The Planets

August is certainly one of the greatest months for skygazing. We see the best parts of the Milky Way Galaxy looming overhead at sunset, and Orion, rising in the eastern sky, tells us that winter is not too far away. Beautiful meteors also grace the August sky.

Mercury
If you are lucky enough to have a clear western view of the sky, be sure to be around at sunset. Mercury is the lowest of three bright objects, all planets, available to those looking west. Mercury shines brightly, but is certainly fleeting. Look quick, because Mercury sets soon after the sun. Mercury is currently in the constellation of Leo the Lion.
Venus
Following Mercury is beautiful, bright Venus, shining at an apparent magnitude of -3. Venus dominates the western sky in the early evening. Just as with Mercury, look quickly, because Venus sets soon after the Sun as well. Venus is currently in Leo the Lion..
Mars
With the brightness of Mercury, Venus and Jupiter, Mars is pretty underwhelming to look at. The “red” planet is to the upper left of Venus in the constellation of Virgo the Maiden, shining at a mediocre apparent magnitude of 2.

Jupiter
The “KING” of planets is truly regal this month Looking east from Scorpius towards Sagittarius the Archer, also seen as the shape of a “teapot”, note Jupiter right above the teapot’s handle, shining as the brightest object in that portion of the sky.

Saturn
The ringed wonder is in the western sky, but is overwhelmed by the brightness of neighboring Venus. Look for Venus, then adjust your eyes for the much dimmer Saturn to the immediate right of Venus.

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Moons and Planets

Meteor Showers

Everyone is always so excited about the Perseid Meteor Shower, which peaks this year on August 12. However, what few people know is that there are two other meteor showers this month. The Kappa Cygnids are active for most of the month, but the peak unfortunately falls sometime around the full moon. The Alpha Aurigids, beginning at the end of August and going into the first week of September, are usually ignored by the general meteor-gazing public, but should not be underrated, as they occasionally produce some amazing bursts.

All meteor showers are best observed from the darkest spot available with a comfortable lawn chair after midnight until almost sunrise. Get yourself a star chart to be able to find the constellations for these various showers: Perseus, Cygnus the Swan and Auriga the Charioteer.

Star Parties

Please plan to join us for free telescope observing on Saturday, September 6. Members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society join the staff of the Noble Planetarium on the North parking lot of the museum with their telescopes. These Saturday evening Star Parties are free and open to the public.

• Saturday, September 6, 2008
• Saturday, October 4, 2008 (This Star Party will be held in Euless as part of a special “Stars Over Euless” event. Details coming soon!)

Star Parties are free and open to the public. They are presented by the Noble Planetarium staff and members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society.

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For more information about the night sky, contact the Noble Planetarium at 817-255-9300 or planet@fwmsh.org.

Compiled by Linda Krouse of The Noble Planetarium.


Selected by the sciLINKS program, a service of National Science
Teachers Association. Copyright 2001

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