Fireworks light up the sky on the 4th of July with vibrant colors thanks to science. The dazzling hues come from specific combinations of metals and salts within each firework. Strontium creates red, barium produces green, and copper results in vivid blues. Additional chemicals like chlorine enhance brightness, while potassium nitrate and sulfur aid in burning. Chlorates and nitrates supply oxygen for the explosions. This colorful phenomenon is similar to meteor showers, where the chemical makeup of space rocks causes glowing colors as they burn in Earth's atmosphere. https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/what-makes-fireworks-burst-with-vibrant-colors/1663023

The upcoming week's weather features predominantly sunny skies with clear nights. Daily high temperatures range from 88°F to 98°F, peaking on Sunday and Monday at 98°F, and cooling slightly to the high 80s and low 90s midweek. Nighttime lows fluctuate between 56°F and 59°F. Winds are consistently from the south-southwest at 10-15 mph, with a slight decrease to 5-10 mph on Saturday. Expect stable, warm conditions with minimal variation throughout the week. https://www.kcra.com/weather

This week's sky highlights include Venus dazzling near Epsilon Tauri in Taurus, with Jupiter emerging nearby at dawn. Look for noctilucent clouds in the northwest after twilight. The Summer Triangle, formed by Vega, Altair, and Deneb, dominates the evenings, with Rasalhague adding a fourth point. Scorpius shines brightly in the south, showcasing the Cat's Eyes stars, M6, and M7 clusters. Saturn rises with the waning Moon midweek, while the Pleiades face occultation by the Moon on July 19. Venus and Jupiter approach an August conjunction. Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune offer telescopic views before dawn. https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-july-11-19/

This week's sky from July 4–12 offers several celestial highlights. Catch Mars and Regulus low in the western twilight, pointing toward fading Mercury. The waxing gibbous Moon journeys through Scorpius, culminating in a full Buck Moon on July 10. Look for noctilucent clouds in the northwest, and spot Cassiopeia's W shape rising in the north-northeast. Altair and its companion Tarazed shine in the east-southeast after nightfall. The Summer Triangle—Vega, Altair, and Deneb—dominates the evening sky. Scorpius, "the Orion of Summer," is prominent, with its Cat's Eyes stars and star clusters M6 and M7 dazzling in binoculars. https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-july-4-12/

July promises spectacular celestial sights. The Thunder Moon, the first full moon of astronomical summer, will rise on July 10, glowing brightly from the southeastern sky at nightfall until dawn. Named for July’s frequent thunderstorms, it’s also called the Buck Moon due to deer antler growth. Late July offers vivid views of the Milky Way, with optimal stargazing around the new moon on July 24 in dark, clear skies. The highlight occurs July 29-30 when two meteor showers, the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids, peak simultaneously, producing 20-30 meteors per hour, including brilliant fireballs. https://www.accuweather.com/en/space-news/july-offers-rare-meteor-shower-combo-stunning-views-of-the-milky-way/1788372

The upcoming week's weather will be predominantly sunny with clear skies at night. Daytime highs will range from 92°F to 100°F, with the hottest day on Thursday, reaching near 100°F. Nighttime lows will be between 56°F and 61°F. Winds will generally come from the south-southwest at 5 to 10 mph, occasionally increasing to 10 to 15 mph, particularly on Saturday. Expect consistently warm, dry conditions with minimal variation in temperature and wind patterns throughout the week. https://www.kcra.com/weather

This week's sky highlights (June 27–July 6) include several celestial events. On June 27, spot the thin crescent Moon with Mercury nearby. Arcturus and Vega shine prominently overhead. June 28 showcases Vega and Lyra's stars, including the variable Beta Lyrae. On June 29, the crescent Moon aligns with Mars, and the Milky Way graces the Summer Triangle. Saturn's Moon, Titan, casts its shadow on July 1, while the first-quarter Moon appears on July 2. The Milky Way arches brilliantly on July 4. On July 6, the Moon occults Pi Scorpii. Planetary views include Venus, Mars, and Saturn, with Mercury fading. https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/observing-news/this-weeks-sky-at-a-glance-june-27-july-6/

Merlin, a figure rooted deeply in Celtic tradition, embodies roles as shaman, prophet, magician, and wild man. His legacy endures through Arthurian legends and prophecies, blending native British myths with influences from Greek traditions, such as those of Apollo. Merlin’s visions encompassed pivotal events: Arthur’s rise, the Grail quest, and the fall of kingdoms, reflecting both humanity’s potential and flaws. Despite Arthurian ideals crumbling due to human frailty, Merlin’s enduring presence symbolizes wisdom and the eternal struggle between civilization and wildness, captivating generations through literature, art, and historical lore. https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-myths-legends-premium-preview/merlin-0022134

The upcoming week will feature predominantly sunny skies with high temperatures ranging from 90°F to 99°F and lows between 57°F and 61°F—daytime highs peak at 99°F on Sunday and Wednesday, with slightly cooler temperatures near 90°F by Saturday. Nights remain clear, with consistent lows around the upper 50s. Winds will be steady from the south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph throughout the week. https://www.kcra.com/weather

The upcoming week's weather is expected to be predominantly sunny, with clear nights. High temperatures range from 88°F on Sunday to 96°F on Tuesday and Thursday. Overnight lows fluctuate between 56°F and 60°F. Winds will generally be from the south or south-southwest at 5 to 15 mph, with slightly stronger breezes towards the weekend. Expect a few clouds on Monday and Tuesday nights, but skies will remain mostly clear throughout the week. https://www.kcra.com/weather