• Liz Durkee

Moon and Two Bright Stars

The moon is in a close path with two of the brighest stars in our evening sky in the coming week. The gibbous moon, waxing, will approach the bright star Spica, the brightest star in the constellation Virgo on Sunday night. Take a look. The moon is almost on a collision course. The two will be only a few degrees apart during the night, the closest being less than two degrees.

Their proximity is so close most folks will miss it. Take a look during the evening as this slow motion event takes place.

Take another look on Thursday evening, a near-full moon will move through the summer constellation Scorpius and almost cover the bright red star Antares. The two are so close. If you are living in Brazil or in many countries in Africa, and inbetween, the moon occults the star.

Step outside on Thursday evening and look for the moon rising in the southeastern sky. The moon doesn't get very high throughout the evening. If you've got binoculars you've got the best view. The moon is so brilliant. Antares is one of the brightest summer stars, so this should be fun for those with clear skies and who take the time.

 

Sunrise and Sunset
Day Sunrise Sunset
Fri., May 17 5:20 7:56
Sat., May 18 5:19 7:56
Sun., May 19 5:18 7:57
Mon., May 20 5:17 7:58
Tues., May 21 5:16 7:59
Wed., May 22 5:16 8:00
Thurs., May 23 5:15 8:01
Fri., May 24 5:14 8:02
Temperatures and Precipitations
Day Max (Fº) Min (Fº) Inches
May 10 65 47 0.03
May 11 58 45 0.13
May 12 55 38 0.01
May 13 58 44 0.01
May 14 65 46 0.00
May 15 65 54 0.00
May 16 64 56 1.08
Water temperature in Edgartown harbor: 57º F

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