Upstate New York Stargazing – July Week 4, 2017

Author's Note: The "Upstate New York Stargazing" series ran on the newyorkupstate.com and syracuse.com websites (and limited use in-print) from 2016 to 2018. For the full list of articles, see the Upstate New York Stargazing page.

Stargazing in Upstate NY: What to see in the night skies July 21 to 28

As far from a selfie as a non-selfie has ever been taken. Photo by Michael Collins, Apollo 11, July 21, 1969

Updated: Jul. 21, 2017, 3:57 p.m. | Published: Jul. 21, 2017, 2:57 p.m.

Special to nyup.com

By Damian Allis | Contributing writer

This summertime weekly summary for planetary, satellite, constellation, and other observing opportunities covers the last full week of July. We welcome the return of the moon to our sunset skies this week at the same time that we celebrate the 48th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon on the 20th – and the safe return from the surface of the late Neil Armstrong and the still ever social-media savvy Buzz Aldrin on July 21, 1969. The third name on that list, regretfully less-often mentioned because he stayed onboard the command module Columbia while the other two rode the Eagle module to the moon's surface, is Michael Collins. Of all of the documentation of this mission, the above photo might be the most memorable – especially in our current, selfie-crazed society. In this picture, the only person not accounted for in the entirely of human history – and, in fact, very likely the only multi-cellular organism not accounted for in the 4.5 billion year history of the Earth – is Collins, patiently monitoring the return of the other two to the Columbia module.

Lectures And Observing Opportunities In Upstate/Central New York

New York has a number of astronomers, astronomy clubs, and observatories that host public sessions throughout the year. Announced sessions from several respondent NY astronomy organizations are provided below for the remainder of July so you can plan accordingly. As wind and cloud cover are always factors when observing, please check the provided contact information and/or email the groups a day-or-so before an announced session, as some groups will also schedule weather-alternate dates. Also use the contact info for directions and to check on any applicable event or parking fees.

Astronomy Events Calendar

OrganizerLocationEventDateTimeContact Info
Adirondack Public ObservatoryTupper LakePublic ObservingJuly 211/2 Hour After Sunsetemail, website
Adirondack Public ObservatoryTupper LakePublic ObservingJuly 281/2 Hour After Sunsetemail, website
Albany Area Amateur Astronomers & Dudley ObservatorySchenectadyOctagon Barn Star PartyJuly 288:00 – 10:00 PMemail, website
Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of ScienceRochesterOpen House at Farash CenterJuly 2312:00 – 4:00 PMemail, website
Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of ScienceRochesterRocheSTAR Fest 2017July 28 – 29daytime & nighttimeemail, website
Baltimore WoodsMarcellusBob Piekiel & Summer SkiesJuly 21/228:00 – 11:00 PMemail, website
Clark Reservation State ParkJamesvilleBob Piekiel & Summer SkiesJuly 28/298:00 – 11:00 PM315-492-1590 website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalFriday Night Lecture & ObservingJuly 218:00 PMemail, website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalFriday Night Lecture & ObservingJuly 288:00 PMemail, website
Mohawk Valley Astronomical SocietyWatervillePublic Stargazing @ Prospect Library & QuarryJuly 227:45 – 11:59 PMemail, website

ISS And Other Bright Satellites

Satellite flyovers are commonplace, with several bright passes easily visible per hour in the nighttime sky, yet a thrill to new observers of all ages. Few flyovers compare in brightness or interest to the International Space Station. The flyovers of the football field-sized craft with its massive solar panel arrays can be predicted to within several seconds and take several minutes to complete.

This is an exceptional week for those interested in ISS flyovers, with a number occurring between sunset and midnight in addition to even more between midnight and sunrise. The 25th is a stand-out date with six total flyovers – four before sunrise and two well-placed after sunset. Properly equipped members of the amateur radio community can even add audio to their visual experiences by listening to transmissions from the ISS – see ariss.org or issfanclub.com for details.

ISS Flyovers

DateBrightnessApprox. StartStart Direct.Approx. EndEnd Direct.
21-Julmoderately12:39 AMN/NE12:41 AMNE
21-Julsomewhat2:12 AMNW2:17 AMNE
21-Julmoderately3:49 AMNW3:55 AME
21-Julmoderately11:48 PMNE11:48 PMNE
22-Julmoderately1:20 AMNW1:25 AMNE
22-Julmoderately2:57 AMNW3:02 AME/NE
22-Julextremely4:33 AMNW4:40 AME/SE
22-Julvery9:15 PMS/SE9:18 PME/SE
22-Julextremely10:50 PMW/SW10:56 PMNE
23-Julmoderately12:27 AMW/NW12:32 AMNE
23-Julmoderately2:04 AMNW2:09 AMNE
23-Julvery3:41 AMNW3:47 AME
23-Julextremely9:57 PMSW10:04 PME/NE
23-Julmoderately11:34 PMW11:40 PMNE
24-Julsomewhat1:12 AMNW1:17 AMNE
24-Julmoderately2:49 AMNW2:54 AME
24-Julextremely4:25 AMW/NW4:31 AMSE
24-Julextremely9:05 PMS/SW9:11 PME/NE
24-Julvery10:41 PMW10:48 PMNE
25-Julsomewhat12:19 AMNW12:24 AMNE
25-Julmoderately1:56 AMNW2:02 AME/NE
25-Julextremely3:32 AMW/NW3:39 AMSE
25-Julmoderately5:11 AMW/SW5:13 AMS/SW
25-Julextremely9:49 PMW/SW9:55 PMNE
25-Julmoderately11:27 PMW/NW11:32 PMNE
26-Julmoderately1:04 AMNW1:06 AMN
26-Julmoderately10:34 PMW/NW10:39 PMNE
27-Julmoderately12:11 AMNW12:15 AMN/NE
27-Julvery9:41 PMW9:47 PMNE
27-Julmoderately11:19 PMNW11:23 PMNE
28-Julsomewhat12:56 AMNW12:57 AMN/NW
28-Julmoderately10:26 PMW/NW10:31 PMNE

Predictions courtesy of heavens-above.com. For updated nightly predictions, visit spotthestation.nasa.gov.

Lunar Phases

New:First Quarter:Full:Third Quarter:
Jul. 23, 5:45 AMJul. 30, 11:23 AMAug. 7, 2:10 PMAug. 14, 9:14 PM

The Moon's increasing brightness as Full Moon approaches washes out fainter stars, random meteors, and other celestial objects – this is bad for most observing, but excellent for new observers, as only the brightest stars (those that mark the major constellations) and planets remain visible for your easy identification. If you've never tried it, the Moon is a wonderful binocular object. The labeled image identifies features easily found with low-power binoculars.

Lunar features prominent in low-power binoculars.

Observing Guides

Items and events listed below assume you're outside and observing most anywhere in New York state. The longer you're outside and away from indoor or bright lights, the better your dark adaption will be. If you have to use your smartphone, find a red light app or piece of red acetate, else set your brightness as low as possible.

The sky at 10 p.m. from July 21 to 28, accurate all week except for the changing Moon position.

Evening Skies: The two most prominent shapes in the sky, the Big Dipper and the Summer Triangle, are joined by a third shape you will hopefully come to recognize just as easily. The body of Sagittarius, close to the southern horizon from our view in New York all summer and into fall, can have its dots connected to look just like a teapot sitting flat above the tree line. Once you find Saturn and Antares, simply look around low and to the east for this prominent shape – the handle to the far east may be the first component to jump out at you.

The Big Dipper is a bright and easy guide for finding Polaris, the north star. From its handle, you can "arc" down to Arcturus. Jupiter, which stands out soon after sunset, is close to the bright star Spica in Virgo and to the southwest of bright Arcturus in Bootes. Saturn is also visible as dusk approaches, rising soon after the bright orange star Antares in Scorpius.

The sky at 4 a.m. from July 21 to 28, accurate all week except for the changing Moon position.

Morning Skies: Venus is unmistakable in the early morning sky, second only to the Moon in brightness before sunrise. Venus has passed through the head of Taurus the Bull these past few weeks and will pass by the horn star Zeta Tauri on July 27.

Planetary Viewing

Mercury and the Moon on the 24th and 25th of this month.

Mercury: While technically visible after sunset this week, Mercury is very low on the horizon and awash in scattered sunlight. Observers with binoculars might consider scanning the western horizon before 9:15 p.m. to find it, but DO NOT risk doing so until after the sun has set, as even a moment of magnified sunlight will permanently damage your vision. You can use the Moon as an observing aid on the 24th and 25th of this month to look for both Mercury and the bright star Regulus in Leo the Lion. For the patient, Mercury becomes a good early morning target in August.

Venus: Venus remains unmistakable in the early morning and even into sunrise, rising around 3:30 a.m. all week. With good, steady binoculars, you should be able to see Venus as either half-lit of as a wide crescent – and you can follow the changing phase of Venus as it and the Earth make our way around the Sun.

Mars: Mars will not return to our pre-midnight skies until this time next year, but will become a morning target this mid-August. Thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope and some image processing, we were all treated to a sequence of stills showing the Martian moon Phobos in its orbit, taken on May 12th of last year and freshly released to the public on July 20th of this year. Keen observers will note not only the brightness of this tiny moon, but the amazing surface details that Hubble can achieve from Earth's orbit.

Mars and a fly-by of its tiny moon Phobos. From NASA/ESA/STScI.

Jupiter: If you look south soon after sunset, Jupiter will be the brightest object you'll see this summer (or second-brightest if the Moon is out). Low power binoculars are excellent for spying the four bright Galilean moons – Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto – and several online guides will even map their orbits for you. Jupiter is to the west of the bright star Spica in Virgo, roughly a full fist-width if you measure with your arm fully-extended. Finding both will be easy on July 28, when the crescent moon rides just above Jupiter in the western sky.

Jupiter and the Moon on July 28th in Virgo.

Saturn: Still on the western edge of the brightest part of the Milky Way, Saturn is going to spend the next 18 months making its way to the eastern edge, all the while giving us an excellent observing target from late Spring to mid-Autumn. Saturn does have one interesting close approach on the evening of the 21st – there is one fly-by of the ISS just to the southeast of Saturn between 10:05 and 10:10 p.m. This flyover will be either very faint or completely invisible due to the orientation of the ISS solar array – and because Earth will be blocking nearly all of the sunlight these panels would otherwise reflect.

As a refresher from the June 30th to July 7th article, those looking in the direction of Saturn with binoculars are treated to a host of Messier ("M") Objects – all residing between ourselves and the center of the Milky Way galaxy above the spout of the Sagittarius teapot. A good star chart and some guide stars will help you determine just which object you're looking at.

Saturn, Antares, and the great assortment of Messier Objects towards the Milky Way center.

Dr. Damian Allis is the director of CNY Observers and a NASA Solar System Ambassador. If you know of any other NY astronomy events or clubs to promote, please contact the author.

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Upstate New York Stargazing – July Week 3, 2017

Author's Note: The "Upstate New York Stargazing" series ran on the newyorkupstate.com and syracuse.com websites (and limited use in-print) from 2016 to 2018. For the full list of articles, see the Upstate New York Stargazing page.

Stargazing in Upstate NY: What to see in the night skies July 14 to 21

The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory captures the July 14th solar flare in ultraviolet.

Updated: Jul. 14, 2017, 2:41 p.m. | Published: Jul. 14, 2017, 1:41 p.m.

Special to nyup.com

By Damian Allis | Contributing writer

This summertime weekly summary for planetary, satellite, constellation, and other observing opportunities covers the third week of July. If nighttime skies clear this Saturday and Sunday, deep sky observers looking north may even be treated to some local color in the form of aurora. A massive sunspot erupted on the morning of July 14th, producing a brilliant solar flare and coronal mass ejection that is headed in Earth's general direction. These CMEs are the power behind our northern and southern lights – and satellites such as NASA SOHO give us just enough notice about these events to let us plan for long-exposure camera shots or, at least, a drive as far north as convenient to improve our chances of seeing them. Excellent locations for up-to-the-hour information on CMEs and aurora predictions include spaceweather.com, www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast, and aurorasaurus.org.

And speaking of the sun, the approaching solar eclipse on Aug. 21 remains a hot topic for observers throughout the U.S. Marnie Eisenstadt has written several articles about the eclipse, including where to get free solar glasses and group-observe in CNY and how rough a time some observing the total eclipse may have it. Some additional info can be found in the May and June UNY Stargazing articles, with more on the way in upcoming articles.

Lectures And Observing Opportunities In Upstate/Central New York

New York has a number of astronomers, astronomy clubs, and observatories that host public sessions throughout the year. Announced sessions from several respondent NY astronomy organizations are provided below for the remainder of July so you can plan accordingly. As wind and cloud cover are always factors when observing, please check the provided contact information and/or email the groups a day-or-so before an announced session, as some groups will also schedule weather-alternate dates. Also use the contact info for directions and to check on any applicable event or parking fees.

Astronomy Events Calendar

OrganizerLocationEventDateTimeContact Info
Adirondack Public ObservatoryTupper LakePublic ObservingJuly 141/2 Hour After Sunsetemail, website
Adirondack Public ObservatoryTupper LakePublic ObservingJuly 211/2 Hour After Sunsetemail, website
Adirondack Public ObservatoryTupper LakePublic ObservingJuly 281/2 Hour After Sunsetemail, website
Albany Area Amateur Astronomers & Dudley ObservatorySchenectadyNight Sky AdventureJuly 187:00 – 10:00 PMemail, website
Albany Area Amateur Astronomers & Dudley ObservatorySchenectadyAAAA MeetingJuly 207:30 – 9:00 PMemail, website
Albany Area Amateur Astronomers & Dudley ObservatorySchenectadyOctagon Barn Star PartyJuly 288:00 – 10:00 PMemail, website
Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of ScienceRochesterOpen House at Farash CenterJuly 2312:00 – 4:00 PMemail, website
Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of ScienceRochesterRocheSTAR Fest 2017July 28 – 29daytime & nighttimeemail, website
Baltimore WoodsMarcellusBob Piekiel & Summer SkiesJuly 21/228:00 – 11:00 PMemail, website
Clark Reservation State ParkJamesvilleBob Piekiel & Summer SkiesJuly 28/298:00 – 11:00 PM315-492-1590 website
Green Lakes State ParkFayettevilleBob Piekiel & Summer SkiesJuly 14/157:30 – 10:30 PM315-637-6111 website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalFriday Night Lecture & ObservingJuly 148:00 PMemail, website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalFriday Night Lecture & ObservingJuly 218:00 PMemail, website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalFriday Night Lecture & ObservingJuly 288:00 PMemail, website
Mohawk Valley Astronomical SocietyWatervillePublic Stargazing @ Waterville LibraryJuly 159:15 – 11:59 PMemail, website
Mohawk Valley Astronomical SocietyWatervilleSolar and Star GazingJuly 205:00 – 10:00 PMemail, website
Mohawk Valley Astronomical SocietyWatervillePublic Stargazing @ Prospect Library & QuarryJuly 227:45 – 11:59 PMemail, website

ISS And Other Bright Satellites

Satellite flyovers are commonplace, with several bright passes easily visible per hour in the nighttime sky, yet a thrill to new observers of all ages. Few flyovers compare in brightness or interest to the International Space Station. The flyovers of the football field-sized craft with its massive solar panel arrays can be predicted to within several seconds and take several minutes to complete.

Late-night observers are in for a treat this week with triple-flyovers on the 16th, 18th, 19th, and 20th. With a good morning's sleep included, the 21st even offers four views – three in the early morning and a very short-duration forth before midnight. Properly equipped members of the amateur radio community can even add audio to their visual experiences by listening to transmissions from the ISS – see ariss.org or issfanclub.com for details.

ISS Flyovers

DateBrightnessApprox. StartStart Direct.Approx. EndEnd Direct.
14-Julmoderately1:56 AME/NE1:57 AME/NE
14-Julvery3:29 AMW/NW3:33 AMNE
15-Julvery2:38 AMN/NW2:41 AMNE
15-Julmoderately4:13 AMNW4:18 AMNE
16-Julmoderately1:48 AMNE1:49 AMNE
16-Julmoderately3:20 AMW/NW3:25 AMNE
16-Julmoderately4:58 AMNW5:03 AME/NE
17-Julmoderately2:30 AMNW2:33 AMNE
17-Julmoderately4:05 AMNW4:10 AMNE
18-Julmoderately1:39 AMN/NE1:41 AMNE
18-Julmoderately3:13 AMNW3:17 AMNE
18-Julmoderately4:49 AMNW4:55 AME/NE
19-Julsomewhat12:48 AMNE12:49 AMNE
19-Julmoderately2:21 AMNW2:25 AMNE
19-Julmoderately3:57 AMNW4:02 AME/NE
20-Julmoderately1:30 AMN1:33 AMNE
20-Julsomewhat3:05 AMNW3:09 AMNE
20-Julvery4:41 AMNW4:47 AME
21-Julmoderately12:39 AMN/NE12:40 AMNE
21-Julsomewhat2:12 AMNW2:17 AMNE
21-Julmoderately3:49 AMNW3:55 AME
21-Julmoderately11:48 PMNE11:48 PMNE

Predictions courtesy of heavens-above.com. For updated nightly predictions, visit spotthestation.nasa.gov.

Lunar Phases

Third Quarter:New:First Quarter:Full:
Jul. 16, 3:25 PMJul. 23, 5:45 AMJul. 30, 11:23 AMAug. 7, 2:10 PM

The Moon's increasing brightness as Full Moon approaches washes out fainter stars, random meteors, and other celestial objects – this is bad for most observing, but excellent for new observers, as only the brightest stars (those that mark the major constellations) and planets remain visible for your easy identification. If you've never tried it, the Moon is a wonderful binocular object. The labeled image identifies features easily found with low-power binoculars.

Lunar features prominent in low-power binoculars.

Observing Guides

Items and events listed below assume you're outside and observing most anywhere in New York state. The longer you're outside and away from indoor or bright lights, the better your dark adaption will be. If you have to use your smartphone, find a red light app or piece of red acetate, else set your brightness as low as possible.

The sky at 10 p.m. from July 14 to July 21, accurate all week except for the changing Moon position.

Evening Skies: The two most prominent shapes in the sky, the Big Dipper and the Summer Triangle, are joined by a third shape you will hopefully come to recognize just as easily. The body of Sagittarius, close to the southern horizon from our view in New York all summer and into fall, can have its dots connected to look just like a teapot sitting flat above the tree line. Once you find Saturn and Antares, simply look around low and to the east for this prominent shape – the handle to the far east may be the first component to jump out at you.

The Big Dipper is a bright and easy guide for finding Polaris, the north star. From its handle, you can "arc" down to Arcturus. Jupiter, which stands out soon after sunset, is close to the bright star Spica in Virgo and to the southwest of bright Arcturus in Bootes. Saturn is also visible as dusk approaches, rising soon after the bright orange star Antares in Scorpius.

The sky at 4 a.m. from July 14 to July 21, accurate all week except for the changing Moon position.

Morning Skies: Venus is unmistakable in the early morning sky, second only to the Moon in brightness before sunrise. Venus has passed from the head of Taurus into the space between its horns this week, with the Pleiades star cluster and Aldebaran still prominently displayed in its vicinity.

Planetary Viewing

Mercury: While technically visible after sunset this week, Mercury is very low on the horizon and awash in scattered sunlight. Observers with binoculars might consider scanning the western horizon before 9:15 p.m. to find it, but DO NOT risk doing so until after the sun has set, as even a moment of magnified sunlight will permanently damage your vision. To be on the safe side, reset your clocks for next month – Mercury becomes a good early morning target in August.

Venus: Venus remains unmistakable in the early morning and even into sunrise. With good, steady binoculars, you should be able to see Venus as either half-lit of as a wide crescent – and you can follow the changing phase of Venus as it and the Earth make our way around the Sun.

Venus, now past the Hyades open cluster, has a rendezvous with the Moon on July 20.

Venus has moved swiftly past the Hyades star cluster – a group of stars known more commonly as the head of Taurus the Bull. On July 19th, a line drawn between the Moon and Venus will cut the Hyades in two. On the early morning of July 20th, the the Moon and Venus will make for a pleasant close pairing.

Mars: Mars will not return to our pre-midnight skies until this time next year, but will become a morning target this mid-August.

Jupiter: If you look south soon after sunset, Jupiter will be the brightest object you'll see this summer (or second-brightest if the moon is out). Low power binoculars are excellent for spying the four bright Galilean moons – Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto – and several online guides will even map their orbits for you.

Jupiter's Great Red Spot, with raw data collected from the Juno Probe's Junocam.

NASA's Juno probe flyover of the Great Red Spot has been downloaded, processed, and cropped for websites the world over these past few days. Astronomers have been monitoring this gigantic storm since 1830, and it is believed that this very same storm was identified by observers as early as 1665 – making this a very large and long-lived phenomenon. For the older observers who can't quite make out the spot as easily as they used to, their eyes are not entirely to blame. The storm has been steadily reducing in size and is currently about half what it was measured to be in 1900. While its future is still a point of study and discussion in the astronomy community, it will remain large enough to hold two entire Earths inside of it for some time to come.

Saturn: Still on the western edge of the brightest part of the Milky Way, Saturn is going to spend the next 18 months making its way to the eastern edge, all the while giving us an excellent observing target from late Spring to mid-Autumn.

Saturn and Antares to the left of Spica and Jupiter, with hand gestures marking rough distances.

Jupiter, Spica in Virgo, Antares in Scorpius, and Saturn are perfectly placed right now for a little bit of biology. If you take your hand, make it into a fist, and fully extend your arm, your closed fist should fit almost perfectly between Spica and Jupiter right now. For the most part, that statement is as valid for a 6-year-old as it is for a 60-year-old. While the lengths of the arms are different, the hands scale in size with those arms. From the observer's eyes, the amount of space covered by the hands with the arms extended is the same. This makes the hand an excellent tool for marking distances between bright points in the night sky and an excellent way to describe to others how to find those same objects. Saturn and Antares are farther apart than Spica and Jupiter – the distance should be close to your extended arm with your thumb and pinkie slightly extended. By these same measures, the gap between Antares and Spica can just barely be covered by fully stretching your thumbs and pinkies while touching both hands.

Dr. Damian Allis is the director of CNY Observers and a NASA Solar System Ambassador. If you know of any other NY astronomy events or clubs to promote, please contact the author.

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Upstate New York Stargazing – July Week 1, 2017

Author's Note: The "Upstate New York Stargazing" series ran on the newyorkupstate.com and syracuse.com websites (and limited use in-print) from 2016 to 2018. For the full list of articles, see the Upstate New York Stargazing page.

Stargazing in Upstate NY: What to see in the night skies June 30 to July 7

Updated: Jun. 30, 2017, 2:41 p.m. | Published: Jun. 30, 2017, 1:41 p.m.

Special to nyup.com

By Damian Allis | Contributing writer

This summertime weekly summary for planetary, satellite, constellation, and other observing opportunities covers the end of June and first week of July.

Lectures and observing opportunities in Upstate/Central New York

New York has a number of astronomers, astronomy clubs, and observatories that host public sessions throughout the year. Announced sessions from several respondent NY astronomy organizations are provided below for all of July so you can plan accordingly. As wind and cloud cover are always factors when observing, please check the provided contact information and/or email the groups a day-or-so before an announced session, as some groups will also schedule weather-alternate dates. Also use the contact info for directions and to check on any applicable event or parking fees.

Astronomy Events Calendar

OrganizerLocationEventDateTimeContact Info
Adirondack Public ObservatoryTupper LakePublic ObservingJune 301/2 Hour After Sunsetemail, website
Adirondack Public ObservatoryTupper LakePublic ObservingJuly 71/2 Hour After Sunsetemail, website
Adirondack Public ObservatoryTupper LakePublic ObservingJuly 141/2 Hour After Sunsetemail, website
Adirondack Public ObservatoryTupper LakePublic ObservingJuly 211/2 Hour After Sunsetemail, website
Adirondack Public ObservatoryTupper LakePublic ObservingJuly 281/2 Hour After Sunsetemail, website
Albany Area Amateur Astronomers & Dudley ObservatorySchenectadySenior Science DayJuly 33:00 – 4:00 PMemail, website
Albany Area Amateur Astronomers & Dudley ObservatorySchenectadyNight Sky AdventureJuly 187:00 – 10:00 PMemail, website
Albany Area Amateur Astronomers & Dudley ObservatorySchenectadyAAAA MeetingJuly 207:30 – 9:00 PMemail, website
Albany Area Amateur Astronomers & Dudley ObservatorySchenectadyOctagon Barn Star PartyJuly 288:00 – 10:00 PMemail, website
Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of ScienceRochesterObserving At The StrasenburghJuly 18:30 – 10:30 PMJim S., 585-703-9876
Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of ScienceRochesterASRAS Member MeetingJuly 77:30 – 9:00 PMemail, website
Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of ScienceRochesterPublic Star Party @ Northampton ParkJuly 109:30 – 11:00 PMemail, website
Astronomy Section, Rochester Academy of ScienceRochesterRocheSTAR Fest 2017July 28 – 29daytime & nighttimeemail, website
Baltimore WoodsMarcellusBob Piekiel & Summer SkiesJuly 21/228:00 – 11:00 PMemail, website
Clark Reservation State ParkJamesvilleBob Piekiel & Summer SkiesJuly 28/298:00 – 11:00 PM315-492-1590 website
Green Lakes State ParkFayettevilleBob Piekiel – Choosing A TelescopeJuly 77:00 – 9:00 PM315-637-6111 website
Green Lakes State ParkFayettevilleBob Piekiel & Summer SkiesJuly 14/157:30 – 10:30 PM315-637-6111 website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalKAS Monthly MeetingJuly 57:00 – 9:00 PMemail, website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalFriday Night Lecture & ObservingJune 308:00 PMemail, website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalFriday Night Lecture & ObservingJuly 78:00 PMemail, website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalFriday Night Lecture & ObservingJuly 148:00 PMemail, website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalFriday Night Lecture & ObservingJuly 218:00 PMemail, website
Kopernik Observatory & Science CenterVestalFriday Night Lecture & ObservingJuly 288:00 PMemail, website
Mohawk Valley Astronomical SocietyWatervillePublic Stargazing @ Waterville LibraryJuly 159:15 – 11:59 PMemail, website
Mohawk Valley Astronomical SocietyWatervilleSolar and Star GazingJuly 205:00 – 10:00 PMemail, website
Mohawk Valley Astronomical SocietyWatervillePublic Stargazing @ Prospect Library & QuarryJuly 227:45 – 11:59 PMemail, website

ISS And Other Bright Satellites:

Satellite flyovers are commonplace, with several bright passes easily visible per hour in the nighttime sky, yet a thrill to new observers of all ages. Few flyovers compare in brightness or interest to the International Space Station. The flyovers of the football field-sized craft with its massive solar panel arrays can be predicted to within several seconds and take several minutes to complete.

There are three prominent flyovers this week, but you'll have to be an early riser to see them. The times across the state are all very close – simply go out and orient yourself a few minutes before the scheduled flyover and look for what first appears as a distant plane.

ISS Flyovers

DateBrightnessApprox. StartStart DirectionApprox. EndEnd Direction
Jul-17moderately4:52 AMS/SW4:58 AME/NE
Jul-17somewhat4:01 AMS/SE4:05 AME
Jul-17very4:44 AMSW4:50 AME/NE

Predictions courtesy of heavens-above.com. For updated nightly predictions, visit spotthestation.nasa.gov.

Lunar Phases

First Quarter:Full:Third Quarter:New:
Jun. 30, 8:51 PMJul. 9, 12:06 AMJul. 16, 3:25 PMJul. 23, 5:45 AM

The Moon's increasing brightness as Full Moon approaches washes out fainter stars, random meteors, and other celestial objects – this is bad for most observing, but excellent for new observers, as only the brightest stars (those that mark the major constellations) and planets remain visible for your easy identification. If you've never tried it, the Moon is a wonderful binocular object. The labeled image identifies features easily found with low-power binoculars.

Lunar features prominent in low-power binoculars.

Observing Guides

Items and events listed below assume you're outside and observing most anywhere in New York state. The longer you're outside and away from indoor or bright lights, the better your dark adaption will be. If you have to use your smartphone, find a red light app or piece of red acetate, else set your brightness as low as possible.

The sky at 10 p.m. from June 30 to July 7, accurate all week except for the changing Moon position.

Evening Skies: The two most prominent shapes in the sky – the Big Dipper and the Summer Triangle – are both high in the evening sky this month on opposite sides of the zenith, the point directly above you. The Big Dipper is a bright and easy guide for finding Polaris, the north star. From its handle, you can "arc" down to Arcturus. Jupiter, which stands out soon after sunset, is close to the bright star Spica in Virgo and to the southwest of bright Arcturus in Bootes. Saturn is also visible as dusk approaches, rising soon after the bright orange star Antares in Scorpius.

The sky at 4 a.m. from June 30 to July 7, accurate all week except for the changing Moon position.

Morning Skies: Venus is unmistakable in the early morning sky, second only to the Moon in brightness before sunrise. Saturn will have moved far to the southwest as the Earth rotates, which also brings the Big Dipper close to the northern horizon. The dim, distant planet Uranus is in Gemini and can be seen with low-power binoculars, appearing as a faint, blue-green star.

Planetary Viewing

Mercury: Mercury is hidden within the bright light of the the morning sun. Mercury will be visible again when it returns to sunset skies in July before becoming a morning target again in August.

Venus: Venus remains unmistakable in the early morning and even into sunrise if you know where to look. The planet does continue to slip away from us in its orbit, but we see more of its illuminated surface in the process. The result is an only slight dimming of the planet over the entire month as it goes from 40% to 60% illumination.

Mars: Mars sets very close to dusk right now, making it a difficult target without binoculars and a very clear horizon. Mars will not return to our pre-midnight skies until this time next year, but will become a morning target this mid-August.

Jupiter: If you look south soon after sunset, Jupiter will be the brightest object you'll see this summer (or second-brightest if the moon is out). Jupiter has a close approach with the Moon in Virgo on June 30th and July 1st, and is otherwise the most prominent object in the evening sky this month. Low power binoculars are excellent for spying the four bright Galilean moons – Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto – and several online guides will even map their orbits for you.

Jupiter and the Moon on June 30 and July 1 in Virgo, with bright Spica close by.

Saturn: Still on the western edge of the brightest part of the Milky Way, Saturn is going to spend the next 18 months making its way to the eastern edge, all the while giving us an excellent observing target from late Spring to mid-Autumn. While markedly closer to us, Saturn is not the brightest object in this part of the sky. Your eyes may be drawn to the orange star Antares in Scorpius first – simply look to the east for another bright pinpoint.

The very busy map of the Saturn position this month contains a treasure trove of Messier ("M") Objects observable with good binoculars, steady arms or a tripod, and a bit of patience. As we look south and in the vicinity of Saturn, we're staring into the dense heart of the Milky Way Galaxy itself during the summer. The wealth of objects in this part of the sky is not coincidence! Even a cursory scan of this part of the sky will reveal wispy features and small clusters of stars. A good star chart and some guide stars will help you determine just which object you're looking at.

Saturn, Antares, and the great assortment of Messier Objects towards the Milky Way center.

Dr. Damian Allis is the director of CNY Observers and a NASA Solar System Ambassador. If you know of any other NY astronomy events or clubs to promote, please contact the author.

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