July is coming, what are the celestial phenomena worth watching in the clear sky on summer nights? Tianmu News reporter interviewed Xu Yuhua, secretary of the Zhejiang Astronomical Society.
Xu Yuhua introduced that in the early morning of July 14th, Beijing time, the largest " super moon " of the year will be ushered in.
Super Moon Information Map Source Xinhua News Agency
The so-called "super moon" is a full moon near perigee, which will appear larger and brighter than usual. There are two "super moons" this year, one on June 14 and the other in the early morning of July 14. "The apparent diameter of the moon visible on July 14 is slightly larger than that on June 14, so this super moon is worth watching." Xu Yuhua said.
At the same time, there will be two planetary conjunctions with the moon in mid-July, namely Saturn conjunct the moon at 4:17 am on July 16th and Jupiter conjunct the moon at 8:59 am on July 19th.
When Saturn is conjunct the moon, Saturn seen from the center of the earth is 4.05 degrees north of the moon. Looking towards the south before sunrise, the moon is like a night light, accompanied by a pale yellow Saturn with a brightness of 0.5 magnitude above. The two are arranged vertically. "If you use a small astronomical telescope, you can also see the beautiful rings of Saturn." ." Xu Yuhua said.
When Jupiter is conjunct the moon, Jupiter seen from the center of the earth is 2.23 degrees north of the moon. Located in the southern sky at sunrise, there is a white Jupiter with a brightness of 0.5 magnitude next to the moon, shining like a pearl.
In addition, there will be several meteor showers at the end of July. Among them, the Delta Aquariid Southern Meteor Shower will usher in its greatest period.
Xu Yuhua introduced that the Delta Aquarids Southern Meteor Shower is one of the medium-sized meteor showers that occurs regularly every year. This year, the maximum period is expected to occur on July 30. However, only a few scattered meteors are actually visible every hour. This year's observations will be unaffected by moonlight.
Another observable meteor shower is the Alpha Capricornid meteor shower . It is one of the small meteor showers that occurs regularly every year. This year, the maximum period is also expected to occur on July 30 and may continue until July 31. The average ZHR ( Zenith flux) is only 5, but the meteor speed is extremely slow and easy to distinguish from other meteor showers. The average brightness is medium, and stunning bolide occasionally appear.
