While you're waiting to watch fireworks this Fourth of July, take a look up at the sky to spot Venus and other bright planets.
Venus will rise Wednesday morning (July 4) just before 9 a.m. and set around 11 p.m. local time, making the "evening star" visible before, during and after most big firework shows happening around the country. Look for the orange-colored planet near the western horizon in the evening. It will be situated in the constellation Leo, the Lion.
If you look closely, you may be able to spot Mercury, the "elusive planet," a few degrees south of the sun just after sunset. But be careful not to stare at the sun, because that can damage your eyes. To be safe, wait until the sun is completely below the horizon before looking for Mercury. [Night Sky, July 2018: What You Can See This Month]
Jupiter will also shine bright in the sky all evening, rising around 3:30 p.m. and setting by 2 a.m. local time on Thursday (July 5). The planet is currently in the constellation Libra, and it will reach the meridian, or its highest point in the night sky, at approximately 9 p.m. If you look through a small telescope, you may even be able to spot its four Galilean moons.
Saturn will rise in the constellation Sagittarius a few hours after Jupiter, just before 8 p.m., and the planet will be at its highest point in the sky just after midnight.
To find out exactly when and where the planets will be visible from your location, check out these handy calculators at timeanddate.com or heavens-above.com.
Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
