Venus, Mars, and Regulus Trio to Illuminate the Night Sky
July 9, 2023 – Stargazers are in for a treat as Venus, Mars, and Regulus align in a stunning celestial display. The trio will be visible in the evening sky, offering a captivating sight for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Venus, known as the brightest point of light in the night sky, will be setting in the west less than two hours after sunset. As the fading colors of sunset paint the horizon, Venus will be the first light to catch your eye. Shining at magnitude -4.7 in the first half of the month, Venus will be a prominent feature in the night sky.
On July 9, 2023, if you wait for the sky to darken further, you’ll be able to spot two points of light close together and above Venus. The slightly brighter and whiter light is Regulus, the brightest star in Leo the Lion. Next to it is the reddish glow of Mars. These two worlds will appear a bit more than a moon-width apart on both July 9 and 10.
During the evening of July 9, bright Venus will lie below the much fainter Mars and Regulus. The trio will fit within a 5-degree field, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Mars and Regulus will get as close as 0.7 degrees apart, slightly more than the width of a full moon. This close proximity will make for a breathtaking sight.
To enhance your viewing experience, try focusing on the trio with a pair of binoculars. Through binoculars, you may even be able to see the crescent phase of Venus. Look for the white and red points of light close together in the same field of view, which are Regulus and Mars, respectively.
While Mars should appear as a steady light, Regulus might twinkle due to its distance from Earth. A star like Regulus is nothing more than a pinprick of light in our sky, making it susceptible to the undulating atmosphere of Earth. In contrast, Mars, with its more disk-like appearance, will remain steady.
On July 9, Mars will pass 0.7 degrees from Regulus during the night, maintaining their close proximity. The following evening, July 10, they will still be in close proximity. Start looking for the trio about 30-45 minutes after sunset for the best viewing experience.
For a precise view from your location, you can use Stellarium online to find a star chart. Additionally, if you manage to capture a great photo of this celestial event, be sure to submit it to EarthSky Community Photos.
In conclusion, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the Venus, Mars, and Regulus trio on July 9 and 10. Grab your binoculars for a closer look at these celestial objects, which will be a little more than a moon-width apart. Enjoy the wonders of the night sky and marvel at the beauty of our universe.
For more videos of great night sky events, visit EarthSky’s YouTube page. And for additional night sky events, check out EarthSky’s visible planets and night sky guide.
About the Author:
Kelly Kizer Whitt is a science writer specializing in astronomy with over two decades of experience. She has contributed to various publications, including Astronomy Magazine, AstronomyToday, and the Sierra Club. Kelly is also the author of a children’s picture book titled Solar System Forecast and a young adult dystopian novel called A Different Sky. When she’s not immersed in astronomy, Kelly enjoys traveling to national parks, creating crossword puzzles, and engaging in outdoor activities like running, tennis, and paddleboarding. She currently resides in Wisconsin.
Why is the alignment of Venus, Mars, and Regulus considered a rare event that stargazers should not miss
Spectively. The contrast between the bright Venus and the dimmer Mars and Regulus will make for a striking scene.
For the best viewing experience, find a location away from city lights to minimize light pollution. Look towards the western sky after sunset and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. As the trio begins to appear, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of our celestial neighbors aligning in the night sky.
This celestial alignment of Venus, Mars, and Regulus is a rare event that stargazers won’t want to miss. Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply enjoy marveling at the wonders of the universe, make sure to mark your calendars for July 9, 2023. Grab your binoculars and head outside to witness this stunning display of celestial harmony.
Wow, what a breathtaking celestial spectacle! The alignment of Venus, Mars, and Regulus has left stargazers in awe. Nature never fails to amaze us with its captivating wonders.