Planet triangle graces the western twilit sky
In case you look west after sunset, you’ll most likely spot the fourth brightest object inside sky*: Venus.
But as I looked west recently, I noticed two bright(ish) objects just above it. It didn’t take me long to figure out that they were the planets Saturn and Mars. Both looked red due to their low altitude above the horizon, and both were concerning the very same brightness, so I wasn’t sure which was which. Happily, Sky and Telescope has a map (shown here) and a write-up of what’s what.
Interestingly, although Saturn is far larger than Mars, it’s much farther away, so they appear to be concerning the exact same brightness within the sky. All three of these planets will change their positions noticeably over the next few weeks, so you’ll be able to watch as the dance of gravity morphs their configuration. Also, on August 12 and 13, the crescent Moon will slide past the trio, which ought to make for a incredibly nice photo opportunity.
Not only that, but when you stay up late, you are able to catch the Perseid meteor shower too. I’ll have more about that later. But until then, even folks who go to bed early can spot and appreciate the view to the west.
