NElle Silent hours of the night of Wednesday 23when the world still sleeps, but the sky is already starting to lighten, two protagonists of the firmament will approach lovingly. The moon and Jupiter, Indeed, they will give life to a celestial show which deserves to be observed. Even if it will require a little effort and an alarm clock aimed very soon.
When and where to look
The highlight is scheduled for 4:30 in the morningItalian time. At that hour, looking towards the north-east, you can attend the conjunction between the thin lunar scythe and the largest planet of the solar system. The moon will rise first, around 3:50, followed by Jupiter about half an hour later. Both will be visible in the constellation of the twins and will shape an image that, even if short, will be able to capture the gaze and fantasy.
Not just Luna and Jupiter: who else will be on stage
If the sky is clear and without light pollution, The event will be even richer. A little higher, on the right, You can see Venusthe so -called “love planet”, Together with the star Aldebaranthe brightest of the bull. And for those who have a telescope, there will also be the possibility of identifying Uranus, The frozen giantslightly lower than the Pleiades, the star cluster also known as “the seven sisters”.
The summer sky continues with a new astral conjunction: on July 23, the moon and Jupiter approach the twins’ stars. Visible for about an hour before dawn (IAI photo)
How to recognize Jupiter
Jupiter is not difficult to identify: It is one of the brightest celestial bodies of the night sky, second only to Sole, Luna and Venus. Unlike the stars, it does not sparkle, but shines with a constant and intense light. During the conjunction, it will be very close to the moon, making identification even easier. With a good binoculars or a small telescope, Its four main satellites can also be observed: I, Europe, Ganimede and Callisto. And with more advanced tools, it will be possible to admire the colored bands of its atmosphere e The famous great red spota storm that rages for centuries.
Attention to the time: the dawn cancels the sky
The duet between Luna and Jupiter will last until just before 6:00when the light of the day begins to dissolve the stars. It is important not to wait too much: the phenomenon takes place in the east, where the sun will rise, and look directly towards the horizon at the wrong time, it can be dangerous for the eyes. The observation must only be done before dawn and never without adequate protections if the sun is already visible.
A July that does not stop amaze
After the conjunction between Luna and Jupiter of 23 July, the summer sky continues with a series of events that deserve attention. July 24 will be the moment of the new moonwith the completely invisible moon: an ideal condition for observing stars and planets without bright disorder. The July 28thshortly after sunset, The growing moon will meet Mars In a conjunction visible between the constellations of the Virgin and the Leo. The two stars will be low on the West horizon, so a free observation point will be needed. The July 31stIn the end, The moon will return to touch Spica, The brightest star of the Virginin another close encounter that closes the month with elegance.
Not only planets, in July you see stars and comets
Between 27 and 28 July, The sky will be crossed by the Delta Aquaridia meteoric swarm that can give up to 25 meteors per hour. The peak is scheduled for the night between Saturday and Sunday, with favorable conditions thanks to the falling moon that sets early. For fans with telescope, On July 31, he also marked the Perdielio della Comet C/2022 N2 Panstarrs (name of the telescope that discovered it). It will not be visible to the naked eye, but represents an interesting challenge for expert observers. Finally, let’s not forget the Summer triangle, formed by Vega, Deneb and Altairwhich from July 23 will dominate the sky all night and guiding his gaze along the Milky Way.
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