August 2018

Mars Mania 2018: Before the Dust Storm

August 2018 : By Dave Huestis

This article was written in May 2018 as an observing guide in anticipation of Mars’ close approach on July 31, 2018. Unfortunately a dust storm began on May 30 that eventually encircled the planet and enshrouded it, preventing surface detail from being observed. A revised Mars observing Guide, titled Mars 2018: Dust Storm Aftermath, was substituted.

Mars 2018: Dust Storm Aftermath

August 2018 : By Dave Huestis

Amateur astronomers have been anxiously awaiting the closest approach of Mars to the Earth since 2003. On July 31 the Earth-Mars distance will be only 35,785,537 miles. These two planetary neighbors won’t be this close again until 2035

Picture Perfect for the Perseids

August 2018 : By Dave Huestis

If the sky is clear on the night of August 12-13 (Sunday night – Monday morning) I suggest you plan on selecting a dark sky location from which to observe the annual Perseid meteor shower. The Perseids are the second best display of shooting stars, ranking behind the December Geminids. Despite that status, this year’s favorable conditions may provide stargazers of all interest levels with anywhere from 60-120 meteors per hour.