LISTEN to this week’s Sky Report

https://www.griffithmedia.org/skyreport/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Aug_2025_Sky_Report.mp3

This is the Griffith Observatory Sky Report for the period between August 1 and August 31, 2025. Here are the events happening in the sky of southern California.

All times are in Pacific Daylight Time, PDT.

The sun rises on the 1st in the east-northeast at 6:04 a.m., and sets in the west-northwest at 7:54 p.m.  On the 31st, the sun rises in the east-northeast at 6:26 a.m. and sets in the west-northwest at 7:20 p.m.

Mercury on the 1st is close to the sun and not safe to observe. On the 11th, Mercury rises in the east-northeast at 5:08 a.m., and the sun rises at 6:12 a.m., one hour four minutes later. The planet is 15-percent illuminated and 9.5 arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Mercury rises at 5:27 a.m., 59 minutes before the sun rises. Do not observe any planet when it comes close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Venus rises on the 1st in the east-northeast at 3:12 a.m., with a disk 75-percent illuminated and 14 arcseconds wide. On the 12th, Venus is a degree south of Jupiter. Both rise at 3:25 a.m. On the 31st, Venus rises in the east-northeast at 3:56 a.m., with a disk 84-percent illuminated and 12-arcseconds wide.

Mars is in Virgo the Maiden. On the 1st, Mars sets in the west at 10:07 p.m., with a disk 95-percent illuminated and 4.2 arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Mars sets at 8:57 p.m.  A magnification of 200x or more is needed to see the planet’s disk.

Jupiter is in Gemini the Twins. On the 1st, Jupiter rises in the east-northeast at 3:54 a.m.  On the 31st, the planet rises at 2:24 a.m. Jupiter is 33 arcseconds wide. A telescope capable of magnification 50x will show the Red Spot, and the four bright Galilean moons can be seen moving back and forth, across and behind Jupiter.

Saturn is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, the planet rises in the east at 10:20 p.m.  On the 31st, the planet rises at 8:19 p.m.  Saturn is 19 arcseconds wide. The rings and Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, can be seen with a telescope capable of magnification 50x. Saturn’s moon Titan will cast its shadow on Saturn’s disk twice this month. Such an event is called a transit. The first transit starts on the 2nd at 11:05 p.m. and ends on the 3rd at 4:01 a.m. The second transit starts on the 18th at 10:31 p.m. and ends on the 19th at 2:57 a.m.  Titan’s shadow is about half an arcsecond in width. A magnification of more than 300x is needed to see such a small feature.

Uranus is in Taurus the Bull. On the 1st, the planet rises in the east-northeast at 1:08 a.m.  On the 31st, Uranus rises at 11:08 p.m.  On the 15th, Uranus is at Right Ascension 3h 56m 42s and declination of +20° 12ʹ 22ʺ. A magnification of 200x or more is needed to see the planet’s 3.5 arcsecond disk.

Neptune is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, Neptune rises in the east at 10:17 p.m.  On the 31st, Neptune rises at 8:18 p.m.  On the 15th, Neptune is at Right Ascension 0h 8m 34s and declination of -0° 33ʹ 9ʺ. A magnification of 200x or more is needed to see the planet’s 2.3 arcsecond disk.

The moon is at first quarter on the 1st, full moon on the 9th, last quarter on the 15th, new moon on the 22nd, and first quarter again on the 30th.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Perseid meteors are active from July 17 to August 24. This year they peak from 10:00 p.m. on the 11th through 4:40 a.m. on the 12th. The moon is 92-percent full and will interfere with observation. Normal rates as seen from rural locations, range from 50 to 100 shower members per hour at maximum. The Perseids are particles released from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. They are called Perseids because the radiant, the area of the sky from which the meteors seem to originate, is located near the prominent constellation of Perseus the Hero.

In the major lunar standstill of 2024-2025, the August southernmost moon rises in waxing gibbous phase on the 5th at 5:38 p.m. and sets on the 6th at 3:08 a.m. The August northernmost moon rises as a waning crescent on the 18th at 1:11 a.m., and sets at 4:40 p.m.  For details on the major lunar standstill, please visit the website at https://griffithobservatory.org/extreme-moon-the-major-lunar-standstills-of-2024-2025/

Follow All Space Considered and Griffith Observatory on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on astronomy and space-related events.

LISTEN to this week’s Sky Report

https://www.griffithmedia.org/skyreport/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/JUL_2025_Sky_Report.mp3

This is the Griffith Observatory Sky Report for the period between July 1 and July 31, 2025. Here are the events happening in the sky of southern California.

All times are in Pacific Daylight Time, PDT.

The sun rises on the 1st in the east-northeast at 5:46 a.m., and sets in the west-northwest at 8:09 p.m.  On the 31st, the sun rises in the east-northeast at 6:04 a.m. and sets in the west-northwest at 7:55 p.m.

Mercury on the 1st sets in the west-northwest at 9:44 p.m. with a disk 46-percent illuminated and 7.6 arcseconds wide. On the 17th, the sun sets at 8:04 p.m., and Mercury sets in the west-northwest at 8:56 p.m., 52 minutes later. The planet is 19-percent illuminated and ten arcseconds wide. After the 17th, Mercury is close to the sun, and it is not safe to observe it. Do not observe any planet when it comes close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Venus rises on the 1st in the east-northeast at 3:04 a.m., with a disk 64-percent illuminated and 18-arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Venus rises in the east-northeast at 3:11 a.m., with a disk 75-percent illuminated and 14-arcseconds wide.

Mars is in Leo the Lion. On the 1st, Mars sets in the west-northwest at 11:22 p.m., with a disk 92-percent illuminated and 4.9-arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Mars sets in the west at 10:09 p.m., with a disk 94-percent illuminated and 4.4-arcseconds wide. A magnification of 200x or more is needed to see the planet’s disk.

Jupiter is in Gemini the Twins. On the 1st, Jupiter rises in the east-northeast at 5:25 a.m., 21 minutes before the sun rises, and is not safe to observe. Do not observe any planet when it is close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great. On the 15th, Jupiter rises in the east-northeast at 4:44 a.m., and the sun rises at 5:53 a.m., one hour nine minutes later. On the 31st, the planet rises at 3:57 a.m. Jupiter is 32-arcseconds wide. A telescope capable of magnification 50x will show the Red Spot, and the four bright Galilean moons can be seen moving back and forth, across and behind Jupiter.

Saturn is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, Saturn rises in the east at 12:26 a.m. On the 31st, the planet rises at 10:24 p.m.  Saturn is 18-arcseconds wide. The rings and Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, can be seen with a telescope capable of magnification 50x. Saturn is one degree south of Neptune. Binoculars or a telescope with a magnification of 50x or less will show both planets in the same field of view.

Saturn’s moon Titan will cast its shadow on Saturn’s disk twice this month. Such an event is called a transit. The first transit starts on the 2nd, at 12:23 a.m., and ends at 6:00 a.m. The second transit starts on the 17th at 11:43 p.m., and ends on the 18th at 5:02 a.m.  Titan’s shadow is about half an arcsecond in width. A magnification of more than 300x is needed to see such a small feature.

Uranus is in Taurus the Bull. On the 1st, Uranus rises in the east-northeast at 3:05 a.m.  On the 31st, Uranus rises at 1:11 a.m.  On the 15th, Uranus is at Right Ascension 3h 52m 49s and declination of +20° 0ʹ 51ʺ. A magnification of 200x or more is needed to see the planet’s 3.5-arcsecond disk.

Neptune is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, Neptune rises in the east at 12:23 a.m.  On the 31st, Neptune rises at 10:21 p.m.  On the 15th, Neptune is at Right Ascension 0h 10m 1s and declination of -0° 22ʹ 16ʺ. A magnification of 200x or more is needed to see the planet’s 2.3-arcsecond disk.

The moon is at first quarter on the 2nd, full moon on the 10th, last quarter on the 17th, and new moon on the 24th.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Lunar-X is visible on the moon on the afternoon of the 2nd for a few hours, starting at 5:15 p.m.  A telescope with a magnification of 100x is needed to see Lunar-X, which is caused by sunlight illuminating the rims of two craters, which appear as a white X on the dark portion of the moon.  It is located south of the center of the line between the lighted and dark halves of the moon.

In the major lunar standstill of 2024-2025, the July southernmost moon rises as a full moon on the 8th at 6:54 p.m., and sets on the 9th at 4:22 a.m. Griffith Observatory will do a web broadcast on the transit of July’s southernmost moon during the night of the 8th. The July northernmost moon rises as a waning crescent on the 22nd at 3:20 a.m., and sets at 6:49 p.m.  Griffith observatory is not conducting a public event or web broadcast for July’s northernmost moon. For details on the major lunar standstill, please visit the website at https://griffithobservatory.org/extreme-moon-the-major-lunar-standstills-of-2024-2025/

The Southern delta Aquariid meteor shower peaks from the night of the 29th through to the morning of the 30th. The waxing crescent moon will set early and will not interfere with observations. These meteors produce good rates for a week centered on the night of maximum. These are usually faint meteors that lack both persistent trains and fireballs.

The alpha Capricornid meteor shower peaks from the night of the 29th through to the morning of the 30th. Again, the moon will not interfere with observations. This shower is not very strong and rarely produces more than five shower members per hour. The shower is notable, however, for the number of bright fireballs produced during its activity period.

Follow All Space Considered and Griffith Observatory on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on astronomy and space-related events.

LISTEN to this week’s Sky Report

This is the Griffith Observatory Sky Report for the period between June 1 and June 30, 2025. Here are the events happening in the sky of southern California.

All times are in Pacific Daylight Time, PDT.

The sun rises on the 1st at 5:43 a.m., and sets at 8:00 p.m.  On the 30th, the sun rises at 5:45 a.m. and sets at 8:09 p.m.

Mercury on the 1st is close to the sun and cannot be safely observed.  On the 9th, the sun sets at 8:04 p.m., and Mercury sets in the west-northwest at 9:07 p.m., one hour three minutes later. The planet is 89-percent illuminated and 5.4 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Mercury sets in the west-northwest at 9:45 p.m., one hour 36 minutes later. The planet is 46-percent illuminated and 7.5 arcseconds wide.

Venus rises in the east at 3:26 a.m. and is 50-percent illuminated and 24 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Venus rises in the east-northeast at 3:04 a.m. and is 63-percent illuminated and 18 arcseconds wide.

Mars is in Leo the Lion. On the 1st, Mars sets in the west-northwest at 12:37 a.m. and is 91-percent illuminated and 5.5 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Mars sets in the west-northwest at 11:24 p.m. and is 92-percent illuminated and 4.9 arcseconds wide. On the 29th at 6:15 p.m., Mars is only 17 arcminutes from the center of the 24-percent-illuminated waxing crescent moon, two arcminutes from the lunar limb. A magnification of over 150x is needed to see the planet’s small disk.

Jupiter moves from Taurus the Bull into Gemini the Twins on the 11th. On the 1st, Jupiter sets in the west-northwest at 9:13 p.m., one hour 13 minutes after the sun sets. On the 6th, the sun sets at 8:03 p.m., and Jupiter sets at 8:58 p.m., 55 minutes later.  After the 6th, Jupiter is close to the sun and is not safe to observe. The planet is 34 arcseconds wide. A telescope capable of magnification 50x will show the Red Spot, and the four bright Galilean moons can be seen moving back and forth, across and behind Jupiter.

Saturn is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, Saturn rises in the east at 2:20 a.m. On the 30th, the planet rises at 12:30 a.m. Saturn is 17 arcseconds wide. The rings and Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, can be seen with a telescope capable of magnification 50x. Saturn is about one degree south of Neptune in June.

Uranus is close to the sun on the 1st and not safe to observe. On the 6th, the planet rises in the east-northeast at 4:39 a.m., and the sun rises at 5:42 a.m., one hour three minutes later. On the 30th, Uranus rises at 3:09 a.m. On the 15th, Uranus is at Right Ascension 3h 46m 51s and declination of +19° 42ʹ 21ʺ. A magnification of 150x or more is needed to see the planet’s 3.5-arcsecond disk.

Neptune rises on the 1st in the east at 2:20 a.m. On the 30th, the planet rises at 12:27 a.m. On the 15th, Neptune is at Right Ascension 0h 9m 40s and declination of -0° 22ʹ 47ʺ. A magnification of 150x or more is needed to see the planet’s 2.3-arcsecond disk. Neptune is a degree north of Saturn all month long.

The moon is at first quarter on the 2nd, full moon on the 11th, last quarter on the 18th, and new moon on the 25th.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Summer begins in the northern hemisphere, and winter in the southern hemisphere, at 7:42 p.m. on June 20. At this precise moment, the sun reaches its northernmost point on the ecliptic.  This point and the time the sun meets it are called the summer solstice. Summer ends with the autumnal equinox on September 22.

In the major lunar standstill of 2024-2025, the June southernmost moon sets as a full moon on the 11th at 5:36 a.m. No events are planned by Griffith for this event. Later that day, the southernmost moon rises as a 99-percent waning gibbous moon at 9:02 p.m. Griffith Observatory is planning on a public event at the observatory and a web broadcast for this standstill. For details on the major lunar standstill, please visit the website at https://griffithobservatory.org/extreme-moon-the-major-lunar-standstills-of-2024-2025/

Follow All Space Considered and Griffith Observatory on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on astronomy and space-related events.

LISTEN to this week’s Sky Report

https://www.griffithmedia.org/skyreport/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/May_2025_Sky_Report.mp3

This is the Griffith Observatory Sky Report for the period between May 1 and May 31, 2025. Here are the events happening in the sky of southern California.

Mercury rises in the east at 5:06 a.m., PDT, on the 1st, and the sun rises at 6:03 a.m., PDT, 57 minutes later. The planet spends the entire month of May close to the sun, and it is not safe to observe it. Do not observe any planet when it comes close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Venus rises in the east at 4:09 a.m., PDT, on the 1st, one hour 54 minutes before the sun rises. The planet is 29-percent illuminated and 36-arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Venus rises in the east at 3:27 a.m., PDT, and the sun rises at 5:43 a.m., PDT, two hours 16 minutes later. Venus is 49-percent-illuminated and 24-arcseconds wide.

Mars moves from Cancer the Crab to Leo the Lion on the 25th. On the 1st, the sun sets at 7:38 p.m., PDT, and Mars sets in the west-northwest at 1:52 a.m., PDT. The planet is 90-percent illuminated and 6.6-arcseconds wide. On the 31st, the sun sets at 7:59 p.m., PDT, and Mars sets in the west-northwest at 12:39 a.m., PDT. The planet is 91-percent illuminated and 5.6-arcseconds wide. A telescope with a magnification of 200x is needed to see the disk. On Saturday evening, the 3rd, the large open star cluster Messier 44 (M44) is 33 arcminutes south of Mars, and the moon is two degrees 30 arcminutes east-northeast of Mars. All three are nearly overhead at 8:00 p.m., PDT. Binoculars are needed to see M44. Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles Astronomical Society will host a star party. The public can view this conjunction through the supplied telescopes. On the evening of the 4th, M44 is 40 arcminutes south of Mars.

Jupiter is in Taurus the Bull. On the 1st, Jupiter sets in the west-northwest at 10:45 p.m., PDT, and is 33-arcseconds wide. On the 31st, the planet sets in the west-northwest at 9:16 p.m., PDT. A telescope capable of magnification 50x will show the Red Spot, and the four bright Galilean moons also can be seen moving back and forth, across and behind Jupiter.

Saturn is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, Saturn rises in the east at 4:15 a.m., PDT. On the 31st, the planet rises at 2:24 a.m., PDT, and is 16-arcseconds wide. The rings and Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, may be seen with a telescope capable of magnification 50x.

Uranus sets in the west-northwest at 8:46 p.m., PDT, one hour eight minutes after the sun sets. The planet remains close to the sun for the rest of the month and it is not safe to observe it. Do not observe any planet when it comes close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Neptune is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, Neptune rises in the east at 4:20 a.m., PDT, and on the 31st, the planet rises in the east at 2:24 a.m., PDT, and is 2.2-arcseconds wide. On the 15th, Neptune is at Right Ascension 0h 7m 31s, declination -0° 35ʹ 10ʺ. A telescope with a magnification of 200x is needed to see its disk.

The first quarter moon occurs on the 4th, full moon on the 12th, last quarter on the 20th, and new moon on the 26th.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Lunar-X is visible for a few hours on the 4th, starting at 6:35 p.m., PDT. Lunar-X is a feature on the first quarter moon just within the dark half of the moon and midway between the center point and the southern edge. It is due to the rims of two craters illuminated by the sun. A telescope with a magnification of 50x or more is needed to see it.

In the major lunar standstill of 2024-2025, the May northernmost moon occurs twice. The first occurs when the waxing crescent moon rises on the 1st, at 9:12 a.m., PDT, and sets on the 2nd, at 12:37 a.m., PDT. The moon is two days from first quarter.

The second occurs when the waxing crescent moon rises on the 28th, at 6:52 a.m., PDT, and sets on the same date at 10:22 p.m., PDT. The moon is only two days past new moon, and observations will be difficult.

The May southernmost moon also occurs twice.

The first occurs when the waning gibbous moon sets on the 14th, 6:51 a.m., PDT, and rises on the same date at 10:12 p.m., PDT. The moon is two days past full phase.

The second occurs when the waning gibbous moon sets on the 15th, at 7:40 a.m., PDT, and rises on the same date at 11:06 p.m., PDT. The moon is three days past full phase. Griffith Observatory will broadcast the southernmost moonrise on May 14 but has no plans for public events or web broadcasts for the other May standstills.

For details on the major lunar standstill, please visit the website at https://griffithobservatory.org/extreme-moon-the-major-lunar-standstills-of-2024-2025/

The eta Aquariid meteor shower will occur from the night of April 20 through May 21. The meteors come from comet Halley. They are named for the star in Aquarius the Water Bearer, from which they appear to originate. The shower is best seen from the southern hemisphere. From the northern hemisphere, it usually produces medium rates of 10 to 30 meteors per hour just before dawn. The meteors are swift with a high percentage of persistent trains but few fireballs. The peak occurs from the evening of the 3rd through the morning of the 4th. The first quarter moon, 44-percent illuminated, will not interfere with observations after midnight.

Follow All Space Considered and Griffith Observatory on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on astronomy and space-related events.

LISTEN to this week’s Sky Report

https://www.griffithmedia.org/skyreport/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/APR_2025_Sky_Report.mp3

This is the Griffith Observatory Sky Report for the period between April 1 and April 30, 2025. Here are the events happening in the sky of southern California.

Mercury, on the 1st, is close to the sun and not safe to observe. On the 10th, the planet rises in the east at 5:31 a.m., PDT, and the sun rises at 6:28 a.m., PDT, 57 minutes later. Mercury is 25-percent-illuminated and 9.8 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Mercury rises in the east at 5:06 a.m., PDT, and the sun rises at 6:04 a.m., PDT, 58 minutes later. Mercury is 58-percent-illuminated and 6.9 arcseconds wide. Do not observe any planet when it appears close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Venus rises in the east at 5:34 a.m., PDT, on the 1st, and the sun rises at 6:28 a.m., PDT, 54 minutes later. The planet is 10-percent-illuminated and 51 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Venus rises in the east at 4:11 a.m., PDT, and is 28-percent-illuminated and 37 arcseconds wide. Do not observe any planet when it appears close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Mars is in Gemini the Twins. On the 1st, Mars sets in the west-northwest at 3:11 a.m., PDT, and is 90-percent-illuminated and 8.2 arcseconds wide. On the 12th, Mars moves from Gemini to Cancer the Crab. On the 30th, Mars sets in the west-northwest at 1:55 a.m., PDT, and is 90-percent-illuminated and 6.6 arcseconds wide. A magnification of 150x is needed to see its small disk.

Jupiter is in Taurus the Bull. On the 1st, Jupiter sets in the west-northwest at 12:21 a.m., PDT, and is 36 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, the planet sets in the west-northwest at 10:48 p.m., PDT, and is 34 arcseconds wide. A telescope capable of magnification 50x will show the Red Spot, and the four bright Galilean moons can be seen moving back and forth, across and behind Jupiter.

Saturn is in Aquarius the Water Bearer. The planet is close to the sun until the 13th and is not safe to observe. On the 13th, Saturn rises in the east at 5:20 a.m., PDT, and the sun rises at 6:24 a.m., PDT, one hour four minutes later. On the 19th, Saturn moves from Aquarius to Pisces the Fishes. On the 30th, Saturn rises in the east at 4:19 a.m., PDT, one hour 45 minutes before the sun rises. Do not observe any planet when it appears close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Uranus is in Taurus the Bull. On the 1st, Uranus sets in the west-northwest at 10:36 p.m., PDT. On the 30th, Uranus sets in the west-northwest at 8:50 p.m., PDT. On the 15th, Uranus is at Right Ascension 03h 32m 39s with a declination of +18° 54ʹ 35ʺ. The disk of Uranus is only 3.5 arcseconds wide, and so a telescope with a magnification of 150x is needed.

Neptune is in Pisces the Fishes. In the first two weeks of April, the planet rises less than an hour before the sun and is not safe to observe. On the 15th, Neptune rises in the east at 5:22 a.m., PDT, and the sun rises at 6:22 a.m., PDT, one hour later.  On the 30th, the planet rises in the east at 4:24 a.m., PDT, one hour 40 minutes before the sun rises. The position of Neptune on the 15th is Right Ascension 00h 04m 06s with a declination of –00° 56ʹ 22ʺ. The disk of Neptune is only 2.2 arcseconds wide, and so a telescope with a magnification of 150x is needed.

The first quarter moon occurs on the 4th, full moon on the 12th, last quarter on the 20th, and new moon on the 27th.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The Lyrid meteor shower is active from the evening of the 15th to the morning of the 30th. The Lyrids are named after the constellation of Lyra the Harp, from which they appear to originate. The Lyrid meteors comprise a medium-strength shower, with perhaps 20 meteors per hour at the peak, which will occur from the evening of the 21st to the morning of the 22nd. The Lyrids can produce occasional fireballs. The moon will be a 35-percent-illuminated waning crescent and will not interfere with observations until after 3:13 a.m., PDT.

In the major lunar standstill of 2024-2025, the April northernmost moon rises as a 36-percent waxing crescent on the morning of the 3rd at 10:25 a.m., PDT, and a 42-percent-illuminated moon sets on the evening of the 4th at 1:53 a.m., PDT. No events are planned at Griffith Observatory. The southernmost excursion occurs on the 18th, when the 76-percent waning gibbous moon rises at 12:18 a.m., PDT, and the moon sets at 9:43 a.m., PDT. No events are planned at Griffith Observatory. For details on the major lunar standstill, please visit the website at https://griffithobservatory.org/extreme-moon-the-major-lunar-standstills-of-2024-2025/

Follow All Space Considered and Griffith Observatory on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on astronomy and space-related events.

LISTEN to this week’s Sky Report

This is the Griffith Observatory Sky Report for the period between March 1 and March 31, 2025. Here are the events happening in the sky of southern California.

Mercury sets in the west at 7:07 p.m., PST, on the 1st, and the sun sets at 5:50 p.m., PST, one hour 17 minutes earlier. The planet is 76-percent illuminated and 6.0 arcseconds wide. On the 16th, the sun sets at 7:02 p.m., PDT, and Mercury sets in the west at 8:04 p.m., PDT, one hour two minutes later, and is 15-percent illuminated and 9.3 arcseconds wide. After the 16th, Mercury is close to the sun, and it is not safe to observe it. Do not observe any planet when it appears close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Venus sets in the west-northwest at 8:13 p.m., PST, on the 1st and is 15-percent illuminated and 49 arcseconds wide. On the 15th, the sun sets at 7:01 p.m., PDT, and Venus sets in the west-northwest at 8:01 p.m., PDT, one hour later, and is 3.4-percent illuminated and 58 arcseconds wide. After the 15th, Venus is close to the sun, and it is not safe to observe it. Do not observe any planet when it appears close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Mars is in Gemini the Twins. On the 1st, Mars sets in the northwest at 3:52 a.m., PST, and is 94-percent illuminated and 11 arcseconds wide. On the 8th, Mars is less than two degrees west-southwest of the first quarter moon. On the 31st, Mars sets in the northwest at 3:14 a.m., PDT, and is 91-percent illuminated and 8.3 arcseconds wide. A magnification of 150x is needed to see its small disk.

Jupiter is in Taurus the Bull. On the 1st, Jupiter sets in the west-northwest at 1:05 a.m., PST, and is 40 arcseconds wide. On the 31st, the planet sets in the west-northwest at 12:24 a.m., PDT, and is 36 arcseconds wide. A telescope capable of magnification 50x will show the Red Spot, and the four bright Galilean moons can be seen moving back and forth, across and behind Jupiter.

Saturn is in Aquarius the Water Bearer. The planet is close to the sun all month long and is not safe to observe. On the 1st, Saturn sets at 6:30 p.m., PST, 40 minutes after the sun sets. On the 31st, Saturn rises at 6:08 a.m., PDT, and the sun rises at 6:41 a.m., PDT, 33 minutes later. Do not observe any planet when it appears close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Uranus is in Aries the Ram. The planet moves into Taurus the Bull on the 4th. On the 1st, Uranus sets in the west-northwest at 11:33 p.m., PST. On the 31st, the planet sets at 10:40 p.m., PDT. On the 15th, Uranus is at Right Ascension 03h 26m 59s with a declination of +18° 34ʹ 00ʺ. Uranus is only 3.5 arcseconds wide, and so a telescope with a magnification of 200x is needed.

Neptune is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, Neptune sets in the west at 7:09 p.m., PST, one hour 19 minutes after the sun sets, and is 2.2 arcseconds wide. On the 6th, Neptune sets less than one hour after the sun sets, is close to the sun for the rest of March, and is not safe to observe then. The position of Neptune on the 15th is Right Ascension 23h 59m 51s with a declination of -01° 23ʹ 28ʺ.

The first quarter moon occurs on the 6th, full moon on the 13th, last quarter on the 22nd, and new moon on the 29th.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 9th, at 2:00 a.m., PST. All clocks must be set forward one hour, according to the saying, “Spring forward, fall back.”

Spring begins in the earth’s northern hemisphere, and autumn in the southern hemisphere, at 2:01 a.m., PDT, on the 20th. At that precise moment, when the sun reaches the point where the ecliptic crosses the celestial equator, it moves from south to north. The point where and the time when the sun crosses the celestial equator to the north is the vernal equinox. Spring ends with the summer solstice on June 20.

A total lunar eclipse occurs on Thursday the 13th. The moon enters the umbral or inner, darker part of earth’s shadow, at 10:09 p.m., PDT. Mid-eclipse occurs at 11:59 p.m., PDT, and the moon exits the umbra on the 14th at 1:48 a.m., PDT. Griffith Observatory will hold a web broadcast, but the observatory and Griffith Park will be closed to the public.

In the major lunar standstill of 2024-2025, the March, 2025, northernmost moon occurs with the setting of the first quarter moon on the evening of the 6th and the rising of the moon on the morning of the 7th. The southernmost excursion occurs on the morning of the 22nd, when the last quarter moon rises. For details on the major lunar standstill, please visit the website at https://griffithobservatory.org/extreme-moon-the-major-lunar-standstills-of-2024-2025/

Follow All Space Considered and Griffith Observatory on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on astronomy and space-related events.

LISTEN to this week’s Sky Report

https://www.griffithmedia.org/skyreport/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/FEB_2025_Sky_Report.mp3

This is the Griffith Observatory Sky Report for the period between February 1 and February 28, 2025. Here are the events happening in the sky of southern California.

Mercury begins February close to the sun and cannot be observed. On the 23rd, the sun sets at 5:45 p.m., PST, and Mercury sets in the west at 6:40 p.m., PST, 55 minutes later, and is 91-percent illuminated and 5.4 arcseconds wide. On the 28th, the sun sets at 5:49 p.m., PST, and Mercury sets in the west at 7:03 p.m., PST, one hour 14 minutes later, and is 79-percent illuminated and 5.9 arcseconds wide. Do not observe any planet when it comes close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Venus sets in the west at 9:00 p.m., PST, on the 1st, and the sun sets at 5:24 p.m., PST. The planet is 38-percent illuminated and is 32 arcseconds wide. On the 28th, Venus sets in the west-northwest at 8:17 p.m., PST. The planet is 16-percent illuminated and 48 arcseconds wide.

Mars is in Gemini the Twins. On the 1st, Mars sets in the west-northwest at 5:57 a.m., PST, and is 99-percent illuminated and 14 arcseconds wide. On the 28th, Mars sets at 3:55 a.m., PST, and is 94-percent illuminated and 11 arcseconds wide.

Jupiter is in Taurus the Bull. On the 1st, Jupiter sets in the west-northwest at 2:51 a.m., PST, and is 99-percent illuminated and 43 arcseconds wide. On the 28th, Jupiter sets in the west-northwest at 1:09 a.m., PST, and is 99-percent illuminated and 40 arcseconds wide. A telescope capable of magnification 50x will show the Red Spot and the four bright Galilean moons moving back and forth, across and behind Jupiter.

Saturn is in Aquarius the Water Bearer. On the 1st, the sun sets at 5:24 p.m., PST, and Saturn sets in the west at 8:05 p.m., PST, and is 100-percent illuminated and 16 arcseconds wide. On the 28th, the sun sets at 5:49 p.m., PST, and Saturn sets at 6:34 p.m., PST, 45 minutes later. The rings and Saturn’s largest moon Titan may be seen with a telescope capable of magnification 50x.

Uranus is in Aries the Ram. On the 1st, Uranus sets in the west-northwest at 1:25 a.m., PST, and is 100-percent illuminated and 3.6 arcseconds wide. On the 28th, Uranus sets in the west-northwest at 11:36 p.m., PST. On the 15th, Uranus is at Right Ascension 3h 24m 9s with a declination of +18° 23ʹ 4ʺ. A telescope with a magnification of 150x is needed to show the disk.

Neptune is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, Neptune sets in the west at 8:55 p.m., PST, and is 100-percent illuminated and 2.2 arcseconds wide. On the 28th, Neptune sets at 7:13 p.m., PST, one hour 24 minutes after the sun sets. On the 15th, Neptune is at Right Ascension 23h 56m 9s with a declination of -1° 47ʹ 45ʺ. A telescope with a magnification of 150x is needed to show the disk.

First quarter occurs on the 5th, full moon on the 12th, last quarter on the 20th, and new moon on the 27th.

SPECIAL EVENTS

In the major lunar standstill of 2024-2025, the February, 2025, northernmost moon rises on the 8th as an 85-percent waxing gibbous moon, at 1:38 p.m., PST, and sets as an 89-percent illuminated moon on the 9th at 5:01 a.m., PST. Griffith Observatory will not host a public event or a web broadcast. The southernmost moon occurs when the 30-percent waning crescent moon rises on the 22nd, at 2:40 a.m., PST, and when it sets at 12:06 p.m., PST. Griffith Observatory will not host a public event or a web broadcast. For details on the major lunar standstill, please visit the website at https://griffithobservatory.org/extreme-moon-the-major-lunar-standstills-of-2024-2025/

Follow All Space Considered and Griffith Observatory on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on astronomy and space-related events.

LISTEN to this week’s Sky Report

https://www.griffithmedia.org/skyreport/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jan_2025-Sky-Report.mp3

This is the Griffith Observatory Sky Report for the period between January 1 and January 31, 2025. Here are the events happening in the sky of southern California.

Mercury rises in the east-southeast at 5:28 a.m., PST, on the 1st, and the sun rises at 6:59 a.m., PST, one hour 31 minutes later. The disk of Mercury is 78-percent illuminated and 5.8 arcseconds wide. A telescope with a magnification of 150x is needed. On the 14th, Mercury rises in the east-southeast at 6:02 a.m., PST, and the sun rises at 6:59 a.m., PST, 57 minutes later. The disk of Mercury is 91-percent illuminated and 5.1 arcseconds wide. After the 14th, Mercury is close to the sun, and it is not safe to observe. Do not observe any planet when it comes close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Venus sets in the west-southwest at 8:38 p.m., PST, on the 1st, and the sun sets at 4:55 p.m., PST. The disk of Venus is 55-percent illuminated and 22 arcseconds wide. On the 31st, the sun sets at 5:23 p.m., PST, and Venus sets due west at 9:00 p.m., PST, with a disk that is 38-percent illuminated and 32 arcseconds wide. A magnification of 100x will show the disk. On the 3rd, Venus is four degrees west of the crescent moon. On the 18th, Venus is two degrees north of Saturn.

Mars transitions from Cancer the Crab to Gemini the Twins on the 12th. On the 1st, Mars rises in the east-northeast at 6:12 p.m., PST, and on the 31st, Mars rises in the east-northeast at 3:19 p.m., PST, with a disk that is 99-percent illuminated and 14 arcseconds wide. A magnification of 150x will be needed to see anything on its disk.

Mars will be closest to the earth on the 12th.  The difference in dates between closest to earth and opposition is due to the eccentricity of the orbit of Mars.  On the 12th, Mars will be a few thousand miles closer to earth than on the 16th. This is not enough to change the size of its disk as seen through a telescope. Griffith Observatory will host neither a public event nor a web broadcast.

The Moon occults Mars on Monday the 13th, when the moon passes in front of Mars from 5:51 p.m., PST, to 6:46 p.m., PST. Griffith Observatory will host a web broadcast but no public event.

Mars opposition will occur on the 16th, when Mars is 59.7 million miles or 0.642825 astronomical units (AU) from the earth.  Opposition occurs when an outer planet is opposite the sun in the sky. This is one of the more distant oppositions, which can vary from 34.6 million miles when Mars is at perihelion to 63 million miles at when Mars is at aphelion. During this opposition, the disk of Mars is only 14 arcseconds in width.  A telescope capable of magnification of 150x is needed to see features on such a small disk. After the 16th, Mars will slowly move away from the earth and will decrease in size. Griffith Observatory will host neither a public event nor a web broadcast.

Jupiter is in Taurus the Bull. On the 1st, Jupiter sets in the west-northwest at 5:01 a.m., PST, with a disk that is 47 arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Jupiter sets in the west-northwest at 2:55 a.m., PST, with a disk that is 44 arcseconds wide. A telescope capable of magnification 50x will show the Red Spot, and the four bright Galilean moons can be seen moving back and forth, across and behind Jupiter.

Saturn is in Aquarius the Water Bearer. On the 1st, Saturn sets in the west at 9:53 p.m., PST. On the 31st, Saturn sets in the west at 8:08 p.m., PST, with a disk that is 16 arcseconds wide. The rings and Saturn’s largest moon Titan may be seen with a telescope capable of magnification 50x.

Uranus is in Aries the Ram. On the 1st, Uranus sets in the west-northwest at 3:28 a.m., PST. On the 31st, the planet sets in the west-northwest at 1:29 a.m., PST. On the 15th, Uranus is at Right Ascension 3h 24m 11s with a declination of +18° 22ʹ 28ʺ. The disk of Uranus is 3.7 arcseconds wide, and so a telescope with a magnification of 150x is needed.

Neptune is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, Neptune sets in the west at 10:54 p.m., PST. On the 31st, Neptune sets in the West at 8:59 p.m., PST. On the 15th, Neptune is at Right Ascension 23h 53m 0s with a declination of -2° 8ʹ 57ʺ. The disk of Neptune is only 2.3 arcseconds wide, and so a telescope with a magnification of 150x is needed to show the disk.

The moon will be at first quarter on the 6th, full on the 13th, last quarter on the 21st, and new on the 29th.

SPECIAL EVENTS

In the major lunar standstill of 2024-2025, in January, northernmost moon occurs on the 11th, when the moon is two days from full phase. The moon rises in Los Angeles at 2:47 p.m., PST. The Observatory will not host a livestream broadcast or a public event. On the morning of the 12th, the moon sets at 5:12 a.m., PST. Griffith Observatory will not host a public event. For details on the major lunar standstill, please visit the website at https://griffithobservatory.org/extreme-moon-the-major-lunar-standstills-of-2024-2025/

Follow All Space Considered and Griffith Observatory on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on astronomy and space-related events.

LISTEN to this week’s Sky Report

https://www.griffithmedia.org/skyreport/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/DEC_2024_Sky_Report.mp3

This is the Griffith Observatory Sky Report for the period between December 1 and December 31, 2024. Here are the events happening in the sky of southern California.

Mercury begins December too close to the sun for safe observation. On the 11th, Mercury rises in the east-southeast at 5:48 a.m., PST, and the sun rises at 6:49 a.m., PST, one hour one minute later. The planet is 10-percent illuminated and 9.4 arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Mercury rises at 5:25 a.m., PST, and the sun rises at 6:59 a.m., PST, one hour 34 minutes later. Mercury is 76 -percent illuminated and 6.0 arcseconds wide. Do not observe any planet when it comes close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Venus sets in the west-southwest at 7:47 p.m., PST, on the 1st, and is 67-percent illuminated and 17 arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Venus sets at 8:37 p.m., PST. Venus is 56-percent illuminated and 22 arcseconds wide. A small telescope will show the disk with a magnification of 100x.

Mars is in Cancer the Crab. On the 1st, the planet rises in the east-northeast at 8:40 p.m., PST, and is 93-percent illuminated and 12 arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Mars rises at 6:18 p.m., PST, and is 99-percent illuminated and 14 arcseconds wide. From the 1st through the 7th, Mars is within two degrees of the large bright open cluster Messier 44. On the 17th, Mars is less than one degree south of the moon. Mars reaches opposition on January 16, 2025.

Jupiter is in Taurus the Bull. On the 1st, the planet rises in the east-northeast at 5:05 p.m., PST, and is 48 arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Jupiter rises at 2:52 p.m., PST, and is 47 arcseconds wide. A telescope capable of magnification 50x will show the Red Spot, and the four bright Galilean moons can be seen moving back and forth, across and behind Jupiter.

Saturn is in Aquarius the Water Bearer. On the 1st, Saturn sets in the west at 11:46 p.m., PST, and is 17 arcseconds wide. On the 31st, Saturn sets at 9:56 p.m., PST. The rings and Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, can be seen with a telescope capable of magnification 50x.

Uranus is in Taurus the Bull. On the 1st, the planet sets in the west-northwest at 5:35 a.m., PST. On the 31st, Uranus sets at 3:32 a.m., PST. On the 15th, Uranus is at Right Ascension 3h 27m 21s and declination +18° 33ʹ 26ʺ. A magnification of 150x or more is needed to see the planet’s 3.8-arcsecond disk.

Neptune is in Pisces the Fishes. On the 1st, Neptune sets in the west at 12:59 a.m., PST. On the 31st, Neptune sets at 10:58 p.m., PST. On the 15th, Neptune is at Right Ascension 23h 51m 35s and declination -2° 19ʹ 27ʺ. A magnification of 150x or more is needed to see the planet’s 2.3-arcsecond disk.

The moon is at first quarter on the 8th. Full moon is on the 15th, last quarter on the 22nd, and new moon is on the 30th.

SPECIAL EVENTS

In the major lunar standstill of 2024-2025, December’s northern extreme excursion of the moon occurs on Sunday, December 15, when the moon is full. On December 15, moonrise occurs in Los Angeles at 5:03 p.m., PST, and the moon sets on Monday morning, December 16, at 8:28 a.m., PST. The moon’s northernmost moonrise will be observed in a public event on December 15 on the grounds at Griffith Observatory, where the moon will rise over the San Gabriel Mountains just east of Occidental Peak at 5:23 p.m., PST. Griffith Observatory’s Livestream Broadcast Team will transmit the moonrise to the Internet with a program that begins at 5:03 p.m., PST. Details are available at Griffith Observatory.org. The southern extreme excursion of the moon takes place on December 30-31, but that moon is new and not visible.

The winter solstice occurs on December 21 at 1:20 a.m., PST. The sun reaches its southernmost point on the ecliptic, reverses its movement south, and heads north. This marks the longest night and the shortest day of the year. The sun rises at 6:55 a.m., PST, and sets at 4:48 p.m., PST. The day is 9 hours 53 minutes long.

Lunar-X is visible on the 7th for a few hours, from 6:36 p.m., PST. Lunar-X is a feature on the first quarter moon just within the dark half of the moon and midway between the center point and the southern edge. It is due to the rims of two craters illuminated by the sun. A telescope with a magnification of 50x or more is needed to see it.

The Geminid meteor shower is usually the strongest meteor shower of the year. The shower is active from November 19 through December 24 and peaks from the evening of the 13th through the morning of the 14th. This is the one major shower that provides good activity prior to midnight, as the constellation of Gemini is well placed from 10:00 p.m., PST, onward. The Geminids are often bright and intensely colored. Due to their medium-slow velocity, persistent trains are not usually seen. The parent object is the asteroid 3200 Phaethon and not a comet, as is usual for meteor showers. On the night of the 13th, the moon will be 97-percent full and will interfere with observations.

The Ursid meteor shower is often neglected, for it peaks just before Christmas with a rate much lower than the Geminids, which peak a week before the Ursids. This year the Ursids appear from the 13th through the 24th, with the peak occurring from the night of the 21st to the morning of the 22nd. Observers normally see 5-10 Ursids per hour during the late morning hours on the date of maximum activity. There have been occasional outbursts with rates exceeding 25 per hour. The parent object is the comet 8P/Tuttle. The moon will be a 59-percent waxing gibbous and will interfere with observations until after midnight.

Follow All Space Considered and Griffith Observatory on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on astronomy and space-related events.

LISTEN to this week’s Sky Report

This is the Griffith Observatory Sky Report for the period between November 1 and November 30, 2024. Here are the events happening in the sky of southern California.

Mercury sets in the west-southwest at 6:51 p.m., PDT, on the 1st, and the sun sets at 6:00 p.m., PDT, 51 minutes earlier. The planet is 77-percent illuminated and 5.8 arcseconds wide. A magnification of 150x is needed to see such a small disk. On the 26th, the sun sets at 4:44 p.m., PST, and Mercury sets at 5:46 p.m., PST, with a disk 31-percent illuminated and 8.3 arcseconds wide. After the 26th, Mercury will set less than one hour after the sun and will not be observable. Do not observe any planet when it comes close to the sun, for the danger to the eyes is great.

Venus sets in the west-southwest at 8:06 p.m., PDT, on the 1st, with a disk that is 77-percent illuminated and 14 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Venus sets at 7:46 p.m., PST, with a disk that is 68-percent illuminated and 17 arcseconds wide. A small telescope with a magnification of 100x will show the disk.

Mars rises in the east-northeast in Cancer the Crab, at 11:07 p.m., PDT, on the 1st, with a disk that is 89-percent illuminated and 9.2 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Mars rises at 8:43 p.m., PST, with a disk 92-percent illuminated and 12 arcseconds wide. The planet will be two degrees northwest of the large open cluster Messier 44, nicknamed the Beehive. Mars increases in brightness, width, and amount of illumination until it reaches opposition on January 16, 2025.

Jupiter rises in the east-northeast in Taurus the Bull, at 8:17 p.m., PDT, on the 1st, with a disk 46 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Jupiter rises at 5:09 p.m., PST, and is 48 arcseconds wide. A telescope capable of magnification 50x will show the Red Spot, and the four bright Galilean moons can be seen moving back and forth, across and behind Jupiter.

Saturn sets in the west-southwest in Aquarius the Water Bearer, at 2:48 a.m., PDT, on the 1st, with a disk 18 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Saturn sets at 11:50 p.m., PST, with a disk 17 arcseconds wide. The rings and Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, can be seen with a telescope capable of magnification 50x.

Uranus rises in the east-northeast in Taurus the Bull, at 6:44 p.m., PDT, on the 1st, with a disk 3.8 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Uranus sets in the west-northwest at 5:39 a.m., PST. On the 15th, Uranus is at Right Ascension 3h 32m 13s and declination +18° 50ʹ 19ʺ. A magnification of 150x or more is needed to see the planet’s disk.

Neptune sets in the west in Pisces the Fishes, at 3:58 a.m., PDT, on the 1st, with a disk 2.3 arcseconds wide. On the 30th, Neptune sets at 1:03 a.m., PST. On the 15th, Neptune is at Right Ascension 23h 52m 06s and declination -2° 17ʹ 14ʺ. Neptune continues its slow retrograde motion. A magnification of 150x or more is needed to see the planet’s disk.

New moon occurs on the 1st, first quarter on the 8th, full moon on the 15th, last quarter on the 22nd, and new moon again on the 30th.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3, at 2:00 a.m. All clocks must be set back one hour, according to the saying, “Spring forward, fall back.”

Comet C/2023 A3 ( Tsuchinshan-ATLAS ) is visible in the evening sky. In November, it will have faded, and binoculars will be needed to see it.  On the 1st, the comet sets in the west in Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer, at 10:24 p.m. PDT, three hours 20 minutes after the sun sets. On the 10th, the comet crosses into Serpens Cauda the Serpent. On the 24th, it crosses into Aquila the Eagle. On the 30th, the comet sets in the west at 8:30 p.m., PST, and will be 13 arcminutes north of the open star cluster NGC-6755, and might be of a similar overall brightness.

The coordinates for November are posted on our web page.

Date                Right Ascension      Declination

11/01              18h 00m 46s                +03° 43ʹ 34ʺ

 11/11             18h 33m 37s                +03° 59ʹ 19ʺ

 11/21             18h 53m 53s                +04° 12ʹ 28ʺ

 11/30             19h 07m 34s                +04° 29ʹ 12ʺ

The Leonid meteor shower peaks from the evening of the 17th through to the morning of 18th. The Leonids usually produce ten to 20 meteors per hour with many bright meteors. The moon rises in the late evening sky, 94-percent illuminated, and will interfere with observation this year.

The Northern Taurid meteor shower peaks from the evening of the 11th to the morning of the 12th. The moon rises in the late evening sky, 79-percent full, and will interfere with observation. The Northern Taurids might produce ten to 20 meteors per hour, with occasional fireballs

The Southern Taurid meteor shower peaks from the evening of the 4th through to the morning of the 5th. The moon will be in the evening sky as a thin crescent, 11-percent full, and will not interfere with observations. The Southern Taurids rarely produce more than five meteors per hour, but many are bright fireballs.

Follow All Space Considered and Griffith Observatory on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter for updates on astronomy and space-related events.