Today:
On this date in 1910, the Earth passed through the tail of Halley’s Comet, an event that spawned any number of reactions, from taking “Comet Pills” to ward off the noxious vapors, to predictions of the end of the world. The dangers were greatly exaggerated, with no measurable effects.
Wednesday:
Saturn continues to rise a few minutes earlier each night, breaking the eastern horizon just before 3 AM tomorrow morning, although not alone, the Waning Crescent Moon having risen 30 minutes before the ringed world. As they rise a bit higher by 4 o’clock, Venus adds to the display, just as the gathering twilight of the dawn starts to blossom.
Thursday:
Early risers get their reward in the blush of morning twilight over the next few mornings, thanks to a visual treat from the thinning Crescent of the Moon, its slender form to the upper right of the brilliant Venus, best viewed from 4 to 4:30, and accompanied by Saturn, fainter and to their right. The Moon appears even thinner, and left of Venus Saturday morning.