Planets In July

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30481, 1 July 1964, Page 10

Planets In July

After the rather dismal month that has just ended many planetary observers will be sick of- looking at nothing but cloudy skies and •will be curious to see the changes that have taken place in the positions of the planets. The most noticeable movements have beep with Mercury and Venud, which have exchanged places in the morning and evening skies. Venus is coming into view in the early morning while Mercury is just commencing a period of evening visibility which will give us the best opportunity of seeing it this year. During the month it will come into view low in the northwest just after sunset and may •be identified by its orange colour and moderate brilliance. On July 27 it will pass just above Regulus, the brightest star of the constellation Leo. - By the end of the month it will be edging its way more towards the west and will be easier to find.

At present it is best to look for Venus about 7 a.m. as it

rises in the north-east. By the middle of the month it will be very easy to see. Until then do not be misled by Jupiter which shines brightly at that hour from a position about 30 degrees above the horizon just east of north. Mars may also be found low in the north-east. It is a rather inconspicuous object—not a patch on Venus, which will pass to the right of Mars then climb above it in the 'latter half df the month. The remaining visible planet, Saturn, is now rising in the evening and by midnight is well up in the eastern sky. Just before morning ■twilight begins it may be seen descending in the western sky. Saturn never varies much in brilliance. It is now approaching oppositiop (which will occur next month) which means that it is nearing its maximum brightness. Placing the planets in their present order of brilliance we have first Venus then Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn and Mars in that diminishing order.