The Moon observed is in a Waxing Gibbous phase,more than 50% illuminated but not yet a Full Moon.During a Waxing Gibbous the moon will rise in the east in mid-afternoon and will be high in the sky at sunset. The word Gibbous first appeared in the 14th century and has its roots in the Latin word “gibbosus” meaning humpbacked. Vega is the brightest visible star along with Altair and Deneb forming the Summer Triangle.

This Week’s Planet Roundup:

Mercury is out of sight down under Venus.

Venus is very low during bright twilight. Its can be observed just above the horizon starting about 20 minutes after sunset.

Mars may be a difficult catch above the horizon in early dawn.

Jupiter, is the creamy-white dot as twilight fades away.

Saturn is the steady yellow “star” in the south-southwest during and after dusk.

Uranus is just past opposition. It’s well up by 8 p.m.

Neptune is high in the sky during early evening.