DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) -Â As the summer nights unfold, observers can enjoy a combo of planets, stars and constellations.Â
The evening sky this month is graced by the presence of Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Venus shines brightly just after sunset in the western sky. Mars becomes more prominent later this month as an easily distinguishable reddish hue. The king, Jupiter, appears high in the sky later in the evening, accompanied by its four Galilean moons. With the aid of a good pair of binoculars and/or telescope, Saturn, with its stunning rings, will also be visible.
July’s night sky is also home to the Summer Triangle. It's an asterism formed by the bright stars Vega, Deneb and Altair. These stars are prominent in the eastern and southern parts of the sky.
During the third week of this month, during the new moon, dark skies will reveal the Milky Way. It's one of the best times to observe its bright, cloudy band stretching across the sky.Â
While the Southern Delta Aquarids and Alpha Capricornids won't provide much of a meteor shower show late this month, the Perseids are right around the corner. Â
Finally, let us not forget the Full Buck Moon on the 29th.Â
Happy viewing!
Stay sweaty and stay weather-aware.Â
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