Saturday, August 31, 2013

Sky Guy Viewing ALERT 9-1 and 9-2 Moon and Mars

Hey Space Placers!

If you are an early riser before dawn over the next two mornings, make sure you look to the East. The waning crescent Moon will be joining bright Jupiter on the 1st and Mars on the 2nd as you can see in the graphic below.

If you have binoculars make sure you view the Moon as it may exhibit Earthshine, that beautiful glow on the unlit portion of the Moon that is caused by the reflection of sunlight off our planet's clouds and oceans. If you hold your binoculars steady enough, you will also be able to see some of the main moons of Jupiter as small points of light to either side of the gas giant planet.

Mars will be getting brighter as the months go on and it is currently closing in on the Beehive cluster - a loose grouping of stars in the Zodiac constellation of Cancer. Binoculars will enhance your view as well.

WEBvic13_Aug31mo.jpg


Also enjoy the stars and constellations of winter as you look to the east.

Clear skies and good viewing!

Sky Guy in VA

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