November 9, 2011
Did you notice a very bright, silvery "star" just to the left of the moon last night? You were looking at Jupiter. This gas giant, the largest planet in our solar system, appears to be larger and brighter in the sky than it has since 1999 (last century!), and it won’t look this big and bright again until 2023.
It will be an equally spectacular sight all night tonight, with Jupiter on the right side of the moon. If you have binoculars, you will also be able see Jupiter’s four moons (Ganymede, Callisto, Io and Europa).
We will continue to be able to observe Jupiter all the way until April, although its light will gradually become fainter and it will be visible for a shorter time each night. Then, its orbit will carry it into the glare of the sun, and it will be awhile before we can spot Jupiter again from Earth.
I love standing out in the fresh air, tilting my head back and looking at the stars….don’t you?
This sky map shows how Jupiter and the moon appeared in the night sky on Nov. 8, 2011.CREDIT: Starry Night Software
Read more about the largest planet in our Solar System in Seymour Simon’s DESTINATION: JUPITER.
Posted by: Seymour Simon
