PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A waxing crescent moon will pair with the planet Venus low on the western horizon about 30 minutes after sunset on Sunday, providing a pretty picture -- if the weather cooperates.
Those celestial spheres are the brightest objects in the night sky. They will be about 1.5 degrees apart. That's about the same distance as a finger at arm's length. Venus is actually bright enough to be seen with the naked eye in daylight. It's always near the sun.
In mid-month Venus will draw close enough to the planet Saturn that the two can be viewed in the same binocular field. Venus will remain low on the western horizon all month.
September is also a good month to view the Summer Triangle -- the bright stars Deneb, Vega and Altair. The asterism lies directly overhead after the glow of the setting sun has faded.
In local astronomy news, the University of Rhode Island Planetarium on Upper College Road on the Kingston campus will present a program Friday on the electromagnetic spectrum, which staff astronomer Francine Jackson of the Ladd Observatory promises "will take you back to the days of Sir Isaac Newton, to the surface of Mars, and every place in between, to show you the origins and importance of such everyday phenomena as X-rays, microwaves and infrared waves."
The program is called Cosmic Colors. It runs from 6-7 p.m. Tickets are $5, with all proceeds going to benefit both the URI Planetarium and Frosty Drew Memorial funds. After the show, if weather conditions allow it, all participants will be invited to visit the Frosty Drew Observatory in Ninigret Park, Charlestown, to view the first quarter moon, the planet Neptune and other deep-sky objects through the observatory's 16-inch telescope.
For further information call 364-9508. The University of Rhode Island Planetarium is available for programs of many varied topics of astronomical interest. For more information call 527-5558.
The Seagrave Memorial Observatory on Peeptoad Road, North Scituate, is scheduled to open to the public Saturday at 8 p.m. Those planning to visit should check the weather first.
NASA has announced the launch of an official Instagram profile.
"We're constantly looking to expand our social media portfolio to include tools that will best tell NASA's story of exploration and discovery," said NASA Press Secretary Lauren Worley. "Instagram has a passionate following of users who are hungry for new and exciting photos. We believe we have some of the most engaging images on and off the planet -- and we can't wait to engage with Instagrammers."
Aeronautics, astrophysics, Earth science, human spaceflight and more, the NASA account will provide a comprehensive view of the agency by sharing new and historic images and videos.
Follow NASA's new Instagram account here.