2017 Week 26: (June 25-July 1)

This upcoming week will mark the halfway point of the year.  The double shadow transits of Jupiter's moons are done for the year which offered a great sight over the past 6 weeks.  The waxing crescent Moon appears this weekend to mark Eid al-Fitr for Muslims throughout the world.

Waxing Crescent Moon

The chart below highlights the significant events that can be seen in the sky throughout the week.

Date	Event
June 27	Regulus 0.03°N of Moon
June 30	First Quarter
July 1	Jupiter 3°S of Moon

Unfortunately there are not many exciting things happening throughout the week.  The bright breast bone star of Leo will be tucked in right next to the Moon this Tuesday evening.  Closer to the weekend every astronomer's favourite phase of first quarter will occur on Canada Day eve.  The Moon then moves over to be in conjunction with Jupiter the next day as we celebrate our nation's birthday.

We are still stuck in a rut for twilight over the next few weeks but the dark skies are on their way back in.  The Summer Triangle will be shining over our heads and we can pick out some great open clusters and planetary nebulae.  The Milky Way will make a great visual sight if you can get away from the city far enough to have pristine unpolluted skies.  The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory will host 6 nights of Milky Way observing in July and August.  Information for the July nights is given below.

https://ucalgary.ca/rao/event/2017-07-20/milky-way-nights-july-20-2017

I hope you have the opportunity to come out to see the sky.  Many people born today may never get to see the Milky Way due to the growing light pollution found throughout the world.  I am hoping to get a picture of the Milky Way this year but I'm not sure if my camera is quite up to it!  Good luck observing Jupiter and Saturn in the southern skies this week!