Stargazing apps to spot constellations
These stargazing apps can help you find constellations in the sky and can teach you about the outer space.
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Venus loomed bright in the sky early Friday morning, but if you missed it, you’ll get another chance if you’re an early riser tomorrow.
Venus appeared in a conjunction with the moon and the star Regulus in the early morning hours of Sept. 19, USA TODAY reported. The planet will appear near Regulus in the early morning of Sept. 20 as well, EarthSky says, though the three won’t be as close.
Regulus is the brightest star in the constellation Leo the Lion, and is known as a harbinger of spring in the northern hemisphere, Star Walk says.
Venus is known as the morning star, and usually can be spotted near the horizon in the early morning hours.
If you’d like to get a closer look at planets and stars overhead, plan to visit Michigan’s dark sky areas on clear nights, though clouds and rain could get in the way this weekend, according to NWS forecasts.
Here’s what to know about Venus views.
How did Venus appear in a celestial conjunction?
In a conjunction overnight Sept. 18-19, the moon, Venus and the star Regulus appeared near each other in the night sky, USA TODAY reported.
In some regions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, the moon will pass directly in front of Venus — a rare event called a lunar occultation, Star Walk said in a Facebook post. Venus will briefly vanish behind the Moon’s bright edge, only to reappear later.
The three will appear together one to two hours before sunrise.
See the conjunction
The NWS office in Northern Indiana captured the natural phenomenon in stunning photos.
What is Venus?
Venus is the second planet from the sun in our solar system, the closest planet to Earth, according to NASA. The hottest and sixth-largest planet in the solar system, Venus has no moons or rings.
Will Venus be visible again tonight?
Yes, Venus will appear in the sky near the star Regulus overnight in the early morning hours of Sept. 20, according to EarthSky. The moon, currently in its waning crescent phase, will appear lower on the horizon.
Where can you enjoy stargazing in Michigan?
Head to a dark, open area on a clear night to take in prime stargazing across the state. Michigan is home to six dark sky state parks, three international dark sky parks and an international dark sky sanctuary.
- The Alpena area has three Dark Sky Preserves: Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson’s Harbor State Park and Negwegon State Park.
- In Mackinaw City, Headlands International Dark Sky Park, 15675 Headlands Road.
- In Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front St.
- In Munising, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
- In Paradise, the Great Lakes Museum and Whitefish Point Light Station, 18335 N. Whitefish Point Road, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park at 41382 W. M-123.
- In Port Austin, Port Crescent State Park, 1775 Port Austin Road.
- In Clayton, Lake Hudson Recreation Area, 5505 Morey Hwy.
- In Carp Lake, Wilderness State Park, 903 Wilderness Park Drive.
- Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County are international spots. And, finally, the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area is an international sanctuary.
What else will be in fall skies?
The Harvest Moon will peak at night Oct. 6.
Four meteor showers will be active in Michigan skies come October.
USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
