Sky Tonight—January 2, Earth’s closest approach to the sun in 2011
Earth is closest to the sun every year in early January, when it is winter for the northern hemisphere.
EarthSky Tonight—Nov 30, Sun in Ophiuchus until December 17
The ecliptic – which translates on our sky’s dome as the sun’s annual path in front of the background stars – actually passes through 13 constellations, although this is not…
EarthSky Tonight—August 19, Venus’ greatest evening elongation favors southern hemisphere
As seen from Earth, Venus stays closely tethered to the sun. These next few evenings, however, will find Venus at the end of its tether, at 46 degrees east of…