The Sky This Week: August 2008

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Week of August 3rd - Three Planets

This week is the beginning of this month’s planetary parade. Look for Venus, Saturn, and Mars on the western horizon just after sunset. Don’t wait too long because the planets will set soon after the sun. Binoculars are recommended for viewing Mars and Saturn.

Week of August 10th - Planet Traffic Jam

A planetary traffic jam takes place this week which provides a rare opportunity to view all 5 naked eye planets. On August 12^th, look for Venus and Saturn to be less than 1 degree apart in the sky and on the following night they will be even closer together. This means that if you hold your finger up at arms length and close one eye, you could cover both planets! Saturn passes Venus and on August 14^th the ringed planet will appear between Venus and Mercury. Get your last glimpse of Saturn for the year, because it can no longer be seen after this week. Mars can also be seen among the planets in the west, but it is not very bright. Binoculars are recommended for view Mars and Saturn.

The fifth naked eye planet, Jupiter, appears with the moon in the southeast this week. The full moon on August 16^th will be the brightest object in the evening sky, followed by Venus then Jupiter.

Week of August 17th - The Inner Planets

On August 22^nd, Venus and Mercury will be 1 degree apart in the sky. This means that if you hold your finger up at arms length and close one eye, you could cover the gap between the two planets. Look along the western horizon for the two planets just after the sun sets. Venus will be the brightest object in the sky and four times brighter than Mercury.

Week of August 24th - Jupiter

The other four naked eye planets have taken the spotlight this month, but let’s not forget about the largest planet in the solar system. Jupiter can’t be missed in the south even though it is two times dimmer than Venus. Look for it in the constellation Sagittarius near Scorpius.

Week of August 31st - Three Planets

At the end of the month and into the beginning of September, Mars, Venus, and Mercury make a nice triangle on the western horizon after sunset. Don’t wait too long because the planets will set soon after the sun. Binoculars are recommended for viewing the planets.

Other: Planets...Did you know that you can see planets in the sky? There are 5 planets you can see with your own eyes! Want to know where they are? See the planets.

Check out The Sky for more information.

Click here for How to Read the Night Sky Illustrations.