Friday, July 27, 2007

Drifting Jupiter


Throughout August, Jupiter slowly and steadily drifts eastward with respect to the background stars. Binoculars will help follow this subtle motion. Around 10 pm on any evening over the next few weeks, note the bright planet's position as it moves away from a dim star that is next to it on July 30.

This is all due to the comibined effects of the relatively fast Earth moving towards to opposite side of the sun as Jupiter.

Such is our view from Earth...

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Crescent moon joins Saturn and Venus on July 16


The thin crescent moon hangs next to the much dimmer Saturn at about 9:15 pm on July 16. Brilliant Venus shines just to their left. This is your last chance to see the Ringed Planet before it becomes lost in the solar glare!