Astroblog: Venus and the Beehive, 3-4 July 2013

Tuesday, July 02, 2013

Venus and the Beehive, 3-4 July 2013

Evening sky looking west as seen from Adelaide at 18:30 pm local time on Wednesday July 3. Venus is just below the Beehive cluster (Praesepe). The inset shows the binocular view at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local times. Click to embiggen.

On the 3rd and 4th of July Venus is close to the Beehive cluster (Praesepe).

However, there is only a short time in the twilight when it is dark enough to see the cluster in binoculars or a small telescope, and when the cluster is too close to the horizon to see through the murk (unless you have super eyesight, the cluster will be too faint to see in the twilight with the unaided eyes).

You should probably start looking around an hour after sunset. Although astronomical twilight, when the sky is totally dark, is an hour and a half after sunset Venus will be less than a handspan from the horzion, and the faint stars of the Beehive will be difficult to see due to horizon grunge.

Worth having a look though.

Labels: binoculars, cluster, telescope, Venus

# posted by Ian Musgrave @ 11:43 pm

Comments:

I couldn't see the beehive last night.
I did see Venus and two or three stars to the lower left tonight, but by the time I got out there from work, there was a mountain in the way.
Thanks Ian, as always for your round-up of sights to see in the sky !

# posted by