Without a doubt, Jupiter and Venus are putting on the best show in the early morning hours. They are both above the eastern horizon by 4 a.m., but are best seen around 5 to 6 a.m. when they are well above horizon and serve as the brightest starlike objects in the sky. Read more
Although the title to this sounds a little like an ancient Greek myth, what it is really about is a spectacular encounter of the planet with a lovely deep-sky object known as the 'Beehive Cluster' or M44. Venus will be at its closest to this star cluster on the mornings of the 12th and 13th September although it will still remain fairly close for several days either side of these dates. The Beehive Cluster lies in the constellation of Cancer the Crab and when viewed through binoculars it is easy to see why it has been given this name. This event through binoculars or a low power eyepiece in a small telescope will look stunning. Nearby to the west of Venus on the 12th will be a thin crescent Moon which will be below to the south of the planet on the 13th, which will add to the charm of the scene. Read more
Astronomy Theatre! Learn about the mythology of Ophiuchus, and then what bright objects to see in that constellation with binoculars or a small telescope.