Tuesday, June 30, 2015
The Venus and Jupiter Conjunction, Prepare for the Finale on July 1!
 |  |  |
| Early evening sky on Tuesday June 30 looking north-west as seen from
Adelaide
at 18:30 ACST showing Venus and Jupiter close together. The inset shows a binocular view of the pair. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia and most of the Southern Hemisphere at the equivalent local time. (click to embiggen). | Early evening sky on Wednesday July 1 looking north-west as seen from
Adelaide
at 18:30 ACST. The inset shows a binocular view of the pair. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click to embiggen). | Early evening sky on Thursday July 2 looking north-west as seen from
Adelaide
at 18:30 ACST. The inset shows a binocular view of the pair. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click to embiggen). |
If you have been watching Venus and Jupiter draw together over the past few days, be prepared for the spectacular denouement. Tonight (30th June) and July second (Thursday) Venus and Jupiter will be about a Lunar diameter away from each other (about half a finger width, when they can be covered with an outstretched finger).
On Wednesday 1 July (that will be June 30 in the US) the pair will be just 21 minutes of arc away from each other, this means you can see them both in a low power eyepiece on most telescopes. Look to the north-western sky anytime from half an hour after sunset to between 8 - 8:30 pm (depending on how level and unobscured your horizon is). If you have the sea as your western horizon the pair setting should be amazing.
On the 30th June to 2 July the pair will fit comfortably in a low power telescope field.
On the 1st, they will fit in a medium power telescope field (simulated to the left), where the crescent Venus and banded Jupiter will be obvious.
Photographing the pair is easily done with point and click cameras that have a manual exposure of up to 10 seconds and a manual autofocus override. You will need a decent optical zoom and an exposure of at least 10 seconds to pick up Jupiter's Moons without a telescope.
Holding your mobile phone to a telescope eyepiece may produce reasonable results if you can hold it steady. For my point and shoot I use a special adaptor, but if you are steady you may also get good results. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see some of the set-ups I have used to photograph Lunar eclipses.
Labels: astrophotography, binocular, Conjunction, Jupiter, telescope, unaided eye, Venus
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Venus and Jupiter Draw Closer (June 28, 2015)
 |  |
| Venus and Jupiter as seen at around 18:15 ACST from Largs Bay, Adelaide on 28 June. 6 second exposure at ASA400 with my Canon IXUS. Click to embiggen. | Venus and Jupiter as seen at around 18:20 ACST from Largs Bay, Adelaide on 28 June. Stack of 10x6 second exposures at ASA400 3x zoom with my Canon IXUS. Click to embiggen. |
And so it begins,the final stages of the long journey Venus and Jupiter have made as the come together for the finale on July 1. Campare these images to the ones on June 20 and 21 respectively (my campaign to follow the pair as they got closer was derailed by cloud).
Tonight the pair were just too far apart to be in my widefield lens on the 4" Newtonian, hopefully tomorrow night they will ake it, then by the 1st they should be in the mid-field eyepice.
Crossing fingers for clear skies.
Labels: astrophotography, Conjunction, Jupiter, unaided eye, Venus
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Geomagnetic alert - again (24-26 June)
Aurora are like buses, for ages none come along then a whole bunch show up at
once.
A geomagnetic alert has been issued by the Australian IPS for the 24nd-26th due to an anticipated impact from a Coronal Mass Ejection that will add to the residual activity of the last few CME. The impact time is may be anywhere from 4 am on the 25th (which is still 24th in Universal Time, which all these alerts are made in) to 4 pm on the 25th, with 10 am being most likely. This could translate into aurora at any time during the early morning of the 25th and possibly evening of the 25th (or disappointingly, during daylight hours).
Aurora, if they flare up, are likely to be seen in Tasmania, possibly Victoria (as was seen yesterday in between gaps in the cloud), and if conditions are favourable in southern WA and Southern South Australia. Even with a prediction of minor geomagnetic storms there is also a chance no aurora will occur. Unfortunately predictions are for a lot of South-eastern Australia to remain under cloud.The waxing Moon, if the cloud goes, may make things a bit more difficult, but is still not too bright, and will be gone or low in the early morning.
Dark sky sites have the best chance of seeing anything, and always allow around 5 minutes for your eyes to become dark adapted.
As always look to the south for shifting red/green glows, beams have been reported consistently over the last few aurora and a large green "blob" has been seen.
The IPS site is being hammered at the moment, you can also try the Australian Aurora service and the NOAA spaceweather prediction page.
[the NOAA site s predicting a G3 strong storm, but that is for high latitudes, for mid latitudes like us it is more likely to be minor, as predicted by the Australian IPS]
The all sky aurora camera in Southern Tasmania at Cressy may be helpful (but has been acting up).
<http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2>
SUBJ: IPS GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE WARNING 15/25
ISSUED AT 0130UT/24 JUNE 2015
BY THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE.
INCREASED GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY EXPECTED
DUE TO CORONAL MASS EJECTION
FROM 24-26 JUNE 2015
_____________________________________________________________
GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST
24 Jun: Unsettled with possible Active to Minor Storm periods.
25 Jun: Minor Storm conditions.
26 Jun: Unsettled to Active.
Further monitoring at
http://www.ips.gov.au
A geomagnetic alert has been issued by the Australian IPS for the 24nd-26th due to an anticipated impact from a Coronal Mass Ejection that will add to the residual activity of the last few CME. The impact time is may be anywhere from 4 am on the 25th (which is still 24th in Universal Time, which all these alerts are made in) to 4 pm on the 25th, with 10 am being most likely. This could translate into aurora at any time during the early morning of the 25th and possibly evening of the 25th (or disappointingly, during daylight hours).
Aurora, if they flare up, are likely to be seen in Tasmania, possibly Victoria (as was seen yesterday in between gaps in the cloud), and if conditions are favourable in southern WA and Southern South Australia. Even with a prediction of minor geomagnetic storms there is also a chance no aurora will occur. Unfortunately predictions are for a lot of South-eastern Australia to remain under cloud.The waxing Moon, if the cloud goes, may make things a bit more difficult, but is still not too bright, and will be gone or low in the early morning.
Dark sky sites have the best chance of seeing anything, and always allow around 5 minutes for your eyes to become dark adapted.
As always look to the south for shifting red/green glows, beams have been reported consistently over the last few aurora and a large green "blob" has been seen.
The IPS site is being hammered at the moment, you can also try the Australian Aurora service and the NOAA spaceweather prediction page.
[the NOAA site s predicting a G3 strong storm, but that is for high latitudes, for mid latitudes like us it is more likely to be minor, as predicted by the Australian IPS]
The all sky aurora camera in Southern Tasmania at Cressy may be helpful (but has been acting up).
<http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2>
SUBJ: IPS GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE WARNING 15/25
ISSUED AT 0130UT/24 JUNE 2015
BY THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE.
INCREASED GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY EXPECTED
DUE TO CORONAL MASS EJECTION
FROM 24-26 JUNE 2015
_____________________________________________________________
GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST
24 Jun: Unsettled with possible Active to Minor Storm periods.
25 Jun: Minor Storm conditions.
26 Jun: Unsettled to Active.
Further monitoring at
http://www.ips.gov.au
Labels: aurora
The Sky This Week - Thursday June 25 to Thursday July 2
The Full Moon is Thursday July 2. Venus
is prominent in
the twilight evening sky with bright Jupiter close by. The pair are closest on July 1. Saturn is in the
head of the Scorpion and is easily visible in the evening. The Moon is close to Saturn on June 28. Mercury is below the bright star Aldebaran.
The Full Moon is Thursday July 2.
Early morning sky on Saturday June 28 looking east as seen from
Adelaide
at 6:30 ACST showing Mercury below the Hyades and the bright star Aldebaran. The pair are just above the
horizon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the
equivalent local time. (click
to embiggen).
Mercury is at its highest in the morning skies this week on the 25th, after this it sinks back towards the horizon, but is still readily visible most of this week.
Early evening sky on Wednesday July 1 looking north-west as seen from
Adelaide
at 18:30 ACST showing Venus and Jupiter lose together.
Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click to embiggen).
Mars is lost in the twilight.
Venus is easy to see above the western horizon in the twilight. At nautical twilight, an hour after sunset, it is around two hand-spans above the horizon, and still visible at astronomical twilight. Venus is a distinct "half Moon" shape in even small telescopes.
Telescopic view of Jupiter and Venus on 1 July, simulated for a 6" Newtonian with a 10 mm eyepiece. (click to embiggen)
At the start of the week Venus, Jupiter and the star Regulus in Leo form a line. Venus continues to draws closer to Jupiter during the week, being spectacularly closer on the 30th June to 2 July, when they can be covered with an outstretched finger and will fit comfortably in a low power telescope field. They are closest on July 1, when the pair are less than a finger width apart.
On the 1st, they will fit in a medium power telescope field, where the crescent Venus and banded Jupiter will be obvious.
Jupiter is easily seen in the early evening sky near Venus in the north-western sky as the night goes on. It is between the bright star Regulus in the sickle of Leo (this forms the head of the constellation of the Lion) and Pollux in Cancer. It is also not far from the rather nice Beehive cluster in Cancer, and looks very good in binoculars. Jupiter and Venus are coming closer (see Venus description above).
Jupiter is visible in the early evening, setting just after 9 pm, and is high enough for telescopic observation once twilight is over. Jupiter's Moons will be putting on a good display in both binoculars and small telescopes.
Evening sky on Saturday June 20 looking east as seen from
Adelaide
at 19:00 ACST. Saturn is easily visible above the horizon near the
head of the Scorpion. The Moon is near Saturn at this time. The
inset shows the telescopic view of Saturn at this time. Similar views
will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click
to embiggen).
Saturn is now easily visible from twilight near the head of the constellation of the Scorpion not far from the bright red star Antares. The sight of the distinctive constellation of the Scorpion curled above the horizon, with bright Saturn close to its head, is very nice indeed.
The waxing Moon is near Saturn on the 28th and 29th.
While Saturn is readily visible from the end of twilight, it is best for telescope observation from around 20:00 into the early morning hours. At 22:00 it is at it's highest above the northern horizon. This is also a good time to scan Scorpius and Sagittarius with binoculars to reveal the clusters in and around the Scorpions tail.
There are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. Especially with Jupiter, Venus and Saturn in the sky. If you don't have a telescope, now is a good time to visit one of your local astronomical societies open nights or the local planetariums.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
The Full Moon is Thursday July 2.
Mercury is at its highest in the morning skies this week on the 25th, after this it sinks back towards the horizon, but is still readily visible most of this week.
Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click to embiggen).
Mars is lost in the twilight.
Venus is easy to see above the western horizon in the twilight. At nautical twilight, an hour after sunset, it is around two hand-spans above the horizon, and still visible at astronomical twilight. Venus is a distinct "half Moon" shape in even small telescopes.
At the start of the week Venus, Jupiter and the star Regulus in Leo form a line. Venus continues to draws closer to Jupiter during the week, being spectacularly closer on the 30th June to 2 July, when they can be covered with an outstretched finger and will fit comfortably in a low power telescope field. They are closest on July 1, when the pair are less than a finger width apart.
On the 1st, they will fit in a medium power telescope field, where the crescent Venus and banded Jupiter will be obvious.
Jupiter is easily seen in the early evening sky near Venus in the north-western sky as the night goes on. It is between the bright star Regulus in the sickle of Leo (this forms the head of the constellation of the Lion) and Pollux in Cancer. It is also not far from the rather nice Beehive cluster in Cancer, and looks very good in binoculars. Jupiter and Venus are coming closer (see Venus description above).
Jupiter is visible in the early evening, setting just after 9 pm, and is high enough for telescopic observation once twilight is over. Jupiter's Moons will be putting on a good display in both binoculars and small telescopes.
Saturn is now easily visible from twilight near the head of the constellation of the Scorpion not far from the bright red star Antares. The sight of the distinctive constellation of the Scorpion curled above the horizon, with bright Saturn close to its head, is very nice indeed.
The waxing Moon is near Saturn on the 28th and 29th.
While Saturn is readily visible from the end of twilight, it is best for telescope observation from around 20:00 into the early morning hours. At 22:00 it is at it's highest above the northern horizon. This is also a good time to scan Scorpius and Sagittarius with binoculars to reveal the clusters in and around the Scorpions tail.
There are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. Especially with Jupiter, Venus and Saturn in the sky. If you don't have a telescope, now is a good time to visit one of your local astronomical societies open nights or the local planetariums.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Labels: weekly sky
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Strong Geomagnetic storm underway, may persist until nightime hours in Australia/NZ (June 23)
UPDATE: Night has now fallen, glimpses of aurora have been reported in Tasmania through gaps in cloud and a
possible report of aurora through cloud gaps in Victoria. The solar wind speed is high (618 Km/sec), and the magnetic field fluctuates but is currently a very aurora friendly
-14 nT. The planetary K index is predicted to rise above 7.
A geomagnteic storm that hit in the early morning (around 5 am) in Australia is ongoing. The Storm reached G4 (severe) levels in the early morning, and then has fluctuated between G1 (minor) and G3 (strong).
While over all NOAA is listing the storm as G3 (strong) with a planetary Kindex of 8, as of writing the more locally relevant Australian Kindex is 5, and the Australian IPS has issued a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm alert and an aurora watch. The solar wind speed is high, and the magnetic feild fluctuates between -1 and -20 nT (the bigger the better).
If this persists to nighttime hours then aurora could be potentially seen in Tasmania, Southern WA, Souther SA, Southern Victoria and if conditions are good into southern NSW. This mornings storm was visible in Victoria, Southern WA, Canberra and parts of NSW. With the fluctuating magnetic field (aurora are most likely when the field is strongly negative) aurora may only occur in bursts, perhaps 30-40 minutes long, maybe shorter.
Look to the south for shifting glows, away for sources of light pollution.
However, cloud cover predictions suggest most of Southern Australia will have cloud. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile to pop out if there are holes in the cloud cover.
A geomagnteic storm that hit in the early morning (around 5 am) in Australia is ongoing. The Storm reached G4 (severe) levels in the early morning, and then has fluctuated between G1 (minor) and G3 (strong).
While over all NOAA is listing the storm as G3 (strong) with a planetary Kindex of 8, as of writing the more locally relevant Australian Kindex is 5, and the Australian IPS has issued a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm alert and an aurora watch. The solar wind speed is high, and the magnetic feild fluctuates between -1 and -20 nT (the bigger the better).
If this persists to nighttime hours then aurora could be potentially seen in Tasmania, Southern WA, Souther SA, Southern Victoria and if conditions are good into southern NSW. This mornings storm was visible in Victoria, Southern WA, Canberra and parts of NSW. With the fluctuating magnetic field (aurora are most likely when the field is strongly negative) aurora may only occur in bursts, perhaps 30-40 minutes long, maybe shorter.
Look to the south for shifting glows, away for sources of light pollution.
However, cloud cover predictions suggest most of Southern Australia will have cloud. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile to pop out if there are holes in the cloud cover.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Geomagnetic Alert and Possible Aurora 22-23 June 2015
An updated geomagnetic alert has been issued by the Australian IPS for the
22nd-23rd due to an anticipated impact from a Coronal Mass Ejection catching up
with the previously predicted CME. The impact time is uncertain. This could
translate into aurora at any time during the late night time of the 22nd to
early morning 23rd and possibly evening of the 23rd (or disappointingly, during
daylight hours). Aurora, if they flare up tonight, are likely to be seen in
Tasmania, possibly Victoria, and if conditions are favourable in southern WA and
Southern South Australia. There is even a chance they could be seen further
north. However, despite prediction of severe geomagnetic storms there is also a
chance no aurora will occur. Currently a lot of Southern Australia is under
cloud though, however the waxing Moon, if the cloud goes, should not interfere
significantly.
Aurora can occur at any time after nightfall (although around midnight or just after seems to be common). Dark sky sites have the best chance of seeing anything, and always allow around 5 minutes for your eyes to become dark adapted.
As always look to the south for shifting red/green glows, beams have been reported consistently over the last few aurora and a large green "blob" has been seen.
The all sky aurora camera in Southern Tasmania at Cressy may be helpful (but has been acting up).
<http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2>
SUBJ: IPS GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE WARNING 15/24
ISSUED AT 0430UT/22 JUNE 2015
BY THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE.
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) have been observed during the past
48 hours which are expected to impact the Earth in the latter
half of the UT day of 22 June. The latter of these CMEs is expected
to have direct impact at Earth and result in major to severe
storm levels.
INCREASED GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY EXPECTED
DUE TO CORONAL MASS EJECTION
FROM 22-23 JUNE 2015
_____________________________________________________________
GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST
22 Jun: Storm Levels
23 Jun: Storm Levels
Further monitoring at
http://www.ips.gov.au
Aurora can occur at any time after nightfall (although around midnight or just after seems to be common). Dark sky sites have the best chance of seeing anything, and always allow around 5 minutes for your eyes to become dark adapted.
As always look to the south for shifting red/green glows, beams have been reported consistently over the last few aurora and a large green "blob" has been seen.
The all sky aurora camera in Southern Tasmania at Cressy may be helpful (but has been acting up).
<http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2>
SUBJ: IPS GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE WARNING 15/24
ISSUED AT 0430UT/22 JUNE 2015
BY THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE.
Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) have been observed during the past
48 hours which are expected to impact the Earth in the latter
half of the UT day of 22 June. The latter of these CMEs is expected
to have direct impact at Earth and result in major to severe
storm levels.
INCREASED GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY EXPECTED
DUE TO CORONAL MASS EJECTION
FROM 22-23 JUNE 2015
_____________________________________________________________
GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST
22 Jun: Storm Levels
23 Jun: Storm Levels
Further monitoring at
http://www.ips.gov.au
Labels: aurora
Sunday, June 21, 2015
A Line in the Sky, Venus, Jupiter and the Crescent Moon (21 June 2015)
 |  |
| The crescent Moon, Venus and Jupiter as seen at around 19:15 ACST from Largs Bay, Adelaide on 21 June. 2 second exposure at ASA400 3x zoom with my Canon IXUS. Click to embiggen to see Regulus and omega Leonis. | About 5 minutes later down the beach |
 |  |
| Click to embiggen to see Regulus (almost hidden by the tree) and omega Leonis. 4 second exposure at ASA 400. | Venus and Jupiter from the kitchen window, The Moon is hidden by the sunshade. |
This evening and tonight were marvelously clear (okay, there was some thing cloud, but it generally kept out of the way. I the early afternoon I could see Venus easily with the unaided eye (in the daylight, around 3 pm). But even in binoculars I could not pick up Jupiter until just on sunset.
But after sunste the trio of Venus, Jupiter and the Moon were amazing. As the coulours drained fro the sky the trio became brighter, and the star Regulus joined the lineup. Bright enough even to pick up through my kitchen window.
Tomorrow night the line is longer, but still beautiful.
Labels: astrophotography, Jupiter, Moon, unaided eye, Venus
Saturday, June 20, 2015
A Triangle in the Sky, Venus, Jupiter and the Crescent Moon (20 June 2015)
 |  |
| The crescent Moon, Venus and Jupiter as seen at around 19:15 ACST from Largs Bay, Adelaide. 2 second exposure at ASA400 with my Canon IXUS. Click to embiggen. | The crescent Moon (over exposed), Venus (bottom) and Jupiter (top) at 3X zoom 4 second exposure at ASA400. Click to embiggen. |
After a brilliantly clear day, the clouds came over in the late afternoon and squatted unwelcome over the sky. Evening feel, clouds didn't move except to give a fleeting glimpse of the Moon. After I had given up I wandered out get takeaway for the kids, and lo and behold, the clouds had cleared away.
And did they not look good! The Moon made a silver path in the sea, and thin cloud drifted over, but the trio of Venus, Jupiter and the Moon looked magnificent. Regulus above complimented the triangle.
Tomorrow th Moon will be between Jupiter and Regulus, so it still should look good.
Labels: astrophotography, Jupiter, Moon, unaided eye, Venus
Aurora Watch 21-22 June 2015
An Aurora watch and a geomagnetic alert has been issued by the Australian IPS
for the 21st to 22nd due to an anticipated impact from glancing blow from a
Coronal Mass Ejection. The
impact is expected at 19:00 AEST. This could translate into aurora at any time
during the night time of the 21st to early morning 22nd and possibly evening of
the 22nd Aurora, if they flare up tonight, are likely to be seen in Tasmania,
possibly Victoria, and if conditions are favourable in southern WA and southern South Australia.
Aurora can occur at any time after nightfall (although around midnight or just after seems to be common). Dark sky sites have the best chance of seeing anything, and always allow around 5 minutes for your eyes to become dark adapted.
As always look to the south for shifting red/green glows, beams have been reported consistently over the last few aurora and a large green "blob" has been seen.
The all sky aurora camera in Southern Tasmania at Cressy may be helpful (but has been acting up).
<http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2>
SUBJ: IPS GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE WARNING 15/23
ISSUED AT 0454UT/19 JUNE 2015
BY THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE.
A coronal mass ejection has been observed in association with
a flare from region 2371 at 1736UT on 18 June. The majority of
the CME material appears primarily directed to the NE of the
sun, however further analysis suggests that the Earth will be
impacted by the edge of the CME around 09UT on 21 June. Minor
storm periods are expected following the impact with major storm
levels possible at high latitudes.
INCREASED GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY EXPECTED
DUE TO CORONAL MASS EJECTION
FROM 21-22 JUNE 2015
_____________________________________________________________
GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST
21 Jun: Active to Minor Storm, with major storm periods possible at high
latitudes
22 Jun: Mostly unsettled to active with minor storm periods possible at high
latitudes
_____________________________________________________________
SUBJ: IPS AURORA WATCH
ISSUED AT 0458 UT ON 19 Jun 2015 BY IPS RADIO AND SPACE SERVICES
FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE
A coronal mass ejection has been observed in association with a flare
from region 2371 at 1736UT on 18 June. The majority of the CME
material appears primarily directed to the NE of the sun, however
further analysis suggests that the Earth will be impacted by the edge
of the CME around 09UT on 21 June. Minor storm periods are expected
following the impact with major storm levels possible at high
latitudes, possibly resulting in visible auroras during local
nighttime hours. Aurora alerts will follow should favourable space
weather activity eventuate.
Further monitoring at
http://www.ips.gov.au
Aurora can occur at any time after nightfall (although around midnight or just after seems to be common). Dark sky sites have the best chance of seeing anything, and always allow around 5 minutes for your eyes to become dark adapted.
As always look to the south for shifting red/green glows, beams have been reported consistently over the last few aurora and a large green "blob" has been seen.
The all sky aurora camera in Southern Tasmania at Cressy may be helpful (but has been acting up).
<http://www.ips.gov.au/Geophysical/4/2>
SUBJ: IPS GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCE WARNING 15/23
ISSUED AT 0454UT/19 JUNE 2015
BY THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE.
A coronal mass ejection has been observed in association with
a flare from region 2371 at 1736UT on 18 June. The majority of
the CME material appears primarily directed to the NE of the
sun, however further analysis suggests that the Earth will be
impacted by the edge of the CME around 09UT on 21 June. Minor
storm periods are expected following the impact with major storm
levels possible at high latitudes.
INCREASED GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY EXPECTED
DUE TO CORONAL MASS EJECTION
FROM 21-22 JUNE 2015
_____________________________________________________________
GEOMAGNETIC ACTIVITY FORECAST
21 Jun: Active to Minor Storm, with major storm periods possible at high
latitudes
22 Jun: Mostly unsettled to active with minor storm periods possible at high
latitudes
_____________________________________________________________
SUBJ: IPS AURORA WATCH
ISSUED AT 0458 UT ON 19 Jun 2015 BY IPS RADIO AND SPACE SERVICES
FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SPACE FORECAST CENTRE
A coronal mass ejection has been observed in association with a flare
from region 2371 at 1736UT on 18 June. The majority of the CME
material appears primarily directed to the NE of the sun, however
further analysis suggests that the Earth will be impacted by the edge
of the CME around 09UT on 21 June. Minor storm periods are expected
following the impact with major storm levels possible at high
latitudes, possibly resulting in visible auroras during local
nighttime hours. Aurora alerts will follow should favourable space
weather activity eventuate.
Further monitoring at
http://www.ips.gov.au
Labels: aurora
Venus, Jupiter and the Moon do a Planet Dance (20-30 June 2015)
 |  |
| Early evening sky on Saturday June 20 looking north-west as seen from Adelaide at 18:30 ACST showing Venus, Jupiter and the Moon. | Early evening sky on Sunday June 21 looking north-west as seen from Adelaide at 18:30 ACST showing Venus, Jupiter and the Moon. |
 |  |
| Early evening sky on Monday June 22 looking north-west as seen from Adelaide at 18:30 ACST showing Venus, Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click to embiggen) | Early evening sky on Tuesday June 30 looking north-west as seen from Adelaide at 18:30 ACST showing Venus, Jupiter and the Moon. |
Over the next few days the crescent Moon joins the pair, most spectacularly on the 20th when the Moon, Jupiter and Venus form a triangle, but the days after still pretty good as the Moon, Jupiter Venus and Regulus form a line.
After this, as the Moon pulls away, Jupiter and Venus come closer, being spectacularly closer on the 30th June to 2 July, when they can be covered with an outstretched finger and will fit comfortably in a low power telescope field. On the 1st, they will fit in a medium power telescope field, where the crescent Venus and banded Jupiter will be obvious.
Venus and Jupiter are readily visible (and very obvious) in the north west from half an hour after sunset to around 8 pm local time Australia wide, setting around 8:30 pm.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
The Sky This Week - Thursday June 18 to Thursday June 25
The First Quarter Moon is Wednesday June 24. Earth is at solstice on the 22nd. Venus
is prominent in
the twilight evening sky with bright Jupiter close by. The Crescent Moon visits the pair on June 20. Saturn is in the
head of the Scorpion and is easily visible in the evening. Mercury comes close to the bright star Aldebaran.
The First Quarter Moon is Wednesday June 24. The Moon is at apogee, when it is furthest from the Earth, on the 24th. Earth is at solstice on the 22nd, when the daylight hours are shortest.
Early morning sky on Tuesday June 23 looking east as seen from
Adelaide
at 6:30 ACST showing Mercury in the Hyades, close to the bright star Aldebaran. The pair are just above the
horizon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the
equivalent local time. (click
to embiggen).
Mercury climbs higher in the morning skies this week, on the 23rd to 25th it is close to the bright star Aldebaran, making an interesting pattern in the Hyades cluster.
Early evening sky on Saturday June 20 looking north-west as seen from
Adelaide
at 18:30 ACST showing Venus, Jupiter and the Moon.
Insets show the telescopic views of Venus and Jupiter at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click to embiggen).
Mars is lost in the twilight.
Venus is easy to see above the western horizon in the twilight. At nautical twilight, an hour after sunset, it is around two hand-spans above the horizon, and still visible at astronomical twilight. Venus is a distinct "half Moon" shape in even small telescopes.
At the start of the week Venus, Jupiter and the star Regulus in Leo form a line. Venus draws closer to Jupiter during the week, heading for a a very close meeting at the end of the month.
On the 20th, Venus Jupiter and the crescent Moon form an attractive triangle, with Regulus above. On the 21st the crescent Moon is almots in line between Jupier and Regulus, on the 22nd Venus, Jupiter, Regulus and the waxing Moon form a long line in the sky.
Jupiter is easily seen in the early evening sky near Venus in the north-western sky as the night goes on. It is between the bright star Regulus in the sickle of Leo (this forms the head of the constellation of the Lion) and Pollux in Cancer. It is also not far from the rather nice Beehive cluster in Cancer, and looks very good in binoculars. Jupiter and Venus are coming closer (see venus description above).
Jupiter is visible in the early evening, setting just after 9 pm, and is high enough for telescopic observation once twilight is over. Jupiter's Moons will be putting on a good display in both binoculars and small telescopes.
Evening sky on Saturday June 20 looking east as seen from
Adelaide
at 19:00 ACST. Saturn is easily visible above the horizon near the
head of the Scorpion. The
inset shows the telescopic view of Saturn at this time. Similar views
will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click
to embiggen).
Saturn is now easily visible from twilight near the head of the constellation of the Scorpion not far from the bright red star Antares. The sight of the distinctive constellation of the Scorpion curled above the horizon, with bright Saturn close to its head, is very nice indeed.
While Saturn is readily visible from the end of twilight, it is best for telescope observation from around 20:00 into the early morning hours. At 22:00 it is at it's highest above the northern horizon. This is also a good time to scan Scorpius and Sagittarius with binoculars to reveal the clusters in and around the Scorpions tail.
There are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. Especially with Jupiter, Venus and Saturn in the sky. If you don't have a telescope, now is a good time to visit one of your local astronomical societies open nights or the local planetariums.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
The First Quarter Moon is Wednesday June 24. The Moon is at apogee, when it is furthest from the Earth, on the 24th. Earth is at solstice on the 22nd, when the daylight hours are shortest.
Mercury climbs higher in the morning skies this week, on the 23rd to 25th it is close to the bright star Aldebaran, making an interesting pattern in the Hyades cluster.
Insets show the telescopic views of Venus and Jupiter at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click to embiggen).
Mars is lost in the twilight.
Venus is easy to see above the western horizon in the twilight. At nautical twilight, an hour after sunset, it is around two hand-spans above the horizon, and still visible at astronomical twilight. Venus is a distinct "half Moon" shape in even small telescopes.
At the start of the week Venus, Jupiter and the star Regulus in Leo form a line. Venus draws closer to Jupiter during the week, heading for a a very close meeting at the end of the month.
On the 20th, Venus Jupiter and the crescent Moon form an attractive triangle, with Regulus above. On the 21st the crescent Moon is almots in line between Jupier and Regulus, on the 22nd Venus, Jupiter, Regulus and the waxing Moon form a long line in the sky.
Jupiter is easily seen in the early evening sky near Venus in the north-western sky as the night goes on. It is between the bright star Regulus in the sickle of Leo (this forms the head of the constellation of the Lion) and Pollux in Cancer. It is also not far from the rather nice Beehive cluster in Cancer, and looks very good in binoculars. Jupiter and Venus are coming closer (see venus description above).
Jupiter is visible in the early evening, setting just after 9 pm, and is high enough for telescopic observation once twilight is over. Jupiter's Moons will be putting on a good display in both binoculars and small telescopes.
Saturn is now easily visible from twilight near the head of the constellation of the Scorpion not far from the bright red star Antares. The sight of the distinctive constellation of the Scorpion curled above the horizon, with bright Saturn close to its head, is very nice indeed.
While Saturn is readily visible from the end of twilight, it is best for telescope observation from around 20:00 into the early morning hours. At 22:00 it is at it's highest above the northern horizon. This is also a good time to scan Scorpius and Sagittarius with binoculars to reveal the clusters in and around the Scorpions tail.
There are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. Especially with Jupiter, Venus and Saturn in the sky. If you don't have a telescope, now is a good time to visit one of your local astronomical societies open nights or the local planetariums.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Labels: weekly sky
Tuesday, June 09, 2015
The Sky This Week - Thursday June 11 to Thursday June 18
The New Moon is Wednesday June 17. Occultation of Uranus June 12. Venus
is prominent in
the twilight evening sky. Jupiter is the
brightest object in the evening sky once Venus has set. Saturn is in the
head of the Scorpion and is easily visible in the evening. Mercury is visited by the Moon in the morning sky.
The New Moon is Wednesday June 17. The crescent Moon occults Uranus June 12.
North-Eastern horizon as seen from Adelaide at 4:15 am ACST, just before Uranus is covered by the Moon.
On the morning of Friday 12 June Uranus is occulted by the Moon as seen from southern Australia (basically anywhere south of Townsville).
Southern Australia has the best views of ingress and egress. This is very much a binocular/telescope event, and only moderately sized telescopes or larger will show Uranus as more than a tiny dot, but it is interesting none the less. More details, charts and timings for a variety of cities are here.
Early morning sky on Monday June 15 looking east as seen from
Adelaide
at 6:30 ACST showing Mercury near the thin crescent Moon with the Hyades just above the
horizon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the
equivalent local time. (click
to embiggen).
Mercury climbs higher in the morning skies this week, on the 15th it is close to the crescent Moon. In the coming weeks Mercury will rise higher in the sky, and has some interesting encounters with the Hyades and Aldebaran.
Early evening sky on Sunday June 14 looking north-west as seen from
Adelaide
at 18:30 ACST showing Venus, Jupiter and comet C/2015 G2. The location
of Comet C/2015 G2 MASTER is
shown with a circle. You will a good telescope to see it now.
Venus is close to the Beehive cluster on the 14th.
Jupiter is the brightest object above the north-western horizon once Venus has set. Insets show the telescopic views of Venus and Jupiter at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click to embiggen).
Mars is lost in the twilight.
Venus is easy to see above the western horizon in the twilight. At nautical twilight, an hour after sunset, it is around two hand-spans above the horizon, and still visible at astronomical twilight. Venus is a distinct "half Moon" shape in even small telescopes.
At the start of the week Venus. Jupiter and the star Regulus in Leo forms a line. Venus draws closer to Jupiter during the week, heading for a a very close meeting at the end of the month.
On the 14th, Venus is within binocular distance of the faint but beautiful beehive cluster, it is actually on the outer edges of the cluster at this time, but Venus's brilliance may obscure most of the members of the cluster.
Jupiter is easily seen in the evening sky. It is the brightest object above the northern horizon when twilight ends, and continues into the north-western sky as the night goes on. It is between the bright star Regulus in the sickle of Leo (this forms the head of the constellation of the Lion) and Pollux in Cancer. It is also not far from the rather nice Beehive cluster in Cancer, and looks very good in binoculars. Jupiter and Venus are coming closer.
Jupiter is visible in the early evening, seting just after 9 pm, and is high enough for telescopic observation once twilight is over. Jupiter's Moons will be putting on a good display in both binoculars and small telescopes.
Evening sky on Saturday June 13 looking east as seen from
Adelaide
at 19:00 ACST. Saturn is easily visible above the horizon near the
head of the Scorpion. The
inset shows the telescopic view of Saturn at this time. Similar views
will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click
to embiggen).
Saturn is now easily visible from twilight near the head of the constellation of the Scorpion not far from the bright red star Antares. The sight of the distinctive constellation of the Scorpion curled above the horizon, with bright Saturn close to its head, is very nice indeed.
While Saturn is readily visible from around 19:00, it is best for telescope observation from around 20:00 into the early morning hours.
There are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. Especially with Jupiter, Venus and Saturn in the sky. If you don't have a telescope, now is a good time to visit one of your local astronomical societies open nights or the local planetariums.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
The New Moon is Wednesday June 17. The crescent Moon occults Uranus June 12.
On the morning of Friday 12 June Uranus is occulted by the Moon as seen from southern Australia (basically anywhere south of Townsville).
Southern Australia has the best views of ingress and egress. This is very much a binocular/telescope event, and only moderately sized telescopes or larger will show Uranus as more than a tiny dot, but it is interesting none the less. More details, charts and timings for a variety of cities are here.
Mercury climbs higher in the morning skies this week, on the 15th it is close to the crescent Moon. In the coming weeks Mercury will rise higher in the sky, and has some interesting encounters with the Hyades and Aldebaran.
Early evening sky on Sunday June 14 looking north-west as seen from
Adelaide
at 18:30 ACST showing Venus, Jupiter and comet C/2015 G2. The location
of Comet C/2015 G2 MASTER is
shown with a circle. You will a good telescope to see it now.Venus is close to the Beehive cluster on the 14th.
Jupiter is the brightest object above the north-western horizon once Venus has set. Insets show the telescopic views of Venus and Jupiter at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click to embiggen).
Mars is lost in the twilight.
Venus is easy to see above the western horizon in the twilight. At nautical twilight, an hour after sunset, it is around two hand-spans above the horizon, and still visible at astronomical twilight. Venus is a distinct "half Moon" shape in even small telescopes.
At the start of the week Venus. Jupiter and the star Regulus in Leo forms a line. Venus draws closer to Jupiter during the week, heading for a a very close meeting at the end of the month.
On the 14th, Venus is within binocular distance of the faint but beautiful beehive cluster, it is actually on the outer edges of the cluster at this time, but Venus's brilliance may obscure most of the members of the cluster.
Jupiter is easily seen in the evening sky. It is the brightest object above the northern horizon when twilight ends, and continues into the north-western sky as the night goes on. It is between the bright star Regulus in the sickle of Leo (this forms the head of the constellation of the Lion) and Pollux in Cancer. It is also not far from the rather nice Beehive cluster in Cancer, and looks very good in binoculars. Jupiter and Venus are coming closer.
Jupiter is visible in the early evening, seting just after 9 pm, and is high enough for telescopic observation once twilight is over. Jupiter's Moons will be putting on a good display in both binoculars and small telescopes.
Saturn is now easily visible from twilight near the head of the constellation of the Scorpion not far from the bright red star Antares. The sight of the distinctive constellation of the Scorpion curled above the horizon, with bright Saturn close to its head, is very nice indeed.
While Saturn is readily visible from around 19:00, it is best for telescope observation from around 20:00 into the early morning hours.
There are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. Especially with Jupiter, Venus and Saturn in the sky. If you don't have a telescope, now is a good time to visit one of your local astronomical societies open nights or the local planetariums.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Labels: weekly sky
Thursday, June 04, 2015
Occultation of Uranus by the Moon
 |  |
| North-Eastern horizon as seen from Brisbane at 5:00 am AEST, just before Uranus is covered by the Moon (click to embigen). | North-Eastern horizon as seen from Brisbane at 6:23 am AEST, just after Uranus exits from behind the Moon |
 |  |
| North-Eastern horizon as seen from Adelaide at 4:15 am ACST, just before Uranus is covered by the Moon. | North-Eastern horizon as seen from Adelaide at 5:30 am ACST, just after Uranus exits from behind the Moon. |
 |  |
| North-Eastern horizon as seen from Hobart at 5:00 am AEST, just before Uranus is covered by the Moon. | North-Eastern horizon as seen from Hobart at 6:10 am AEST, just after Uranus exits from behind the Moon. |
On the morning of Friday 12 June Uranus is occulted by the Moon as seen from southern Australia (basically anywhere south of Townsville).
For western Australia the Moon will be low to the horizon (or below it) when Uranus goes behind the Moon, but the sight of Uranus popping up from the Earth-lit dark side of the Moon will be rather nice from these places.
In the more north-eastern sites the Uranus goes behind the bright edge of the Moon when it is dark, but exits in twilight. For Brisbane the occultation starts high in the sky, but Uranus appears from behind the Moon about 15 minutes from sunrise, and reappearance may only be visible in decent telescopes.
South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania will have good views of ingress and exit.
The Moon is a very obvious signpost for where to look low in the east. Uranus will be the brightest object near the Moon, but will only be visible in binoculars or a small telescope.
The occultation occurs in the early morning with the Moon just above the horizon at the start (except in Perth), when Uranus disappears behind the bright edge of the crescent. The Moon is easily visible and a ready signpost to Uranus.
It is advisable to set up and practise on the Moon a day or so before the event, so you are familiar with your telescope set-up. Set up at least half an hour ahead of time so that you can be sure everything is working well and you can watch the entire event comfortably (trying to focus your telescope on Uranus moments before the occultation will cause a lot of unnecessary stress). Uranus will be clearly visible in a telescope or binoculars near the Moon. See the diagrams above for the appearance of Uranus near the Moon. Uranus will be a bright dot in all but moderately powerful telescopes, where it will appear as a small disk.
| Place | Moon rise | Disappears Bright Limb | Reappears Dark Limb | Astronomical Twilight |
| Adelaide ACST | 2:20 | 4:19 | 5:27 | 5:50 |
| Brisbane AEST | 1:45 | 5:06 | 6:22 | 5:12 |
| Canberra AEST | 2:06 | 4:59 | 6:13 | 5:38 |
| Darwin ACST | 1:44 | - | - | 5:49 |
| Hobart AEST | 2:20 | 5:01 | 6:07 | 5:57 |
| Melbourne AEST | 2:25 | 4:55 | 6:06 | 5:58 |
| Perth AWST | 2:23 | - | 3:28 | 5:47 |
| Sydney AEST | 1:56 | 5:01 | 6:17 | 5:28 |
Labels: binoculars, Moon, Occultation, telescope, Uranus
Southern Skywatch June, 2015 edition is now out!
The June edition of Southern Skywatch is now up.
This month has some excellent planetary action with Venus meeting Jupiter and the Moon late in the month.
Jupiter is in the early evening sky and although opposition has passed, it is still an excellent object this month as it comes closer to Venus for a close meeting late this month and early July .
Mars is lost in the twilight.
Venus is readily visible in the evening sky coming closer to Jupiter. Venus is close to the crescent Moon and Jupiter on the 20th and forms a triangle.
Saturn was at opposition last month. It is in the head of the constellation of Scorpius, the Scorpion and is an excellent telescopic object. Saturn is close to the waxing Moon on the 1st.
Mercury entes the morning sky, and has an interesting encounter with the crescent Moon on the 15th and Aldebaran on the 23rd and 24th.
Uranus is occulted by the Moon on the 12th. This is a binocular and telescope only occultation. Occultation end be a bit difficult to see from Brisbane and Sydney.
Labels: southern skywatch
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
The Sky This Week - Thursday June 4 to Thursday June 11
The Last Quarter Moon is Wednesday June 10. Venus
is prominent in
the twilight evening sky. Jupiter is the
brightest object in the evening sky once Venus has set. Saturn is in the
head of the Scorpion and is easily visible in the evening. Comet C/2015 G2 MASTER fades. Mercury enters the morning sky.
The Last Quarter Moon is Wednesday June 10. The Moon is at perigee (when it is closest to Earth) on the 10th.
Early morning sky on Thursday June 11 looking east as seen from
Adelaide
at 6:30 ACST showing Mercury with the Hyades just peeking above the horizon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click
to embiggen).
Mercury returns to the morning skies this week, but is only really visible late in the week. In the coming weeks Mercury will rise higher in the sky, and has some interesting encounters.
Early evening sky on Saturday June 6 looking north-west as seen from
Adelaide
at 18:30 ACST showing Venus, Jupiter and comet C/2015 G2. The location of comet C/2015 G2 MASTER is
shown with a circle. You will a telescope to see it now.
Jupiter is the brightest object
above the north-western horizon once Venus has set. Insets show the telescopic views of Venus and Jupiter at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click
to embiggen).
Mars is lost in the twilight.
Venus is easy to see above the western horizon in the twilight. At nautical twilight, an hour after sunset, it is around two hand-spans above the horizon, and still visible at astronomical twilight.
At the start of the week Venus forms a line with the stars Castor and Pollux, then draws away them, heading for a meeting with Jupiter later this month.
Jupiter is easily seen in the evening sky. It is the brightest object above the northern horizon when twilight ends, and continues into the north-western sky as the night goes on. It is between the bright star Regulus in the sickle of Leo (this forms the head of the constellation of the Lion) and Pollux in Cancer. It is also not far from the rather nice Beehive cluster in Cancer, and looks very good in binoculars. Jupiter and Venus are coming closer.
Jupiter is visible for most of the evening, sets just before 10 pm, and is high enough for telescopic observation once twilight is over. Jupiter's Moons will be putting on a good display in both binoculars and small telescopes.
Comet C/2015 G2 MASTER is climbing in the evening sky fading as it goes. It now magnitude 8, and is only really visible in telescopes now. In modest telescopes the comet will be a fuzzy blob.
The comet will move through Canis Minor into Cancer this week. A spotters map suitable for printing in black and white is here.
Evening sky on Saturday June 6 looking east as seen from
Adelaide
at 19:00 ACST. Saturn is easily visible above the horizon near the head of the Scorpion. The
inset shows the telescopic view of Saturn at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere in Australia at the equivalent local time. (click
to embiggen).
Saturn is now easily visible from twilight near the head of the constellation of the Scorpion not far from the bright red star Antares. The sight of the distinctive constellation of the Scorpion curled above the horizon, with bright Saturn in its head, is very nice indeed.
While Saturn is readily visible from around 19:00, it is best for telescope observation from around 20:00 into the morning hours.
There are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. Especially with Jupiter, Venus and Saturn in the sky. If you don't have a telescope, now is a good time to visit one of your local astronomical societies open nights or the local planetariums.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
The Last Quarter Moon is Wednesday June 10. The Moon is at perigee (when it is closest to Earth) on the 10th.
Mercury returns to the morning skies this week, but is only really visible late in the week. In the coming weeks Mercury will rise higher in the sky, and has some interesting encounters.
Mars is lost in the twilight.
Venus is easy to see above the western horizon in the twilight. At nautical twilight, an hour after sunset, it is around two hand-spans above the horizon, and still visible at astronomical twilight.
At the start of the week Venus forms a line with the stars Castor and Pollux, then draws away them, heading for a meeting with Jupiter later this month.
Jupiter is easily seen in the evening sky. It is the brightest object above the northern horizon when twilight ends, and continues into the north-western sky as the night goes on. It is between the bright star Regulus in the sickle of Leo (this forms the head of the constellation of the Lion) and Pollux in Cancer. It is also not far from the rather nice Beehive cluster in Cancer, and looks very good in binoculars. Jupiter and Venus are coming closer.
Jupiter is visible for most of the evening, sets just before 10 pm, and is high enough for telescopic observation once twilight is over. Jupiter's Moons will be putting on a good display in both binoculars and small telescopes.
Comet C/2015 G2 MASTER is climbing in the evening sky fading as it goes. It now magnitude 8, and is only really visible in telescopes now. In modest telescopes the comet will be a fuzzy blob.
The comet will move through Canis Minor into Cancer this week. A spotters map suitable for printing in black and white is here.
Saturn is now easily visible from twilight near the head of the constellation of the Scorpion not far from the bright red star Antares. The sight of the distinctive constellation of the Scorpion curled above the horizon, with bright Saturn in its head, is very nice indeed.
While Saturn is readily visible from around 19:00, it is best for telescope observation from around 20:00 into the morning hours.
There are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. Especially with Jupiter, Venus and Saturn in the sky. If you don't have a telescope, now is a good time to visit one of your local astronomical societies open nights or the local planetariums.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Labels: weekly sky
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