Sunrise Sunset

Fri., July 9 5:15 8:17

Sat., July 10 5:16 8:17

Sun., July 11 5:16 8:16

Mon., July 12 5:17 8:16

Tues., July 13 5:18 8:15

Wed., July 14 5:19 8:15

Thurs., July 15 5:19 8:14

Fri., July 16 5:20 8:14

Tonight the brightest planet in the night sky appears close to Regulus, the brightest star in the zodiacal constellation Leo. The pair are less than two degrees apart.

For the casual observer, Venus is the easiest to spot, high above the tree line soon after sunset. As the night sky gets darker, Regulus appears brighter and is easier to find. Regulus may be at its closest tonight, but the show isn’t over.

In the nights ahead, Venus appears to pass by Regulus and move above the bright star. By Monday night, the two celestial objects have separated considerably.

On Tuesday night, the thin crescent moon joins the western sky, and appears low, close to the glare of dusk. The moon appears under Regulus.

On Wednesday night, the moon advances eastward and appears close to Venus. The two are the show of the week. More people enjoy seeing the moon and Venus together than just about any other celestial event, not mentioning eclipses.

On Thursday night, the moon advances farther eastward and appears right next to the red planet Mars. Both are in the zodiacal constellation Virgo.

M.A.L.