Star Gazer 2003 Jun 23-29

"The Moon, the King and the Rival Of Mars, and; The Sun at its Dimmest for 2003!"

Scheduled air date: 2003 Jun 23-29

In the evening skies of next week, the Waxing Crescent Moon will appear to pass by the giant planet Jupiter and bright star Regulus.
(Shown about 45 minutes after sunset on July 1st through 4th for mid-northern latitudes.)

On the night of July 10th, the Waxing Gibbous Moon—about three days before Full—will appear in the constellation Scorpius, next to Mars' "rival star," Antares.
(Shown an hour after sunset for mid-Northern latitudes.)

On July 4th, Earth will be at the point in its orbit—called aphelion—which is farthest from the Sun, at a distance of 94.5 million miles (152 million kilometers). Thus, the Sun will appear at its smallest and dimmest of the year.
(Earth's orbit shown from above the Sun's North Pole; seasonal references are for Earth's Northern Hemisphere, and would be opposite for the Southern Hemisphere.)

If you wish to view illustrations for other episodes, please see our Star Gazer Illustrated directory.