Look for moon moving toward Jupiter before dawn August 2

Earthsky.org, 8/1/13, Deborah Byrd

Here are two bright morning objects, easily seen on the sky’s dome in the predawn and dawn hours: the planet Jupiter and the moon. As seen from around the world tomorrow morning, on Friday, August 2, the moon will be shining between the dazzling planet Jupiter and Aldebaran, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus the Bull. Then keep watching for several more mornings! On the next morning – Saturday, August 3 – note that the moon has moved away from Aldebaran and closer to Jupiter. On Sunday morning, August 4, the scene will have shifted slightly again.

How could it be otherwise? The moon is constantly moving in orbit around Earth, and this ceaseless motion translates to an eastward motion across our sky from one day to the next. Since the moon is now a waning crescent, you’ll see the illuminated portion of the moon decrease in the coming mornings. New moon – when the moon will pass between the Earth and sun – will come on August 6.

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