PLANETS RETURN
We have had (knock wood) relatively clear skies at our monthly telescope viewing sessions so far this summer at the Arch (next one coming up on August 10- see below), but I do admit that some people have been a bit disappointed at the lack of objects to see. Our viewing times are almost always timed to get a good view of the Moon, and with mountains, craters, and lava plains to see, it is always impressive. But after that, the combination of the bright sky due to the late sunset and light pollution does take a toll. We often show terrestrial objects like the Arch in order to show visitors how telescopes work, until it is dark enough to view more objects.
As we move into August, the situation starts to improve. We have not been able to view any planets so far during our 2024 programs (yes, I know, not counting our own), but that might change this month, or certainly in the fall. Venus is usually an unmistakably brilliant starlike object in the east before dawn or in the west at dusk, but it has been in line with the Sun for much of this year. However, in August, it begins to creep slowly into evening view, although it will still appear much less dazzling than you might remember seeing it. To locate Venus, you will have to find a spot with a view open to the west-northwest horizon and look about 20-30 minutes after sunset. Bring a pair of binoculars along if you have them, because you will be looking through rather bright twilight at this time. Can you make it out? Want more help? If clear, try watching the nights of August 5 or 6. The very thin crescent moon might help point the way. Week by week, it will become easier to see Venus, and it will be an excellent “Evening Star” from fall until late winter.
The thin crescent moon helps point the way to elusive Venus on the nights of August 5 & 6
Saturn similarly has been largely hiding from us on the far side of the Sun, or visible only before dawn. However, Earth’s more rapid motion causes the ringed planet to appear to rise almost two hours earlier each month, and by the end of August it clears the horizon as early as 8:30 pm St. Louis time. If skies are very clear we might catch a glimpse of Saturn by the end of our August 10 telescope viewing session, but for sure in September (weather permitting, of course). Saturn is very distant at almost a billion miles away, but still shines as a “star” similar in brightness to the brighter ones in the sky. Many people note its dull yellowing light, and that since it is closer, it does not seem to twinkle as much as actual stars do. Saturn pops into view above the eastern horizon around 10:30 pm at the beginning of August, and about 25 minutes earlier each week. As seen in the chart below, the nearly full moon is nearby on the nights of the 19th and especially the 20th.
Saturn comes into evening view during August.
Two more planets, Mars and Jupiter, are on their way to good evening views but are a few months behind in the process- putting on their best shows this winter. To catch them this month, it is necessary to stay up very late or get up quite early. As can be seen below, the Moon points the way to them on the mornings of August 27 & 28, but the two planets will appear at their closest distance apart, about one full moon’s width, on the morning of August 14.
Mars and Jupiter shine closely together in August for night owls or early risers.
In addition to the nice planet tableau that is slowly gathering for us, there is always the spectacle of the Perseid meteor shower, the best of the year if you consider number of meteors and the comfort of watching them. The morning of Monday, August 12 is expected to be the closest to the maximum, with decent number of meteors seen the morning of the 11th and 13th. The moon will set around midnight and won’t be much of a factor, as the best numbers of meteors are seen between midnight and dawn. See the August 2023 edition of this blog for more information on the Perseids.
An x marks the spot where the Perseid meteors appear to come from on the morning of August 12, 2024.
Our annual Kids Explorer Night will be held on the night of August 10, at 7 pm in Tucker Theater. Kids 5-12 can earn a customized Junior Ranger Night Explorer patch as they work with our Park’s Sky Ranger. There will also be a limited number of Eclipse Explorer booklets and badges available. Weather permitting, free telescope viewing will be held on the Entrance Plaza from 8 to 10 pm. Call 314-655-1704 to make reservations for the Kids Explorer program or to check on the weather the afternoon of the 10th.