2019 Week 28: (July 7-July 13)

This week in the sky we have some amazing sights.  The big news is that Saturn will reach opposition and be at its brightest and largest for 2019!

Date	Event
July 7	Mercury 4°S of Mars
July 9	First Quarter
July 9	Saturn at Opposition
July 13	Jupiter 2°S of Moon
July 13	Pluto at Opposition

Mercury is once again descending into the Sun's brilliant light and will align nicely with Mars on the 7th of July.  I saw this conjunction a few weeks ago when Mercury was lifting into the sky.  A set of binoculars are required to pull in their light from the evening dusk.  Just don't use your binoculars with the Sun still up even if you are experienced; it is not worth the risk.

The Moon will reach its first quarter phase two nights later.  You can pull in some great sights on the lunar surface at this time.  Check out the Sea of Tranquility where the Apollo 11 mission landing nearly 50 years ago.

As mentioned above, the greatest observing news is Saturn.  The great ringed planet will reach opposition on July 9.  Have an astronomer showcase this sight through a telescope.  You will be amazed when you first set your eyes upon it.  This is what you will see:

Saturn (near opposition)

This is not to mean you should miss out on Jupiter.  At opposition last month, Jupiter still reigns supreme in our night sky.  You can see the different belts on our giant friend and may be lucky enough to catch the giant red spot or one of the moons casting a shadow.

Jupiter

There is one rocket launch schedule for this week.  The Spektr-RG which was scheduled on June 21 but scrubbed is again scheduled.  If it goes according to plan it will launch on a Proton rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome around 6:17 MDT.

Date	Event
July 12	Proton - Spektr-RG (06:17)

We will continue our series of public lectures at the Calgary Public Library when we meet at the Bowness branch on July 10 at 6pm.  The weather is looking good for some solar observing!  If you are tired from stampeding spend some time with us as we bring the sky down to Earth for you!

Date	Event
July 10	Bowness Library (18:00-19:00)

We look forward to seeing you this week and don't forget to look up and enjoy the wonders of the sky!