Looking for a morning show? Nature just dropped one – and July is shaping up to be a great time to spot Saturn and Mars from San Diego. You won’t even need a telescope to enjoy the view, though you might have to sacrifice a little sleep.
Check out Saturn and Mars in the morning sky
Throughout July, both planets will become increasingly visible as they rise earlier in the night. Saturn leads the charge, rising in the east-southeast around 1 AM at the start of the month and creeping closer to midnight as the weeks go on. By 3 AM, it will be high in the sky, glowing with a golden-yellow light.
Mars makes its entrance a bit later in the east-northeast. Early in July, it peeks over the horizon around 3:15 AM, showing off its famous reddish hue. By month’s end, the Red Planet will rise almost 4 hours before the sun, making it incredibly easy to spot.
A special moon appearance
The real treat comes when the moon joins the party. On the mornings of July 7 and 8, look east before dawn to see a half-moon sitting right next to Saturn. A few days later, on July 11, early risers can see a stunning lineup: a crescent moon right near Mars, accompanied by the Pleiades star cluster.
Spot Saturn and Mars from San Diego
To get the absolute best view, you’ll need to beat San Diego’s coastal marine layer. If the morning fog rolls in, head slightly inland or up to higher elevations like Mount Laguna or Julian. If you wanna get the full spectacle, plan a fun adventure to Anza-Borrego! Find a dark spot with an open eastern horizon, and enjoy the cosmic show.
