.  Jupiter is about 10 degrees to the upper left of the star and the planet is over 20 times brighter.  The giant planet continues to retrograde for about another month.  (For details see the link at the bottom of this … Continue reading 2017, May 11: Jupiter, Spica & Big Dipper

2017, May 8: Venus Dazzles Morning Skies

Venus gleams from the eastern morning skies; it is even visible from the brightest city lights!  During the next several mornings Venus is at its brightest during this morning appearance.  While it always outshines all "stars" in the night sky, it dims slightly during its morning appearance as it moves away from our planet. For … Continue reading 2017, May 8: Venus Dazzles Morning Skies

2017, May: View of Saturn

Saturn rises in the May sky later in the evening.  Early in the month it appears above the eastern horizon around 10 p.m.  While this planet does not dominate the sky in brightness, it is on of the wonders of the sky through a telescope.  Its extensive rings dazzle the eye. On the morning of … Continue reading 2017, May: View of Saturn

2017, May: Venus in Morning Sky

Venus is the bright star in the morning sky during twilight in May 2017, rising 100 minutes before the sun in early May.  On May 1st, Venus is in its brightest phase.  While near our planet (41 million miles away), sun reflecting from its clouds make it appear exceeding bright in our sky.  It will … Continue reading 2017, May: Venus in Morning Sky

2017, May: Sun & Moon

Sun May's arrival begins the full burst of spring in mid-northern latitudes.  For observational astronomy it is one of the best months of the year.  This year, Jupiter gleams in the evening sky and Venus dominates the morning views.  With occasional nights with northwest winds and a hint of frost, the skies gleam clearly.  Living … Continue reading 2017, May: Sun & Moon

2017, April 23: Venus and Moon

Brilliant Venus and the moon shine from the eastern sky this morning as seen from the Chicago area. The pair is about 8 degrees apart.  During the next few weeks Venus appears at its brightest, although it rises during twilight. For more information about the planets see: 2017:  Mercury in the Evening Sky 2017 Evening Planets … Continue reading 2017, April 23: Venus and Moon

2017, April: Jupiter Dominates Evening Sky

Jupiter is the brightest "star" in the evening sky. It is low in the eastern sky during the early evening hours. It is just passed opposition rising just before sunset. For more information about the planets see: 2017:  Mercury in the Evening Sky 2017 Evening Planets 2017 Morning Planets Venus as a Morning Star, 2017 Chart and … Continue reading 2017, April: Jupiter Dominates Evening Sky