You’ll find 3rd-magnitude Deneb Algedi (Delta Capricorni) near Saturn, 1.7° southeast of the planet as August opens. It briefly brightens to magnitude 0.2 midmonth and is unmistakable within Capricornus the Sea Goat as the brightest object in this part of the sky. local time (local midnight using daylight saving time). The best time to view the planet is when it is highest in the southern sky, around 1 A.M. Saturn rises in the east soon before 9 P.M. Mercury lies 9.5° left of the Moon on the 28th and 6.5° below the Moon on the 29th. Try spotting it in binoculars on the 28th and 29th, as a crescent Moon enters the scene. 27 and fades to magnitude 0.3 - difficult to see in bright twilight. Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation Aug. 14, it fades to magnitude 0 and stands 5° high due west 30 minutes after sunset. Mercury slides southward along the horizon.

Mercury’s elevation after sunset doesn’t improve much as August progresses, although its elongation from the Sun increases. Try 30 minutes after sunset to spot magnitude –0.5 Mercury 4° high use binoculars to find fainter Regulus. 3, soon after sunset, you’ll find it only 0.8° north of Regulus, although the pair sets within an hour of the Sun. It’s a favorable apparition for Southern Hemisphere observers but is more challenging for those in the Northern Hemisphere. Mercury modestly hugs the western horizon all month. And the morning sky carries the glories of a growing Mars and a brilliant Venus. You might catch elusive Mercury in the early evening if you’re lucky. Saturn is visible all night, while Jupiter rises a bit later.

Both planets offer hours of amazing views. Midsummer observing means giant planets, with Jupiter and Saturn visible before midnight.

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