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Skywatch: Look for planets and meteors this week

The Delta Aquariid Meteor Shower peaks this week.

Look for the moon, Jupiter and Saturn in the late evenings this week. On Sunday night you’ll be able to find the trio in the southeastern sky. 

The moon will be just below Jupiter and Saturn will be above and right of the pair.

Venus, Mars and the lion have a date on Wednesday evening. The two planets will be very close to the constellation of Leo. Look low in the western sky at dusk to find the two. 

Venus will be shining brightly and mars will be right next to Regulus, the brightest star in Leo. You’ll need a clear view of the horizon to catch the show.

If you’re out early on Thursday or Friday morning look up and you may see a shooting star. The Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower is expected to peak late in the week. 

This shower is more prominent in the Southern Hemisphere but some meteors will be visible in the mid-northern latitudes. The shower is caused by Comet 96P Machholz but is known to have glowing trails that streak across the sky. Look in the south before dawn for the shower’s radiant. 

As always, you’ll need a dark sky, far away from the city for the best chance of seeing a meteor.

The last quarter moon will arrive late this week. It’ll arrive on Saturday morning at 9:16 a.m. Moonrise is just after midnight on Saturday so you’ll see the near half-moon if you’re up early. 

Happy hunting!

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