2018 Week 31: (July 29-August 4)

This week in the sky has Mars reach its closest approach to Earth during this opposition.  The small red planet will be only 58 million kilometers away.  The table below highlights this week.

Date	Event
July 31	Mars at Closest Approach
August 4	Last Quarter

The Moon will reach its last quarter phase this weekend allowing early evening deep-sky observers the chance to catch a few galaxies or clusters.  As for the rest of the week there is not really anything else too exciting happening.  This, however, doesn't mean there isn't anything to see.  Jupiter and Saturn are still big and bright in the southern sky and worth taking a peek.

Jupiter can be found shining brightly in the southeastern sky just after the Sun sets.  I was only able to catch a quick snapshot of the big planet before it went behind the neighbour's garage.

Jupiter

This week Saturn can still be found directly south after the Sun sets.  It is not as bright as Jupiter or Mars but should still stand out from the stars in the general vicinity.  Due to its direction in the sky I was able to spend more time capturing our ringed planet.  The seeing was not too bad and the Cassini Division was easily visible through my 8" reflector telescope.  I was surprised to see so much detail given how low Saturn is in the sky.

Saturn

Moving to the southwest the famous red planet of Mars can be found.  There is still quite a dust storm raging across the entire globe.  I was getting quite tired by the time I took images and a tree got in my way.  I hope to have more opportunities throughout August to take some more pictures,

Mars

If you are out for an evening walk with a clear view of the western horizon you will still be able to catch Venus as it sets just over an hour after the Sun.  It is currently visible at half phase which can be detected with most telescopes.  I have not imaged Venus recently as it is so low in the sky and causes a logistical nightmare to move equipment.  The image below is from early in 2017 and showcases the waning crescent phase.

Venus

Stay tuned for more great events and things to see in the sky!  Meteor shower season is almost upon us with the Perseids coming up in a couple weeks!