Posts by 

Bruce McClure

Delta Aquariid meteors peak around now

This meteor shower doesn't have a definite peak, but is spread out over many weeks. With little to no moonlight before dawn now, late July and early August are a good time to watch.

Moon and Taurus before dawn July 26 to 28

Before dawn on July 26, 27, 28, 2019, see the waning crescent moon travel in front of Taurus the Bull. Let the moon introduce to the constellation's 2 outstanding features, the Hyades and the Pleiades clusters.

Moon near Uranus in July 25 predawn sky

Before sunrise on July 25, 2019, you'll find the moon at or near its last quarter phase and in the vicinity of the 7th planet Uranus on the sky's dome.

Partial lunar eclipse on July 16-17

Unfortunately, North America misses out on this eclipse entirely. It's visible from South America at early evening July 16 - from Europe and Africa, later in the evening July 16 - and in Asia and Australia before sunup July 17.

The eclipse that marked the start of the Iroquois Confederacy

The total solar eclipse of August 22, 1142, may have coincided with the birth of the Iroquois Confederacy, oldest democracy in North America and possibly on Earth.

Moon goes by Saturn night of July 15

As darkness falls on July 15, 2019, try finding the planet Saturn in the glare of tonight's almost-full moon.

Moon to sweep by Jupiter July 12 to 14

Use the moon to locate the planet Jupiter on July 12, 13 and 14. After these nights, you'll recognize Jupiter easily. It'll be the brightest starlike object to light up the evening sky for months to come.

Watch for a young moon after sunset

Try catching the young moon after sunset on July 3 or 4, 2019. The watch for the waxing crescent moon to pair up with Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation Leo the lion, on or near July 5.

South American solar eclipse on July 2

A total eclipse of the sun is coming to the South American countries of Chile and Argentina in the late afternoon hours on July 2, 2019.

Moon, Aldebaran, Venus before sunrise

Our chart shows Aldebaran, brightest star in Taurus the Bull. If you wait shortly before sunrise - assuming your skies are clear and horizon unobstructed - you might see Venus ascend over your eastern horizon.