Sunrise Sunset

Fri., Oct. 21 7:00 5:51

Sat., Oct. 22 7:01 5:50

Sun., Oct. 23 7:02 5:48

Mon., Oct. 24 7:03 5:47

Tues., Oct. 25 7:04 5:46

Wed., Oct. 26 7:06 5:44

Thurs., Oct. 27 7:07 5:43

Fri., Oct. 28 7:08 5:41

A thin crescent moon appears low in the southeastern sky tomorrow morning, in the zodiacal constellation Leo. For early risers, the moon appears just east of the red planet Mars. It is also near the bright star Regulus to the east. The new moon phase begins in five days.

Mars is 158 million miles away and getting closer. Later in November, Mars will be ten million miles closer. In the next four months, we will see it steadily brightening. Mars is closest to the earth in March.

The two brightest planets appear at opposite ends of the early evening sky. A short time after the sun has set, you will find Venus above the western horizon. Venus is brilliant and unmistakable, appearing just above the treeline. The best view is for those looking over water. The north shore is a great place for viewing. Our Christmas “star,” Venus will spend much of the winter high in the western sky after sunset.

While Venus is setting in the west, look to the east to see Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, rising. Venus is 148 million miles away; Jupiter is 372 million miles away.

M.A.L.