Tuesday, July 30, 2019

July 30 -  Orion Returns

FaceBookShare
TwitterShare
color-instagram-96.png
color-link-96.png
The Hunter rises on his side, with his three Belt stars – Mintaka, Alnitak and Alnilam – pointing straight up.
Before dawn … Orion the Hunter returns
Orion the Hunter - the most noticeable of constellations - returns to the east before sunup each year at this time. Watch for Orion, and see why it's been called the ghost of the summer dawn. Read more.
Chandrayaan-2 successfully completes 3rd orbit-raising maneuver
India's 2nd moon mission, Chandrayaan-2, successfully carried out its 3rd orbit-raising maneuver on Monday. It will soon enter trans-lunar orbit, with the goal of landing on the moon on September 7. Read more.
Delta Aquariid meteors peak around now
If you're clouded out this week, don't worry. In fact, this shower rambles along steadily for many weeks. The peak of this year's Perseid meteor shower - also going on now, peaking around August 12 - will have bright moonlight. So start watching for meteors as soon as you can. Best time to watch: midnight to dawn. Read more
How to find Delta Aquariid radiant point
The radiant point for the Delta Aquariids is near the star Skat in the constellation Aquarius. Plus ... why meteors in annual showers have radiant points. Read more.
New moon is July 31 - August 1
This upcoming new moon will bear the name Black Moon, and it'll be a supermoon. You won't see it, though. Like all new moons, it'll cross the sky with the sun during the day. Read more
Thank you all for shopping at The EarthSky Store! Your support helps EarthSky keep going.

Kids tees, long sleeved tees, toys, and more. Your support means the world to us and allows us to keep going. Click here to shop.
Last weekend's meteors

Bryan Larson caught a bunch of meteors this past weekend at Barry's Landing Campground - within the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area - in Montana. Thanks, Bryan! There are two major meteor showers going on now: the Delta Aquariids and the Perseids.

Rare snowy plover in California
View at EarthSky Community Photos. | Elizabeth Bettenhausen used a zoom lens to catch this banded snowy plover on July 20, on a California beach. These endangered birds lay their eggs on beaches, and the nests are often unknowingly disturbed by human beach-goers. Elizabeth wrote: "If you walk on Santa Rosa Creek Beach in the next week or two, do watch where your feet step." Read more from Elizabeth, and, to learn more about sharing the beaches with snowy plovers, try this brochure from California State Parks. 
Submit your photo to EarthSky here!
Did a friend forward EarthSkyNews to you? Click here to get your own subscription!
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Instagram
Website