“I’m NOT a Star” — Venus

Often referred to as the morning or evening star depending on its position, Venus will be prominently visible on this evening. This is a classic example of Venus as the evening star, showcasing its beauty against the backdrop of the setting sun.

This rocky planet, similar in size to Earth, features extreme temperatures, a toxic atmosphere, and rain composed of sulfuric acid. NASA recently announced two upcoming missions, VERITAS and DAVINCI+, set to explore Venus’s surface and atmosphere later this decade. These missions promise to deliver remarkable images and data that may reshape our comprehension of this inhospitable yet fascinating planet, alongside the European spacecraft EnVision.

“Better Red than Dead — Eat THAT, Pluto!” — Mars

Mars will shine a vivid red as it joins the crescent Moon and Venus in a cosmic triangle. Currently, Mars is the subject of numerous robotic missions from various space agencies, including NASA and ESA, which explore its surface and environment. The possibility of human colonization on Mars remains a topic of discussion, as it may become the next frontier for our species beyond Earth.

Imagine a future where Earth is viewed as a bright star from the surface of Mars, with its moons, Phobos and Deimos, seen in the Martian sky alongside our planet.

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“Counting stars by candlelight, all are dim but one is bright;

The spiral light of Venus, rising first and shining best,

On, from the northwest corner, of a brand new crescent moon,

While crickets and cicadas sing, a rare and different tune,

Terrapin Station” — The Grateful Dead, Terrapin Station

This astronomical event is accessible to anyone, requiring no special equipment. The Moon, Mars, and Venus are easily visible to the naked eye, making it a memorable experience for stargazers worldwide—provided the weather cooperates.

For the best view, seek a dark location with an unobstructed view to the west shortly after sunset. This event will last approximately 30 minutes before Mars and Venus disappear below the horizon, so consider bringing a chair, some refreshments, and binoculars for a more enhanced experience!

The Moon, just two days old, will first appear as a slender crescent about 20 degrees above the western horizon. Shortly after, Venus will become visible roughly 3.5 degrees to the right and over six degrees beneath the Moon.

A helpful tip for stargazing is to extend your arm and use your index finger to measure distances in the sky. Your finger will cover about half a degree, roughly the same size as the Moon or Sun as seen from Earth. A clenched fist at arm’s length covers about 10 degrees.

As dusk settles, Mars will emerge as a faint light, gradually brightening until it is visible just below and slightly to the west of the Moon.

Don't miss the chance to observe the Moon, Mars, and Venus together in the evening sky on July 12th, positioned low on the horizon right after sunset.

James Maynard, the founder and publisher of The Cosmic Companion, resides in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife, Nicole, and their cat, Max.

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