2007년 7월의 천문현상

Sunday, July 1
Venus and Saturn, 8:45 p.m.
  Venus passes Saturn by less than a degree. While this event is in the still sunlit sky for all but some eastern locations in North America, the view should be spectacular everywhere after sunset. This also provides an opportunity to see how early you can pick out Venus, and then Saturn in a darkening sky. Could be a nice chance for a photo as well.

Friday, July 6
Earth at Apogee, 8:00 p.m.
  The Earth is at its farthest point from the Sun this year, at 152,097,053 km (94,508,727 miles). This gives lie to the common misconception that the Seasons are caused by Earth's varying distance from the Sun. In fact, the slight change in distance has very little real effect. The real reason for the Seasons is Earth's tilt on its axis, alternatingly tilted toward (Summer) and then away from (Winter) the Sun.

Monday, July 16
Moon/Venus/Saturn, evening
  The Crescent Moon passes less than tenth of a degree South of Saturn at about 5 p.m. This is a daylight occultation from Hawaii and parts of SA. Although continental North Americans will not see the occultation, after sunset the Moon is still close to Saturn, and approaching both Regulus and brilliant Venus a few degrees to the East. All four objects should be visible in a single binocular field! A similar view will be possible tomorrow night, except that the Moon will be to the upper left of Venus. Tonight it is to the right and slightly lower for most observers.

Tuesday, July 17
Moon/Regulus, 5:00 a.m.
  The Crescent Moon passes about one third of a degree North of Regulus in Leo. While this is long after moonset for North America, an occultation can be seen from parts of Europe, Asia and Australia. (See 7/16.)

Friday, July 20
Mercury at Greatest Elongation West, 11:01 a.m.
  About six weeks ago, Mercury was at its farthest from the Sun in the evening sky, and know it has swung around to the other side of the Sun and is at its maximum to the West (about 20 degrees), on the morning side.