Posts by 

Bruce McClure

Year’s closest new supermoon August 30

Today - August 30, 2019 - presents the closest new moon of the year, exactly a fortnight (about 2 weeks) before the year's farthest and smallest full moon on September 14, 2019.

Moon and Winter Circle at dawn August 25

Wait, what? Winter Circle? Yes, even though it's still summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The early morning summer sky shows you what you'll see come winter.

Moon sweeps past planet Uranus

Before dawn on August 21 and 22, 2019, let the moon guide you to the constellation Aries the Ram. When the moon moves away, try star-hopping to Uranus using guide stars within this constellation. Good luck!

Moon, Jupiter, Saturn … Perseid meteors?

The Perseid meteor shower is rising to its peak, so there's bound to be some fist-shaking this weekend at that bright moon. But the moon can also guide you to Jupiter and Saturn on August 9, 10 and 11, 2019.

Moon, Antares, Jupiter from August 7 to 9

On August 7, 8 and 9, 2019, watch as the moon moves out from in front of the constellation Libra, then sweeps in front of neighboring Scorpius and past the bright planet Jupiter.

Will you catch Mercury at dawn?

Mercury will be over 18 degrees west of the sun - that is, visible in our eastern sky before sunrise - all this upcoming week, from about August 7 to 14, 2019. With Mercury getting brighter by the day, you might it before sunrise for the next 2 weeks at northerly latitudes.

Moon swings by star Spica August 4 to 6

On August 4 to 6, 2019, the moon is a waxing crescent in the sunset direction. Look for it shortly after sunset, as day fades to night. The moon will be below Spica August 4, closest to it August 5 and above it August 6.

Top 10 tips for watching 2019’s Perseid meteors

The 2019 Perseid meteor shower will likely peak August 12-13, unfortunately under the light of a bright moon. But the shower is already rising to its peak. Tips here for getting the most from this year's Perseid shower.

Spot the young moon in early August

Watch for the young moon as it first appears in bright western twilight on August 1 or 2, 2019. By August 3, 4 and 5, the young moon is a beautiful sight for all to see in the west after sunset.

Black Moon supermoon on July 31

Don't listen to people who tell you that supermoons are hype. Supermoons aren't hype; they're folklore, like Blue Moons or Black Moons or the beloved Harvest Moons.