2019 Week 36: (September 1-September 7)

This week in the sky there will be two solar conjunctions and a slowly brightening sky due to a waxing Moon.

Date	Event
September 2	Mars in Conjunction with Sun
September 3	Mercury in Superior Conjunction
September 5	First Quarter
September 6	Jupiter 2°S of Moon

On September 2 the red planet, Mars, will be in conjunction with the Sun.  Just a week ago, Mars was at aphelion and is now essentially the furthest it can possibly be from the Earth.  This is much different from last year when it was so very close.

The next day, Mercury will be in superior conjunction with the Sun and will be positioned behind our central star in relation to Earth.  When Mercury swings back away from the Sun into the evening sky we may be able to catch a glimpse of it.  The exciting news is that after this evening apparition Mars will reach inferior conjunction where we can actually see it!  That's right, a transit of our smallest planet in FRONT of the Sun.  This will be visible from Calgary as the Sun rises on November 11.

Mercury Transit (Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Moon will be a waxing crescent throughout most of the week as it approaches its first quarter phase on the 5th.  That very night see the Moon in conjunction with Jupiter.  The two objects will be approximately 3° apart as visible from Calgary this Thursday evening.

It seems to be a quiet week for rocket launches as there are currently none planned.  There are also no public events planned for this week either.

However, don't miss the kickoff to another great astronomy season on September 19 at the Central Branch of the Calgary Public Library.  Dr. Lisa Hughes from the University of Calgary will present a great lecture on Hercules.  See the synopsis below:

The September night sky presents a figure with outstretched arms that appears to be running or kneeling. Meet our fifth largest constellation that is named after the mythic hero, Hercules. Join Dr. Lisa Hughes from the University of Calgary's Department of Classics and Religion to learn about our fascination with the hero, Hercules, and his relationship with the stars. We will explore selections of the mythic stories adapted in both ancient texts and modern films. Whether you have read the 12 Labours or seen the Disney classic Hercules (1997), come out for a fun-filled starry night of Herculean proportions!

We hope to see you out this Fall!