Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Did You See Jupiter Last Night?



If not, don't worry, you can see it again tonight and for many nights over the next few months. More often than not, Jupiter is one of the brightest objects in the sky, and it's current magnitude of -2.7 makes it the brightest object in the Virginia night sky other than the moon. Jupiter will appear as a bright star to the naked eye, but a strong pair of binoculars or a backyard telescope will reveal the yellowish sphere and several of Jupiter's largest moons. To find the planet, look to the ENE after 9 PM. It will rise higher in the sky throughout the evening and overnight hours. Check it out! -Zach