Summer has arrived, the holidays are approaching: so many reasons to step outside at night, to do a bit of astronomy. Here are the phenomena visible in July 2022.
A rare phenomenon delighted skywatchers in June 2022: a “great alignment of planets”. The beginning of July is a harbinger of other notable astronomical phenomena, accessible even to beginners. Just open your eyes to savor them! And, perhaps, to take out a lounge chair to be more comfortable.
Here are the events that will mark the month of July in the sky.
Moon phases
In all seasons, provided the sky is not too cloudy, you can observe the moon. Each month, we can have fun following its phases, which in fact simply correspond to the passage of days and nights on the Moon.
- Le Thursday July 7, it is the phase of the first quarter of the Moon. We can then contemplate a half-moon in the sky. It is also said that the star is in eastern quadrature.
- Le Wednesday July 13, it is the moment of the full moon. The entire visible side of the satellite is illuminated by the sun. It’s not mystical, it’s just scientific.
- Le Wednesday July 20 corresponds to the last quarter of the Moon. It is in eastern quadrature.
- Then the Thursday July 28, it is the new moon. There is nothing to see, since its face turned towards our planet is then not illuminated by the Sun.
Planets visible to the naked eye
Several planets of the solar system are to be observed, without an instrument, during this month of July. Note that little Mercury is not visible this month.
| Planet | Venus | Mars | Jupiter | Saturn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 1 to 10 | Venus4:40 a.m. – 5:50 a.m. Taurus | Mars2h40 – 5h50 Pisces | Jupiter1h50 – 5h50 Whale | Saturn12:30 a.m. – 5:50 a.m. Capricorn |
| From 11 to 17 | Venus4h50 – 6h Taurus | Mars2h20 – 6h Aries | Jupiter1h20 – 6h Whale | Saturn0h – 6h Capricorn |
| From 18 to 24 | Venus5am – 6am Gemini | Mars2h – 6h Aries | Jupiter0h50 – 6h Whale | Saturn23h30 – 6h Capricorne |
| From 25 to 31 | Venus5:10 – 6:10 Gemini | Mars1h50 – 6h10 Aries | Jupiter0:30 a.m. – 6:10 a.m. Whale | Saturn11 p.m. – 6:10 a.m. Capricorn |
Other astronomical phenomena
July is a little less provided than the previous months in other astronomical spectacles, but note these three promising conjunctions in your diary all the same.
- Le Saturday July 16a nice conjunction between the Moon and Saturn is to be admired.
- Le tuesday july 19it is below Jupiter that the moon slips.
- Le tuesday july 26locate Venus just below the crescent moon.
There you go, you are set and ready to do astronomy in July 2022! Good observations.