Sunrise Sunset

Fri., July 17 5:21 8:13

Sat., July 18 5:22 8:12

Sun., July 19 5:23 8:11

Mon., July 20 5:24 8:11

Tues., July 21 5:24 8:10

Wed., July 22 5:25 8:09

Thurs., July 23 5:26 8:08

Fri., July 24 5:27 8:07

A thin crescent moon appears close to the red planet Mars tomorrow morning. Look east more than an hour before sunrise. The two celestial objects are in the zodiacal constellation Taurus. Mars is just to the west of the Moon and looks a dull red. Beneath the Moon and a short distance away you’ll find the bright planet Venus. The Moon and Venus will be closer together on Sunday morning.

The Moon is in the New Moon phase on Tuesday. Those living in Asia will be treated to a total eclipse of the sun. The event happens while we are experiencing nighttime.

Cool Days

It has been a cool summer. So far this year, the Vineyard has yet to touch 80 degrees, according to the National Weather Service Cooperative Station in Edgartown. The temperature has climbed to as high as 79.

Last year was entirely different. In June of 2008, a high of 80 degrees or more was hit on 13 days. It reached 90 degrees.

Almost every day in July last year was 80 degrees or more.

Meteorologists blame the errant jet stream for our cool season. It normally spends the summer up in Canada. For some reason the jet stream is farther south and bringing us weather from the west. At this time of year we are usually getting warmer weather from the south, but that hasn’t happened yet.

M.A.L.