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Summer Sky Watching Is About To Get Interesting With Planets Near The Moon & Annual Meteor Shower

Brian Ottum

Several “celestial events” will be available to see in the night sky over the next week or so.  WEMU’s Lisa Barry talks with Saline amateur astronomer Dr. Brian Ottum who explains what planets will appear close to the moon in the coming days and shares tips for seeing the annual Perseid meteor showers.

Credit Brian Ottum
Perseid Meteor from summer 2019, in Michigan

If you’re looking at the moon on August 9th, you’ll likely notice Jupiter very close by.  Then, two nights later on August 11th, Saturn will be quite visible close to the moon.

Credit Brian Ottum

Saline amateur astronomer Dr. Brian Ottum says sky watchers are also getting ready for the annual Perseid meteor showers, hopefully viewable next week.  He says the best way to see them is to move away from suburban or city lights and says, due to the current moon phase, the later in the night you watch, the more meteors you’re likely to see.  Dr. Ottum advises sky watchers to lie on a blanket and just look up, not in any particular direction to see the bright fireballs streaking across the night sky.

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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu

Lisa Barry was a reporter, and host of All Things Considered on 89.1 WEMU.
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