What to look for in the skies in 2014

Photo courtesy of NASA/Tamas Ladanyi (TWAN)Each August, as planet Earth swings through dust trailing along the orbit of periodic comet Swift-Tuttle, skygazers enjoy the Perseid Meteor Shower.


If I had to choose a single word to sum up the upcoming astronomical events of 2014 to fellow skygazers, I’d choose the word “close.”

On Jan. 5, the giant planet Jupiter will reach opposition. “Opposition” means the orbit of the Earth and that of Jupiter will be their closest approach of the two planets and the best opportunity for skygazers to study the giant planet and four of its largest moons.

Think of two track and field runners as they run around a corner on an oval track. The Earth is on the inside, shorter lane, and Jupiter on the outer and longer lane. “Opposition” occurs just as the two runners are side by side.

But since the length of Earth’s inner lane — its orbit — is shorter, we will quickly approach and then pass Jupiter. After Jan. 5, the Earth will slowly begin pulling away from the fading Jupiter, leaving it far behind until we repeat it again just over another year later.

On April 8, a similar opposition will occur between Earth and the red planet Mars. Even though it will appear pretty tiny compared to Jupiter, even when seen through a small telescope, it might present an opportunity to see one of Mars’ white polar icecaps.

Then on May 10, Saturn also will reach opposition with its rings tipped toward us and on full display like a prideful peacock.

These planetary oppositions for residents living in North America can be seen high in the east or southeast. Monthly publications like Sky and Telescope or Astronomy will tell you where exactly to feast your eyes.

Using a pair of binoculars is a good first step in discovering these outer planets. If you should one day decide that a telescope would give you a better view of the heavens, and it will, just be sure to do your homework before you buy. Seek the assistance of amateur astronomer groups like Sidewalk Astronomers or Griffith Observatory’s Los Angeles Astronomical Society. Every amateur has his or her own opinion of what telescope is best so don’t rely on that of only one person. Some telescopes are better designed for use on stars, galaxies and nebulas. Others are better suited for planets and the moon. Every telescope is a little bit of a compromise as no telescope is perfect for everything.

The inner planets Venus and Mercury, which are on closer orbits around the sun than Earth, do not reach opposition for best viewing, but what is called “elongation” instead, when those two planets will be placed highest above our horizon. Venus is the most brilliant planet in the sky and quite impossible to miss. Its greatest “western” elongation, when it is positioned highest in the southwestern sky right after sunset, occurred on Nov. 1. It then slowly descends, passing between the Earth and the sun only to reappear in the morning sky at greatest “eastern” elongation on March 22.

Then there’s speedy little Mercury. Much closer to the sun, it never rises very high above the horizon, but it’s still worth a look. April 15 will give most of North Americans a break from tax-deadline worries with a nice lunar eclipse. As the moon passes through Earth’s dark shadow, it will slowly become a rusty or blood red color. It’s quite a sight.

On June 7, the moon and Mars will have a close “conjunction” as they appear only two degrees from each other from just after sunset and continuing through most of the evening. There is no real astronomical significance to the event other than it being pretty cool to witness.

Venus and Jupiter also will have an even closer conjunction when they appear only a quarter degree apart. And for an extra treat, the Beehive Cluster in the constellation Cancer (a wonderful open star cluster in its own right), will make it a splendid trio as it sits just one degree away from the pair. Look for them in the east just before sunrise.

If this isn’t enough for skygazers, we have the promise of the Perseid meteor shower under warm summer skies. Meteor showers occur when the Earth passes through the dust trailings of past comets. The “shower” part is when Earth’s upper atmosphere encounters tiny leftover bits of dust and sand-grain-sized pieces of a comet and they burn up, sometimes leaving very brilliant trails, often mistakenly called shooting stars. The Perseid shower will appear to originate from or near the constellation Perseus.

Late in the night of Aug. 12 or 13, from midnight to a few hours later, will be the best time to see up to 60 meteors per hour left behind by comet Swift-Tuttle. Set out lounging chairs or even a blanket, invite friends, neighbors and significant others to add their watchful eyes and enjoy the show.