Realm of Darkness
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Published: 24th June 2022
Compared to June, July is a reasonibly quiet in regards to astro events
However, that doesn't mean nothing of interest is happening
And with the days getting shorter, and thus the nights getting longer. This means there is more opportunity to view the night time heavens
First Week
Saturday, 2nd July
IC4756 Graff's Open Cluster - Good Viewing
If you would like to attempt to view the IC4756 Open Cluster, then Saturday 2nd July is a good opportunity
Occurring on a Saturday, will hopefully mean you will be able to stay up late. The best time to start viewing is around midnight
Being visible in a southerly direction, about 41° above the horizon
The New Moon will have occurred just a few days before, so won't cause too much of an issue
You will need at least a pair of binoculars, or a telescope to view
Second Week
Monday, 4th July
Earth at Aphelion
Today the Earth is at its furthest point from the Sun, also known as Aphelion
The Earth has an elliptical orbit, which means the distance from the Sun, changes through the year. Reaching the furthest point in summer and the closest point at the beginning of the year
Earth was nearly 5 million kilometres (roughly 3.1 million miles) closer to the Sun in January 2022, than it will be on the 4th of July
Although it won't be something that can be seen, by amateur astronomers or astrophotographers anyway
Third Week
Tuesday, 12th July
James Webb Colour Image Release
The 12th of July, should mean the release of the first colour images from the James Webb Space Telescope
"JWST Miri 7.7µ" by NASA, ESA, CSA is marked as Public Domain
If you want to know the instance that the images are released, here is a link to the NASA page
We will also inform you via social media, so if you're not following us, then now is a good time
Wednesday, 13th July
Full Moon
The Full Moon of July, is also a Super Moon. So, unfortunately, will appear slightly larger than usual, as it is slightly closer to the Earth
It is also known as a Buck Moon. So we may feel a little less irritated by the Full Moon this month, as Electric Hert publishes us. Incase you are wondering, a Hart is an alternative name for a male deer or buck
However, we will be pleased, once the Moon starts waning
The Moon will rise at around ten in the evening, and set, just after five the next day. For those who want to gather intel on our enemy
Fifth Week
Thursday, 28th July
New Moon
The Moon rises at just after 4:15 and sets at around 21:40, leaving the nighttime sky free to view, without the Moon
Rising again shortly after sunrise, the next day
Saturday, 30th July
Southern δ (Delta) Aquarid Meteor Shower Peak
The Southern Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower, reaches its peak on Saturday, 30th July. Although it is visible from 12th July to 23 August
Its ZHR (Zenith Hourly Rate) is 25, which means you could see a meteor about every two and a half minutes, in the right conditions
If you want to view, then it should be visible from about 22:40, until daybreak. Located in the Aquarius constellation, in a south-easterly direction
Planet Spotting
If you are looking to view or photograph the planets of our solar system in July
Then this guide is designed to help you to find which planets, are visible and when
Mercury
Mercury will be visible in the morning at the start of July
However, will be low in the sky, and will disappear by the middle of July
Venus
Venus will be visible a couple of hours, before sunrise in July
Mars
In July, Mars will be the brightest morning planet
Jupiter
Jupiter will be becoming more visible, in the mornings, through July
Saturn
Saturn's visibility will become better through July. Visible in the morning
Uranus
Uranus is visible in the mornings, through July. And will be close to Mars towards the end of July
Neptune
Neptunes visibility will become better towards the end of July
Associated Podcast / Video
Darkest Hour, Brightest Night also produce a podcast and video. Which gives you an overview of the events due to occur in July 2022
These should be released on the 27th June 2022, and the podcast can be found in the Podcast section. Or on your podcast app
The video can be found in the video section, or via Odysee or Youtube
Following us on social media will keep you up to date on the events mentioned in this article, and other related updates
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Written by: Ben Patmore
Ben Patmore is an amateur astrophotographer
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