Posted by Lisabeth Tunell

Beginning Tuesday if you are in the Raleigh area you need to wait an hour after sunset to see a celestial ballet that will continue for the next two weeks. The planetary conjunction will not be as tight as the last time, in June 2006 but will be the closest until April 2022......

The performance features the great ringed planet, Saturn, and our dusty red neighbor, Mars. Mars orbits much closer to the sun than Saturn, so it appears to move thought the sky much more rapidly. Saturn will be shining brightly low on the western horizon. Mars is in the constellation of Leo the lion which is recognized by his signature triangle and sickle pattern.Studded in the handle of the sickle is the bright, bluewhite star Regulus.

The show becomes more interesting on Saturday, when the planets and Regulus are joined by the crescent moon. Saturn, Mars, Regulus  and the Moon will  appear in a line pointing diagonally  toward the western horizon. The gap between the two planets will close over the next few days until July 9th or 10th when Saturn and Mars will be less than one degree apart.

To get the best view get away from the lights of the city. All the planets and stars will be bright enough to be seen on a cloudless night from anywhere in the Triangle area if you cannot get away from the city. For optimum viewing use a telescope or a pair of large binoculars.

 

You can join Morehead Planetarium's monthly skywatching session at Jordan Lake's Ebenezer Church Recreation Area from 9-11 p.m. Saturday. Visit www.moreheadplanetarium.org click on the "Events and Activities" bab and select "Skywatching Sessions" for more info...

 

See you at the performance in the sky!