Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Sky This Week - Thursday February 2 to Thursday February 9
The Full Moon is Wednesday February 8. Venus is easily visible in the western evening sky . Jupiter dominates the evening sky in the north-west once Venus has set. Mars enters the evening sky, but is best visible in the morning sky heading towards Saturn, which is near the star Spica. The Moon occults the star eta Geminorum on the late evening of Saturday the 4th.
Morning sky looking east as seen from Adelaide at 2:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday February 5 showing Mars and Saturn. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. The inset shows the telescopic appearance of Saturn and it's Moons at this time. Click to embiggen.
The Full Moon is Wednesday February 8.
Mars is high in the northern morning sky. After a brief sojourn in the constellation of Virgo, Mars reverses direction and re-enters the constellation of Leo.
Mars has now entered the evening sky, rising around 10 pm (local daylight saving time), but will be relatively low above the late evening horizon for the rest of the week.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica. Saturn is now high enough in sky in the early morning for telescopic observation.
Mercury is now lost in morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday February 4 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Aquarius, with Jupiter not far away. The insets shows the appearance of Venus and Jupiter and its Moons as seen telescopically at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour and a half.
Venus is in Aquarius this week. It is almost on top of Uranus on the 9th. You will need binoculars to see Uranus, Venus may drown the planet out with its brightness.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night in the north-western sky, setting half an hour after midnight.
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the northern-western sky, from about twilight. It is coming closer to Venus, and the pair look very nice in the western evening sky.
Now is a still good time for telescopic observation of this massive world (although the window for observation is narrowing), or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 11 pm.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The evening sky facing North in Adelaide on February 4 at 11:30 pm AEDST showing the waxing Moon about to cover eta Geminorum (indicated by circle). (similar views will be seen from other cities at the equivalent local time eg 11:30 pm ACDST Adelaide.
The nearly full Moon passes in front of the moderately bright star Tejat Prior (eta Geminorium, magnitude 3.5) on the evening of Saturday February 4-Morning Sunday February 5.
The dark limb of the Moon covers the star at 23:38 pm ACDST Adleaide (4th), 0:06 am AEDST Hobart (5th), 0:11 am AEDST Melbourne (5th) and 20:00 pm AWST Perth (4th). The Star will reappear on the bright side of the Moon at 0:13 am ACDST Adleaide (5th), 0:59 am AEDST Hobart (5th), 0:52 am AEDST Melbourne (5th) and 21:00 pm AWST Perth (4th).
With the Moon close to full, this event is really best seen with binoculars or a small telescope. Picking up the stars reappearance will be quite difficult against the brightness of the Moon.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEDST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch (this will be up dated to February a little later).
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking east as seen from Adelaide at 2:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday February 5 showing Mars and Saturn. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. The inset shows the telescopic appearance of Saturn and it's Moons at this time. Click to embiggen.The Full Moon is Wednesday February 8.
Mars is high in the northern morning sky. After a brief sojourn in the constellation of Virgo, Mars reverses direction and re-enters the constellation of Leo.
Mars has now entered the evening sky, rising around 10 pm (local daylight saving time), but will be relatively low above the late evening horizon for the rest of the week.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica. Saturn is now high enough in sky in the early morning for telescopic observation.
Mercury is now lost in morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday February 4 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Aquarius, with Jupiter not far away. The insets shows the appearance of Venus and Jupiter and its Moons as seen telescopically at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour and a half.
Venus is in Aquarius this week. It is almost on top of Uranus on the 9th. You will need binoculars to see Uranus, Venus may drown the planet out with its brightness.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night in the north-western sky, setting half an hour after midnight.
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the northern-western sky, from about twilight. It is coming closer to Venus, and the pair look very nice in the western evening sky.
Now is a still good time for telescopic observation of this massive world (although the window for observation is narrowing), or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 11 pm.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The evening sky facing North in Adelaide on February 4 at 11:30 pm AEDST showing the waxing Moon about to cover eta Geminorum (indicated by circle). (similar views will be seen from other cities at the equivalent local time eg 11:30 pm ACDST Adelaide.The nearly full Moon passes in front of the moderately bright star Tejat Prior (eta Geminorium, magnitude 3.5) on the evening of Saturday February 4-Morning Sunday February 5.
The dark limb of the Moon covers the star at 23:38 pm ACDST Adleaide (4th), 0:06 am AEDST Hobart (5th), 0:11 am AEDST Melbourne (5th) and 20:00 pm AWST Perth (4th). The Star will reappear on the bright side of the Moon at 0:13 am ACDST Adleaide (5th), 0:59 am AEDST Hobart (5th), 0:52 am AEDST Melbourne (5th) and 21:00 pm AWST Perth (4th).
With the Moon close to full, this event is really best seen with binoculars or a small telescope. Picking up the stars reappearance will be quite difficult against the brightness of the Moon.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEDST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch (this will be up dated to February a little later).
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Labels: weekly sky
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Sky This Week - Thursday January 26 to Thursday February 2
Venus is easily visible in the western evening sky and is visited by the Moon on the 26th and 27th. Jupiter dominates the evening sky in the north-west once Venus has set, and is visited by the Moon on the 30th. Mars enters the evening sky, but is best visible in the morning sky heading towards Saturn, which is near the star Spica.
Morning sky looking east as seen from Adelaide at 3:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday January 29 showing Mars and Saturn. The inset Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. The inset shows the appearance of Saturn and it's Moons at this time. Click to embiggen.
The First Quarter Moon is Tuesday January 31. This is the second First Quarter Moon this Month. We might call this a "Blue" First Quarter Moon.
Mars is high in the northern morning sky. After so long in the constellation of Leo, Mars now enters the constellation of Virgo, heading towards Spica and Saturn. Mars has now entered the evening sky, rising around 10 pm (local daylight saving time), but will be relatively low above the late evening horizon for the rest of the week.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica. Saturn is now high enough in sky in the early morning for telescopic observation.
Mercury is now lost in morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 27 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Aquarius, with the crescent Moon beside it and Jupiter not far away. The inset shows the appearance of Venus at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour and a half. Venus is near the thin crescent Moon on the 26th and 27th.
Venus is in Aquarius this week. It is almost on top of phi Aquarii (magnitude 4.2) on the 26th. You will have to wait until quite late in the twilight to see this star appear.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night in the north-western sky, setting half an hour after midnight.
Evening sky on Monday January 30 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the waxing Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen telescopically at this time, (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the northern-western sky, from about twilight. It is coming closer to Venus, and the pair look very nice in the western evening sky.
Now is a still good time for telescopic observation of this massive world (although the window for observation is narrowing), or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 11 pm.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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 AEDST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch (this will be up dated to February a little later).
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking east as seen from Adelaide at 3:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday January 29 showing Mars and Saturn. The inset Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. The inset shows the appearance of Saturn and it's Moons at this time. Click to embiggen.The First Quarter Moon is Tuesday January 31. This is the second First Quarter Moon this Month. We might call this a "Blue" First Quarter Moon.
Mars is high in the northern morning sky. After so long in the constellation of Leo, Mars now enters the constellation of Virgo, heading towards Spica and Saturn. Mars has now entered the evening sky, rising around 10 pm (local daylight saving time), but will be relatively low above the late evening horizon for the rest of the week.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica. Saturn is now high enough in sky in the early morning for telescopic observation.
Mercury is now lost in morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 27 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Aquarius, with the crescent Moon beside it and Jupiter not far away. The inset shows the appearance of Venus at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour and a half. Venus is near the thin crescent Moon on the 26th and 27th.
Venus is in Aquarius this week. It is almost on top of phi Aquarii (magnitude 4.2) on the 26th. You will have to wait until quite late in the twilight to see this star appear.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night in the north-western sky, setting half an hour after midnight.
Evening sky on Monday January 30 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the waxing Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen telescopically at this time, (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the northern-western sky, from about twilight. It is coming closer to Venus, and the pair look very nice in the western evening sky.
Now is a still good time for telescopic observation of this massive world (although the window for observation is narrowing), or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 11 pm.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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 AEDST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch (this will be up dated to February a little later).
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Labels: weekly sky
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Sky This Week - Thursday January 19 to Thursday January 26
The New Moon is Monday January 23. Venus is easily visible in the western evening sky and is visited by the Moon on the 26th. Jupiter dominates the evening sky in the north-west once Venus has set. Mars enetrs the evening sky, but is best visible in the morning sky heading towards Saturn, which is near the star Spica. Globe at Night Light Pollution Survey now on.
Morning sky looking east as seen from Adelaide at 3:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday January 22 showing Mars and Saturn. The inset Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. The inset shows the appearance of Saturn and it's Moons at this time. Click to embiggen.
The New Moon is Monday January 23. The Globe at Night, international light pollution survey, is January 14-23 followed by February 12-21, March 13-22 and April 11-20.
Mars is high in the northern morning sky. After so long in the constellation of Leo, Mars now enters the constellation of Virgo, heading towards Spica and Saturn. Mars has now entered the evening sky, rising around 11 pm (local daylight saving time), but will be low above the late evening horizon for the rest of the week.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica. Saturn is now high enough in sky in the early morning for telescopic observation.
Mercury is now lost in morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 26 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Aquarius, with the crescent Moon below and Jupiter not far away. The iset shows the appearance of Venus at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour and a half. Venus is in Aquarius this week. It passes lambda Aquarii (magnitude 3.8) on the 23rd and 24th. You will have to wait until quite late in the twilight to see this star appear.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night in the north-western sky, setting half an hour after midnight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 21 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the waxing Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen telescopically at this time, (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the northern sky, from about twilight, and the north-western sky when it is fully dark.
Now is a good time for telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 11 pm.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
Comet Lovejoy will be very difficult to spot as it has faded significantly, you need very serious telescopic kit to see it now..
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEDST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch (this will be up dated to January a little later).
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking east as seen from Adelaide at 3:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday January 22 showing Mars and Saturn. The inset Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. The inset shows the appearance of Saturn and it's Moons at this time. Click to embiggen.The New Moon is Monday January 23. The Globe at Night, international light pollution survey, is January 14-23 followed by February 12-21, March 13-22 and April 11-20.
Mars is high in the northern morning sky. After so long in the constellation of Leo, Mars now enters the constellation of Virgo, heading towards Spica and Saturn. Mars has now entered the evening sky, rising around 11 pm (local daylight saving time), but will be low above the late evening horizon for the rest of the week.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica. Saturn is now high enough in sky in the early morning for telescopic observation.
Mercury is now lost in morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 26 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Aquarius, with the crescent Moon below and Jupiter not far away. The iset shows the appearance of Venus at this time. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour and a half. Venus is in Aquarius this week. It passes lambda Aquarii (magnitude 3.8) on the 23rd and 24th. You will have to wait until quite late in the twilight to see this star appear.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night in the north-western sky, setting half an hour after midnight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 21 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the waxing Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen telescopically at this time, (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the northern sky, from about twilight, and the north-western sky when it is fully dark.
Now is a good time for telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 11 pm.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
Comet Lovejoy will be very difficult to spot as it has faded significantly, you need very serious telescopic kit to see it now..
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEDST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch (this will be up dated to January a little later).
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Labels: weekly sky
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Sky This Week - Thursday January 12 to Thursday January 19
The Last Quarter Moon is Monday January 16. Venus is easily visible in the western evening sky. Jupiter dominates the evening sky in the north-west once Venus has set. Mars is visible in the morning sky heading towards Saturn, which is near the star Spica. The waning Moon is near Mars on the 13th and 14th and near Saturn on the 17th. Mercury is lost in the morning twilight.
Morning sky looking east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Tuesday January 17 showing Mars, Saturn and Mercury. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
The Last Quarter Moon is Monday January 16.
Mars is high in the northern morning sky. After so long in the constellation of Leo, Mars now enters the constellation of Virgo, heading towards Spica and Saturn. The waning Moon is near Mars on the mornings of Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica. On Tuesday the 17th, Saturn, Spica and the waning Moon are close together, making an attractive triangle.
Mercury is now lost in morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 14 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Aquarius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour and a half. Venus leaves Capricornius this week, entering Aquarius. It passes iota Aquarii (magnitude 4.8) on the 12th. You will have to wait until quite late in the twilight to see these stars appear.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night in the north-western sky, setting half an hour after midnight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 14 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the waxing Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen telescopically at this time, (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the northern sky, from about twilight, and the north-western sky when it is fully dark.
Now is a good time for telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 12 am.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
Comet Lovejoy will be very difficult to spot due to the Moonlight until next week.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEDST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch (this will be up dated to January a little later).
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Tuesday January 17 showing Mars, Saturn and Mercury. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.The Last Quarter Moon is Monday January 16.
Mars is high in the northern morning sky. After so long in the constellation of Leo, Mars now enters the constellation of Virgo, heading towards Spica and Saturn. The waning Moon is near Mars on the mornings of Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica. On Tuesday the 17th, Saturn, Spica and the waning Moon are close together, making an attractive triangle.
Mercury is now lost in morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 14 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Aquarius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour and a half. Venus leaves Capricornius this week, entering Aquarius. It passes iota Aquarii (magnitude 4.8) on the 12th. You will have to wait until quite late in the twilight to see these stars appear.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night in the north-western sky, setting half an hour after midnight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 14 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the waxing Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen telescopically at this time, (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the northern sky, from about twilight, and the north-western sky when it is fully dark.
Now is a good time for telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 12 am.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
Comet Lovejoy will be very difficult to spot due to the Moonlight until next week.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEDST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch (this will be up dated to January a little later).
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Labels: weekly sky
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
The Sky This Week - Thursday January 5 to Thursday January 12
The Full Moon is Monday January 9. Venus is easily visible in the western evening sky. Jupiter dominates the evening sky in the north-west once Venus has set. Mars is visible in the morning sky heading towards Saturn, which is near the star Spica. Mercury is very good in the morning near the horizon. Comet Lovejoy is now only visible in binoculars and telescopes. Earth is at Perihelion on the 5th.
Morning sky looking east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Saturday January 7 showing Saturn and Mercury. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
The Full Moon is Monday January 9.
Mars is high in the northern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. It is heading towards Spica and Saturn.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica.
Mercury appears low in the morning twilight above the eastern horizon, below the constellation of the Scorpion. You will need a reasonably, clear eastern horizon to see it. This is the last week the Mercury can be easily seen this month.
Evening sky on Tuesday December 27 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Capricornius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour and a half. Venus is Capricornius this week, and passes gamma Capricornii (magnitude 3.6) on the 7th, and Deneb Algedi (delta Capricornii, magnitude 2.9) on the 9th. You will have to wait until quite late in the twilight to see tehse stars appear.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night in the north-western sky, setting an hour and a half after midnight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 7 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the waxing Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen telescopically at this time, (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the northern sky, from about twilight, and the north-western sky when it is fully dark.
Now is a good time for telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 12 am.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
Southern horizon as seen from Adelaide at 3:30am ACDST on Saturday morning January 7. Similar views may be seen from other Australian locations at equivalent local time (click to embiggen).
Comet Lovejoy gave those of us not benighted by cloud some very good views over Christmas. Despite being faint, there was an astounding tail that stretched high into the night sky (an image gallery is here and here).
The comet has faded considerably now. Some keen-eyed people can still see it with averted vision under very dark sky conditions, but for most of us it will only be visible in strong binoculars or telescope. After the 9th the Moon's light will interfere significantly with seeing the comet.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEDST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch (this will be up dated to January a little later).
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Saturday January 7 showing Saturn and Mercury. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.The Full Moon is Monday January 9.
Mars is high in the northern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. It is heading towards Spica and Saturn.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica.
Mercury appears low in the morning twilight above the eastern horizon, below the constellation of the Scorpion. You will need a reasonably, clear eastern horizon to see it. This is the last week the Mercury can be easily seen this month.
Evening sky on Tuesday December 27 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Capricornius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour and a half. Venus is Capricornius this week, and passes gamma Capricornii (magnitude 3.6) on the 7th, and Deneb Algedi (delta Capricornii, magnitude 2.9) on the 9th. You will have to wait until quite late in the twilight to see tehse stars appear.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night in the north-western sky, setting an hour and a half after midnight.
Evening sky on Saturday January 7 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the waxing Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen telescopically at this time, (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the northern sky, from about twilight, and the north-western sky when it is fully dark.
Now is a good time for telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 12 am.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
Southern horizon as seen from Adelaide at 3:30am ACDST on Saturday morning January 7. Similar views may be seen from other Australian locations at equivalent local time (click to embiggen).Comet Lovejoy gave those of us not benighted by cloud some very good views over Christmas. Despite being faint, there was an astounding tail that stretched high into the night sky (an image gallery is here and here).
The comet has faded considerably now. Some keen-eyed people can still see it with averted vision under very dark sky conditions, but for most of us it will only be visible in strong binoculars or telescope. After the 9th the Moon's light will interfere significantly with seeing the comet.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm AEDST, Western sky at 10 pm AEDST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch (this will be up dated to January a little later).
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Labels: weekly sky
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Sky This Week - Thursday December 29 to Thursday January 5
The First Quarter Moon is Sunday January 1 (New Years day). Venus is easily visible in the western evening sky. Jupiter dominates the evening sky to the north once Venus has set. Jupiter is near the waxing Moon on the 2nd and 3rd. Mars is visible in the morning sky heading towards Saturn, which is near the star Spica. Mercury at its best in the morning near the horizon. Comet Lovejoy is faintly seen in the morning sky below the Southern Cross. Earth is at Perihelion on the 5th.
Sorry no diagrams this week, due to lack of internet access while travelling and using a borrowed computer with none of my programs, Southern Skywatch will be delayed as well.
The Christmas Comet, comet C/2011 W3 Lovejoy, is fading. It is currently as bright as the Magellanic clouds, and its magnificent tail is shortening. As of writing, although dim it is still easily seen with the unaided eye as a streak of faint light below the pointers (alpha and beta Centauri) below the Southern Cross (although light polluted suburban sites may have a lot more difficulty picking it up, and need binoculars already). It will fade during the week, and may become a binocular object by the end of the week. UPDATE 31 Dec the comet has faded more quickly than I expected. It is now very difficult to see with the unaided eye except at the very darkest sites.
When looking for the comet, you will need to get up at least an hour and a half before local sunrise to see it at its best. You will need to wait a few minutes in the dark for you eyes to accommodate to the darkness to pick it out. Even things like mobile phone screens and the preview panes on digital cameras can mess up your night vision. The comet currently begins juts above the southern horizon and extends up to just below the pointers. It will rise higher in the sky as it fades, making it easier to see. Even as the comet fades it will still be a great sight.
As long as you are up looking at the comet, wait a a while for Mercury to rise.This and next week are the best times to see this fleet world in the morning.
Labels: weekly sky
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The Sky This Week - Thursday December 22 to Thursday December 29
The New Moon is Sunday December 25 (Christmas day). Venus is easily visible in the western evening sky and close to the crescent Moon on the 27th. Jupiter dominates the evening sky to the north once Venus has set. Mars is visible in the morning sky heading towards Saturn also visible in the morning sky near the star Spica. Mercury is visible in the morning near the horizon, and is close to the Moon on the 23rd. Comet Lovejoy may be seen in the morning sky.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Friday December 23 showing Saturn near Spica and the waning Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
The New Moon is Sunday December 25.
Mars is in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. It is heading towards Spica and Saturn.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica.
Mercury appears low in the morning twilight. You will need a reasonably, clear eastern horizon to see it. On the 23rd, Mercury is close to the crescent Moon, forming an attractive triangle with the bright star Antares. The comet Lovejoy's location is shown (see below for more details).
Evening sky on Tuesday December 27 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Capricornius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour. Venus is Capricornius this week, but does not pass any bright stars. On December 27, Venus is close to the crescent Moon.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night, setting in the early morning.
Evening sky on Saturday December 24 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, Europa will pass in front of Jupiter from around 22:00 ACDST, Ganymede will be eclipsed and Io will also pass in front of Jupiter (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about twilight.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, as on the evening of December 24, you can find a list of Jupiter Moon events with timings here (scroll down a bit)..
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
Eastern horizon as seen from Adelaide at 4:54 am ACDST on Sunday morning December 25 (an hour before sunrise). Similar views may be seen from other Australian locations at equivalent local time (click to embiggen).
Comet Lovejoy is a newly found Kreutz sungrazing comet that surprisingly survived after a close encounter with the Sun. While people have seen comet C/2011 W2 Lovejoy in daylight with telescopes, there is no unambiguous report of seeing comet Lovejoy by the unaided eye (the horrible weather hasn't helped).
There is a possibility that we might see a tiny tail and possibly the comet above the horizon in the twilight in the coming days, it almost certainly should be visible in good binoculars. The Stellarium image above shows where the comet should be at nautical twilight. You will need a flat, clear eastern horizon for a good chance to see the comet (if it is visible). But it should be easy to find near the spine of the scorpion.
In contrast comet C/2009 P1 will be easily visible in good binoculars as a small fuzzy ball with a short tail.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Friday December 23 showing Saturn near Spica and the waning Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.The New Moon is Sunday December 25.
Mars is in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. It is heading towards Spica and Saturn.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica.
Mercury appears low in the morning twilight. You will need a reasonably, clear eastern horizon to see it. On the 23rd, Mercury is close to the crescent Moon, forming an attractive triangle with the bright star Antares. The comet Lovejoy's location is shown (see below for more details).
Evening sky on Tuesday December 27 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Capricornius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour. Venus is Capricornius this week, but does not pass any bright stars. On December 27, Venus is close to the crescent Moon.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October.
However, Jupiter is still a great binocular and telescope object and will be for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night, setting in the early morning.
Evening sky on Saturday December 24 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, Europa will pass in front of Jupiter from around 22:00 ACDST, Ganymede will be eclipsed and Io will also pass in front of Jupiter (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about twilight.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, as on the evening of December 24, you can find a list of Jupiter Moon events with timings here (scroll down a bit)..
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
Eastern horizon as seen from Adelaide at 4:54 am ACDST on Sunday morning December 25 (an hour before sunrise). Similar views may be seen from other Australian locations at equivalent local time (click to embiggen).Comet Lovejoy is a newly found Kreutz sungrazing comet that surprisingly survived after a close encounter with the Sun. While people have seen comet C/2011 W2 Lovejoy in daylight with telescopes, there is no unambiguous report of seeing comet Lovejoy by the unaided eye (the horrible weather hasn't helped).
There is a possibility that we might see a tiny tail and possibly the comet above the horizon in the twilight in the coming days, it almost certainly should be visible in good binoculars. The Stellarium image above shows where the comet should be at nautical twilight. You will need a flat, clear eastern horizon for a good chance to see the comet (if it is visible). But it should be easy to find near the spine of the scorpion.
In contrast comet C/2009 P1 will be easily visible in good binoculars as a small fuzzy ball with a short tail.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. 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
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Sky This Week - Thursday December 15 to Thursday December 22
The Last Quarter Moon is Sunday December 18. Venus is easily visible in the western evening sky. Jupiter dominates the evening sky to the north once Venus has set. Mars is visible in the morning sky and is close to the star Regulus. Saturn is now visible in the morning sky near the star Spica. On the 17th and 18th the Waning Moon is near Mars and on the 20th it is near Saturn. Geminid Meteor Shower on the morning of the 15th.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Tuesday December 20 showing Mars near Regulus and Saturn near Spica and the waning Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
The Last Quarter Moon is Sunday December 18.
Mars is in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. On the 17th and 18th the waning Moon is close to Mars.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica. On the 20th the Moon forms an attractive triangle with Spica and Saturn.
Mercury appears low in the morning twilight. You will need a flt, clear eastern horizon to see it.
Evening sky on Saturday December 17 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Sagittarius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour. Venus leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricornius by the end of the week, but does not pass any bright stars.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night, setting in the early morning.
Evening sky on Saturday December 17 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, Europa infront of Jupiter from around 22:00 ACDST (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about twilight.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, as on the evening of December 17. .
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The radiant of the Geminid meteor shower above the northern horizon as seen from Adelaide on the morning of December 15 at 3:00 pm ACDST, similar views will be seen from other sites at equivalent local times.
The Geminid Meteor shower is at its peak from the point of view of Australian's on the mornings of Wednesday 14 December (13 December UT) and Thursday 15 December. The best time to observe is between 1 and 4 am (daylight saving time, 12-3 am non-daylight saving time), with the highest rates between 2-3 am daylight saving time.
The Moon will unfortunately be just above the Geminid radiant, so only low meteor rates will be seen. In Australia we should see roughly a meteor every 6 minutes.
You can check predictions for you local site with the NASA meteor flux estimator (scroll down to 4 Geminids in the SHOWER box, make sure you have your location and date correct as well)..
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Tuesday December 20 showing Mars near Regulus and Saturn near Spica and the waning Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.The Last Quarter Moon is Sunday December 18.
Mars is in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. On the 17th and 18th the waning Moon is close to Mars.
Saturn is above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica. On the 20th the Moon forms an attractive triangle with Spica and Saturn.
Mercury appears low in the morning twilight. You will need a flt, clear eastern horizon to see it.
Evening sky on Saturday December 17 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Sagittarius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour. Venus leaves Sagittarius and enters Capricornius by the end of the week, but does not pass any bright stars.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night, setting in the early morning.
Evening sky on Saturday December 17 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, Europa infront of Jupiter from around 22:00 ACDST (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about twilight.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, as on the evening of December 17. .
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The radiant of the Geminid meteor shower above the northern horizon as seen from Adelaide on the morning of December 15 at 3:00 pm ACDST, similar views will be seen from other sites at equivalent local times.The Geminid Meteor shower is at its peak from the point of view of Australian's on the mornings of Wednesday 14 December (13 December UT) and Thursday 15 December. The best time to observe is between 1 and 4 am (daylight saving time, 12-3 am non-daylight saving time), with the highest rates between 2-3 am daylight saving time.
The Moon will unfortunately be just above the Geminid radiant, so only low meteor rates will be seen. In Australia we should see roughly a meteor every 6 minutes.
You can check predictions for you local site with the NASA meteor flux estimator (scroll down to 4 Geminids in the SHOWER box, make sure you have your location and date correct as well)..
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. 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, December 06, 2011
The Sky This Week - Thursday December 8 to Thursday December15
The Full Moon is Saturday December 10. There is a total eclipse of the Moon from late evening of the 10th to early morning 11th. Venus is easily visible in the western evening sky. Jupiter dominates the evening sky once Venus has set. Mars is visible in the morning sky and is close to the star Regulus. Saturn is now visible in the morning sky near the star Spica. Geminid Meteor Shower on the morning of the 15th.
Northern horizon as seen from Adelaide at 23:45 pm ACDST on December 10. The Moon is beginning to be eclipsed just below the Hyades. Similar views will be seen at the equivalent local time elsewhere in Australia. Click to embiggen.
The Full Moon is Saturday December 10. On the evening of the 10th and the morning of the 11th there is a total lunar eclipse visible from all of Australia.
The eclipse starts with the Moon with the Moon high in the sky. Although not as long as the June 16 eclipse all states will see totality.
The Moon enters the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow (the Umbra) at 23:46 pm on the east coast, 23:16 pm for the central states and 20:46 pm in Western Australia. Over the next hour you will see the shadow slowly creep over the Moons face until the Moon is covered by the shadow of the Earth (1:32 am eastern states, 1:02 am central states and 22:32 pm WA). All times except WA are Daylight Savings times.
You should see the stars becoming more visible as the Moon darkens. The Moon will not be completely dark, but will be a deep red colour. As it is just below the beautiful Hyades cluster, this will be most attractive. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to look at.
You can get more information from the eclipse section at Southern Skywatch, and some hints on observing and photographing the eclipse.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday December 11 showing Mars near Regulus and Saturn near Spica. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
Mars is in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars is not far from the bright star Regulus and draws further away over the week.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the western horizon, setting before twilight.
Saturn is low above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica.
Evening sky on Saturday December 10 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Sagittarius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour. Venus is now in Sagittarius, and passes close to the stars that form the handle of the "teapot" of Sagittarius.
Mercury is now lost in the twilight.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night, setting just before morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday December 10 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, Passes behind Jupiter from 21:00 ACDST (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, but these are mostly in the early hours of the morning.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The radiant of the Geminid meteor shower above the northern horizon as seen from Adelaide on the morning of December 15 at 3:00 pm ACDST, similar views will be seen from other sites at equivalent local times.
The Geminid Meteor shower is at its peak from the point of view of Australian's on the mornings of Wednesday 14 December (13 December UT) and Thursday 15 December. The best time to observe is between 1 and 4 am (daylight saving time, 12-3 am non-daylight saving time), with the highest rates between 2-3 am daylight saving time.
The Moon will unfortunately be just above the Geminid radiant, so only low meteor rates will be seen. In Australia we should see roughly a meteor every 6 minutes.
You can check predictions for you local site with the NASA meteor flux estimator (scroll down to 4 Geminids in the SHOWER box, make sure you have your location and date correct as well)..
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Northern horizon as seen from Adelaide at 23:45 pm ACDST on December 10. The Moon is beginning to be eclipsed just below the Hyades. Similar views will be seen at the equivalent local time elsewhere in Australia. Click to embiggen.The Full Moon is Saturday December 10. On the evening of the 10th and the morning of the 11th there is a total lunar eclipse visible from all of Australia.
The eclipse starts with the Moon with the Moon high in the sky. Although not as long as the June 16 eclipse all states will see totality.
The Moon enters the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow (the Umbra) at 23:46 pm on the east coast, 23:16 pm for the central states and 20:46 pm in Western Australia. Over the next hour you will see the shadow slowly creep over the Moons face until the Moon is covered by the shadow of the Earth (1:32 am eastern states, 1:02 am central states and 22:32 pm WA). All times except WA are Daylight Savings times.
You should see the stars becoming more visible as the Moon darkens. The Moon will not be completely dark, but will be a deep red colour. As it is just below the beautiful Hyades cluster, this will be most attractive. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are perfectly safe to look at.
You can get more information from the eclipse section at Southern Skywatch, and some hints on observing and photographing the eclipse.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday December 11 showing Mars near Regulus and Saturn near Spica. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.Mars is in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars is not far from the bright star Regulus and draws further away over the week.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the western horizon, setting before twilight.
Saturn is low above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica.
Evening sky on Saturday December 10 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Sagittarius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour. Venus is now in Sagittarius, and passes close to the stars that form the handle of the "teapot" of Sagittarius.
Mercury is now lost in the twilight.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night, setting just before morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday December 10 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, Passes behind Jupiter from 21:00 ACDST (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, but these are mostly in the early hours of the morning.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The radiant of the Geminid meteor shower above the northern horizon as seen from Adelaide on the morning of December 15 at 3:00 pm ACDST, similar views will be seen from other sites at equivalent local times.The Geminid Meteor shower is at its peak from the point of view of Australian's on the mornings of Wednesday 14 December (13 December UT) and Thursday 15 December. The best time to observe is between 1 and 4 am (daylight saving time, 12-3 am non-daylight saving time), with the highest rates between 2-3 am daylight saving time.
The Moon will unfortunately be just above the Geminid radiant, so only low meteor rates will be seen. In Australia we should see roughly a meteor every 6 minutes.
You can check predictions for you local site with the NASA meteor flux estimator (scroll down to 4 Geminids in the SHOWER box, make sure you have your location and date correct as well)..
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. 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, November 29, 2011
The Sky This Week - Thursday December 1 to Thursday December 8
The First Quarter Moon is Friday December 2. Venus is easily visible in the western evening while Mercury is lost in the twilight. Jupiter dominates the evening sky once Venus has set. Jupiter is close to the waxing Moon on December 6. Mars is visible in the morning sky and is close to the star Regulus. Saturn is now visible in the morning sky near the star Spica.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday December 3 showing Mars near Regulus and Saturn near Spica. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
The First Quarter Moon is Friday December 2.
Mars is in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars is not far from the bright star Regulus and draws further away over the week.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the western horizon, setting before twilight.
Saturn is low above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica.
Evening sky on Thursday December 1 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:45 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Sagittarius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour. Venus is now in Sagittarius, on Thursday 1 December it is just below Kaus Borealis, the brightish star that forms the lid of the "teapot" of Sagittarius.
If you have strong binoculars, and a clear level western horizon, wait until a bit after an hour after sunset, and you may be able to see the globular clusters the venus is close to. On the 1st Venus is near dimmish M28, on the 3rd Venus is close to the brighter M22. In binoculars these look like little puffs of cotton wool.
Mercury is now lost in the twilight.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night, setting just before morning twilight.
Evening sky on Tuesday December 6 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, Ganymede transits Jupiter from 20:47 ACDST (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, but these are mostly in the early hours of the morning.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of the variable star Mira as seen at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time Saturday December 3looking north-east from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. The circle marks the position of Mira. Click to embiggen,
The variable star Mira is still bright enough to see with the unaided eye just above and to the right of Jupiter. It will continue to fade, and by mid week the light of the Moon will make it very difficult to see.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday December 3 showing Mars near Regulus and Saturn near Spica. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.The First Quarter Moon is Friday December 2.
Mars is in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars is not far from the bright star Regulus and draws further away over the week.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the western horizon, setting before twilight.
Saturn is low above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica.
Evening sky on Thursday December 1 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:45 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus in Sagittarius. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus is readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour. Venus is now in Sagittarius, on Thursday 1 December it is just below Kaus Borealis, the brightish star that forms the lid of the "teapot" of Sagittarius.
If you have strong binoculars, and a clear level western horizon, wait until a bit after an hour after sunset, and you may be able to see the globular clusters the venus is close to. On the 1st Venus is near dimmish M28, on the 3rd Venus is close to the brighter M22. In binoculars these look like little puffs of cotton wool.
Mercury is now lost in the twilight.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night, setting just before morning twilight.
Evening sky on Tuesday December 6 looking north as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, Ganymede transits Jupiter from 20:47 ACDST (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 9 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, but these are mostly in the early hours of the morning.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of the variable star Mira as seen at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time Saturday December 3looking north-east from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. The circle marks the position of Mira. Click to embiggen,The variable star Mira is still bright enough to see with the unaided eye just above and to the right of Jupiter. It will continue to fade, and by mid week the light of the Moon will make it very difficult to see.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. 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, November 22, 2011
The Sky This Week - Thursday November 24 to Thursday December 1
The New Moon is Friday November 25. Venus is easily visible in the western evening twilight with Mercury below it. The Moon is close to Mercury on the 26th and Venus on the 27th. Jupiter dominates the evening sky once Venus has set. Mars is visible in the morning sky and is close to the star Regulus. Saturn is now visible in the morning sky near the star Spica.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday November 27 showing Mars near Regulus and Saturn near Spica. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
The New Moon is Friday November 25.
Mars is in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars is not far from the bright star Regulus and draws further away over the week.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the western horizon, setting shortly before twilight.
Saturn is low above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica.
Evening sky on Saturday November 26 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:45 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus and Mercury, with Mercury near the crescent Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus and Mercury are readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour.
Mercury is visible below Venus at the beginning of the week. Venus continues to climb towards Sagittarius but Mercury gets progressively lower to the horizon, being very difficult to see by the end of the week.
On Saturday November 26 the crescent Moon is close to Mercury, and on Sunday 27 the crescent Moon is close to Venus.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night, setting just before morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday November 26 looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 10 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, but these are mostly in the early hours of the morning.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of the variable star Mira as seen at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time Saturday November 26 looking north-east from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. The circle marks the position of Mira. Click to embiggen,
The variable star Mira is now bright enough to see easily with the unaided eye just above and to the right of Jupiter. Over the month of November it will slowly fade. .
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday November 27 showing Mars near Regulus and Saturn near Spica. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.The New Moon is Friday November 25.
Mars is in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars is not far from the bright star Regulus and draws further away over the week.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the western horizon, setting shortly before twilight.
Saturn is low above the north- eastern horizon, not far from the bright star Spica.
Evening sky on Saturday November 26 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:45 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus and Mercury, with Mercury near the crescent Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus and Mercury are readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour.
Mercury is visible below Venus at the beginning of the week. Venus continues to climb towards Sagittarius but Mercury gets progressively lower to the horizon, being very difficult to see by the end of the week.
On Saturday November 26 the crescent Moon is close to Mercury, and on Sunday 27 the crescent Moon is close to Venus.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible for most of the night, setting just before morning twilight.
Evening sky on Saturday November 26 looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 10 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, but these are mostly in the early hours of the morning.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of the variable star Mira as seen at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time Saturday November 26 looking north-east from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. The circle marks the position of Mira. Click to embiggen,The variable star Mira is now bright enough to see easily with the unaided eye just above and to the right of Jupiter. Over the month of November it will slowly fade. .
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. 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, November 15, 2011
The Sky This Week - Thursday November 17 to Thursday November 24
The Last Quarter Moon is Saturday November 19. Venus is easily visible in the western evening twilight with Mercury beside it. Venus continues to climb the Scorpion during the week, Mercury begins to sink towards the horizon. Jupiter dominates the evening sky once Venus has set. Mars is visible in the morning sky and is close to the star Regulus. Leonid meteor shower morning Saturday 19.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Saturday November 19 showing Mars near Regulus and the Moon, with the Leonid Meteor shower radiant indicated with a cross. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
The Last Quarter Moon is Saturday November 19.
Mars is low in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars is close to bright star Regulus but draws away over the week.
On the morning of November 19 the Leonid Meteor shower peaks, with the best time being between 3-4 am. Unfortunately, the Leonids radiant is just below the last quarter Moon, so very few meteors will be visible. You can use the Meteor Flux Estimator to get a prediction for your location. Use the 13 Leonids option and don't forget to set the year to 2011.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the north-western horizon.
Saturn enters the morning twilight at the end of the week, but will be difficult to see unless you have a clear, level eastern horizon. On Wednesday morning, November 23 the Moon, Spica and Saturn form a triangle just above the horizon at around 5:00 am local daylight saving time.
Evening sky on Saturday November 19 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:45 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus and Mercury in the constellation of the Scorpion. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus and Mercury are now readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour.
Mercury is visible besides Venus at the beginning of the week, and the two of them climb the constellation of the Scorpion at the beginning of the week. As the week wears on, Venus continues to climb, but Mercury begins to head towards the horizon.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible all night long now.
Evening sky on Saturday November 19 looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 10 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, but these are mostly in the early hours of the morning.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of the variable star Mira as seen at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time Saturday November 19 looking north-east from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. The circle marks the position of Mira. Click to embiggen,
The variable star Mira is now bright enough to see easily with the unaided eye just above and to the right of Jupiter. Over the month of November it will slowly fade. .
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Saturday November 19 showing Mars near Regulus and the Moon, with the Leonid Meteor shower radiant indicated with a cross. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.The Last Quarter Moon is Saturday November 19.
Mars is low in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars is close to bright star Regulus but draws away over the week.
On the morning of November 19 the Leonid Meteor shower peaks, with the best time being between 3-4 am. Unfortunately, the Leonids radiant is just below the last quarter Moon, so very few meteors will be visible. You can use the Meteor Flux Estimator to get a prediction for your location. Use the 13 Leonids option and don't forget to set the year to 2011.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the north-western horizon.
Saturn enters the morning twilight at the end of the week, but will be difficult to see unless you have a clear, level eastern horizon. On Wednesday morning, November 23 the Moon, Spica and Saturn form a triangle just above the horizon at around 5:00 am local daylight saving time.
Evening sky on Saturday November 19 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:45 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus and Mercury in the constellation of the Scorpion. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus and Mercury are now readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour.
Mercury is visible besides Venus at the beginning of the week, and the two of them climb the constellation of the Scorpion at the beginning of the week. As the week wears on, Venus continues to climb, but Mercury begins to head towards the horizon.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible all night long now.
Evening sky on Saturday November 19 looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 10 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, but these are mostly in the early hours of the morning.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of the variable star Mira as seen at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time Saturday November 19 looking north-east from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. The circle marks the position of Mira. Click to embiggen,The variable star Mira is now bright enough to see easily with the unaided eye just above and to the right of Jupiter. Over the month of November it will slowly fade. .
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. 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, November 08, 2011
The Sky This Week - Thursday November 10 to Thursday November 17
The Full Moon is Friday November 11. Venus is easily visible in the western evening twilight with Mercury just above it. Venus and Mercury line up with the bright star Antares on the 10th, and continue to climb the Scorpion during the week. Jupiter now dominates the evening sky once Venus has set. Mars is visible in the morning sky and is closest to the star Regulus on the 11th. The variable star Mira is bright.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Friday November 11 showing Mars near Regulus and the brighter stars. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
The Full Moon is Friday November 11
Mars is low in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars is closest to the bright star Regulus on the 11th, and then draws away over the week.
Comet 45P Honda is in the morning sky, but will be very hard to see in the twilight sky without a decent telescope.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the north-western horizon.
Saturn enters the morning twilight at the end of the week, but will be difficult to see unless you have a clear, level eastern horizon.
Evening sky on Thursday November 10 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:30 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus and Mercury near the bright star Antares. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus and Mercury are now readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour.
Mercury is visible above Venus at the beginning of the week, and the two of them climb the constellation of the Scorpion as the week wears on.
On the evening of Thursday 10th, the planets line up with the bright red star Antares.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible all night long now.
Evening sky on Tuesday November 15 looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, with Europa transiting Jupiter (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 10 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, on the 15th Europa and its shadow transits from 21:30 AEDST.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of the variable star Mira as seen at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time Sunday November 13 looking north-east from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. The circle marks the position of Mira. Click to embiggen,
The variable star Mira is now bright enough to see easily with the unaided eye just above and to the right of Jupiter. Over the month of November it will slowly fade. From Sunday on, as the Moon rises later in the evening, observation of the star will be easier.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Friday November 11 showing Mars near Regulus and the brighter stars. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.The Full Moon is Friday November 11
Mars is low in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars is closest to the bright star Regulus on the 11th, and then draws away over the week.
Comet 45P Honda is in the morning sky, but will be very hard to see in the twilight sky without a decent telescope.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the north-western horizon.
Saturn enters the morning twilight at the end of the week, but will be difficult to see unless you have a clear, level eastern horizon.
Evening sky on Thursday November 10 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:30 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus and Mercury near the bright star Antares. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus and Mercury are now readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour.
Mercury is visible above Venus at the beginning of the week, and the two of them climb the constellation of the Scorpion as the week wears on.
On the evening of Thursday 10th, the planets line up with the bright red star Antares.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible all night long now.
Evening sky on Tuesday November 15 looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, with Europa transiting Jupiter (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 10 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, on the 15th Europa and its shadow transits from 21:30 AEDST.
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of the variable star Mira as seen at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time Sunday November 13 looking north-east from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. The circle marks the position of Mira. Click to embiggen,The variable star Mira is now bright enough to see easily with the unaided eye just above and to the right of Jupiter. Over the month of November it will slowly fade. From Sunday on, as the Moon rises later in the evening, observation of the star will be easier.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. 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, November 01, 2011
The Sky This Week - Thursday November 3 to Thursday November 10
The First Quarter Moon is Thursday November 3. Venus is easily visible in the western evening twilight with Mercury just below it. Venus and Mercury enter the head of the Scorpion on the 4th and line up with the bright star Antares on the 10th. Jupiter now dominates the evening sky and is near the Moon on the 9th. Mars is visible in the morning sky nearing the star Regulus. The variable star Mira is bright.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday November 6 showing Mars near Regulus and the brighter stars. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
The First Quarter Moon is Thursday November 3.
Mars is low in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars comes closer to the bright star Regulus over the week. By the end of the week Mars is just below Regulus.
Comet 45P Honda is in the morning sky, but will be very hard to see in the twilight sky without a decent telescope.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the north-western horizon.
Saturn is lost in the twilight glow.
Evening sky on Thursday November 10 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:30 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus and Mercury. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venus and Mercury are now readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour.
Mercury is visible below Venus at the beginning of the week, and becomes more prominent, and closer to Venus, as the week wears on. Both planets climb higher in the evening sky over the week. On the evening of Friday the 4th, Mercury is close to Delta Scorpii, and with Venus forms a bright addition to the head of the Scorpion.
On the evening of Thursday 10th, the planets line up with the bright red star Antares.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible all night long now.
Evening sky on Wednesday November 9 looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, with Io about to transit Jupiter (click to embiggen)
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 10 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, on the 8th Europa and its shadow transits from 20:08 AEDST, accompanied by the Great Red Spot. On the 9th, Io and its shadow transits Jupiter from 23:30 AEDST,
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of the variable star Mira as seen at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time Saturday November 5 looking north-east from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. The circle marks the position of Mira. Click to embiggen,
The variable star Mira is now bright enough to see easily with the unaided eye just above and to the right of Jupiter. Over the month of November it will slowly fade. As the week wears on, the waxing Moon will make observation of the star harder.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:00 am local daylight saving time on Sunday November 6 showing Mars near Regulus and the brighter stars. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.The First Quarter Moon is Thursday November 3.
Mars is low in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars comes closer to the bright star Regulus over the week. By the end of the week Mars is just below Regulus.
Comet 45P Honda is in the morning sky, but will be very hard to see in the twilight sky without a decent telescope.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the north-western horizon.
Saturn is lost in the twilight glow.
Evening sky on Thursday November 10 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:30 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus and Mercury. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venus and Mercury are now readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour.
Mercury is visible below Venus at the beginning of the week, and becomes more prominent, and closer to Venus, as the week wears on. Both planets climb higher in the evening sky over the week. On the evening of Friday the 4th, Mercury is close to Delta Scorpii, and with Venus forms a bright addition to the head of the Scorpion.
On the evening of Thursday 10th, the planets line up with the bright red star Antares.
Jupiter was at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th of October. However, Jupiter will be a great binocular and telescope object for many weeks to come. Jupiter is visible all night long now.
Evening sky on Wednesday November 9 looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Jupiter and the Moon. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. INSET: Jupiter and its Moons as seen at this time, with Io about to transit Jupiter (click to embiggen)In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on.
Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 10 pm - 1 am.
There are some good Jupiter Moon events, on the 8th Europa and its shadow transits from 20:08 AEDST, accompanied by the Great Red Spot. On the 9th, Io and its shadow transits Jupiter from 23:30 AEDST,
Although Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of the variable star Mira as seen at 10:00 pm local daylight saving time Saturday November 5 looking north-east from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. The circle marks the position of Mira. Click to embiggen,The variable star Mira is now bright enough to see easily with the unaided eye just above and to the right of Jupiter. Over the month of November it will slowly fade. As the week wears on, the waxing Moon will make observation of the star harder.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. 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, October 25, 2011
The Sky This Week - Thursday October 27 to Thursday November 3
The First Quarter Moon is Thursday November 3. Venus is easily visible in the western evening twilight with Mercury below it. The Moon joins Venus and Mercury on the 28th. Jupiter now dominates the evening sky and is at opposition on the 29th. Mars is visible in the morning sky nearing the star Regulus . Comet C/2009 P1 Garrad is visible in binoculars in the north-western sky.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:30 am local daylight saving time on Sunday October 30 showing Mars and the brighter stars. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.
The First Quarter Moon is Thursday November 3.
Jupiter is at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th. Jupiter is visible all night long now.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the north-western horizon.
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on. Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 10 pm - 1 am. Although it is biggest and brightest on the 20th, Jupiter will be excellent viewing for a couple of months now.
Mars is low in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars comes closer to the bright star Regulus over the week.
Comet 45P Honda is in the morning sky, but will be very hard to see in the twilight sky without a decent telescope.
Saturn is lost in the twilight glow.
Evening sky on Friday October 28 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:30 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus and Mercury. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)
Bright white Venusand Mercury are now readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour.
Mercury is visible below Venus at the beginning of the week, and becomes more prominent, and closer to Venus, as the week wears on. Both planets climb higher in the evening sky over the week. On the evening of Friday the 28th, the thin crescent Moon is close to the pair, making excellent viewing.
ALthough Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of Comet C/2009 Garrad as seen at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time Saturday October 29 looking north-west from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. Click to embiggen,
Comet C/2009 Garrad is visible in binoculars in the north-western sky, in the constellation of Ophiuchus.
Although it has brightened substantially, it is still only a fuzzy dot at magnitude 6.5. The best views will be under dark skies, where you might spy a short faint tail.
The best viewing is just before 9:00 pm, when the sky is dark enough to reveal the comet and it is not too close to the horizon. This will be the last week the comet will be easily visible, before it comes too close to the horizon for viewing. It will enter the morning sky in November.
A chart showing C/2009 P1's location is here.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. For further details and more information on what's up in the sky, see Southern Skywatch.
Cloud cover predictions can be found at SkippySky.
Morning sky looking north-east as seen from Adelaide at 5:30 am local daylight saving time on Sunday October 30 showing Mars and the brighter stars. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time. Click to embiggen.The First Quarter Moon is Thursday November 3.
Jupiter is at opposition, when it is biggest and brightest as seen from Earth, on Saturday the 29th. Jupiter is visible all night long now.
In the morning Jupiter low is above the north-western horizon.
In the evening Jupiter is readily visible in the north-eastern sky, from about 7 pm local time on. Now is a good time to begin telescopic observation of this massive world, or follow its moons in binoculars. For good telescopic observation Jupiter is best from 10 pm - 1 am. Although it is biggest and brightest on the 20th, Jupiter will be excellent viewing for a couple of months now.
Mars is low in the north-eastern morning sky, in the constellation of Leo. Mars comes closer to the bright star Regulus over the week.
Comet 45P Honda is in the morning sky, but will be very hard to see in the twilight sky without a decent telescope.
Saturn is lost in the twilight glow.
Evening sky on Friday October 28 looking west as seen from Adelaide at 8:30 pm local daylight saving time in South Australia showing Venus and Mercury. Similar views will be seen elsewhere at the equivalent local time (click to embiggen)Bright white Venusand Mercury are now readily visible in the evening western twilight sky from around half an hour after sunset for somewhat over an hour.
Mercury is visible below Venus at the beginning of the week, and becomes more prominent, and closer to Venus, as the week wears on. Both planets climb higher in the evening sky over the week. On the evening of Friday the 28th, the thin crescent Moon is close to the pair, making excellent viewing.
ALthough Jupiter is the most prominent now, there are lots of interesting things in the sky to view with a telescope. 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.
The location of Comet C/2009 Garrad as seen at 9:00 pm local daylight saving time Saturday October 29 looking north-west from Adelaide, similar views will be seen at equivalent local times elsewhere. Click to embiggen,Comet C/2009 Garrad is visible in binoculars in the north-western sky, in the constellation of Ophiuchus.
Although it has brightened substantially, it is still only a fuzzy dot at magnitude 6.5. The best views will be under dark skies, where you might spy a short faint tail.
The best viewing is just before 9:00 pm, when the sky is dark enough to reveal the comet and it is not too close to the horizon. This will be the last week the comet will be easily visible, before it comes too close to the horizon for viewing. It will enter the morning sky in November.
A chart showing C/2009 P1's location is here.
Printable PDF maps of the Eastern sky at 10 pm ADST, Western sky at 10 pm ADST. 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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