The Sky at Night (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
My favorite Saturday morning task is writing this blog entry. Have any of you been able to catch Comet PanSTARRS in the West? Because of a mountain west of my house I am missing out, and am hoping some of you with a good western view have been luckier.
While discussing current events in the night sky, did you hear about the meteor visible from the northeastern US and Canada yesterday (March 22) evening around 7:50? It was particularly bright, streaked from East to West from what I understand. Of course I’m kicking myself for missing it!
DUSK The Moon is just past full, and rises just after sunset. Look for Saturn to the lower left on the 28th and above the Moon on the 29th. Jupiter is halfway up in the western sky, the brightest object there at this time.
NIGHT Planet Saturn is in Libra, rising less than an hour after twilight. Look for it in the east then. It is at its highest point after midnight in the southern sky. The rings are still at their best position for viewing (meaning “open” rather than “edge-on”). Even a low-powered telescope or binoculars will be a spectacular sight.
DAWN With a clear view of the eastern sky, Mercury is visible before sunrise. Because it’s still close to the Sun (having just emerged from the other side), a telescope or binocs might be necessary in order to catch it before the sky brightens. Venus is still on the other side of the Sun (in superior conjunction) so not visible. It will become a “morning star” as it comes around from behind the Sun, but not yet.
