Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:33 pm by globalturbo
On May 17th, enjoy a lovely crescent Moon near Jupiter before dawn. From much of the U.S. and Canada, the planet Jupiter will appear very close to the Moon. But from some southern U.S. states, you'll be able to observe Jupiter passing behind the Moon as the pair rise in morning twilight. And from the western states, Jupiter will actually be behind the Moon, in occultation, as the pair rise. Jupiter will start to emerge from behind the Moon as the Sun comes up. Now, this will be quite low in the sky, so you'll need a clear view of the horizon to observe it, and a pair of binoculars will be a big help as the sky begins to brighten. Sunset Sky Show Moon, Venus and Mars Put on a Sky Show Just After Sunset . On May 22-24, the Moon, Venus, and Mars form a close grouping in the west just after sunset. The Moon sits between the two planets on the 23rd. Venus has been rising higher in the sky each evening for the past few months. That begins to change in May, as the brilliant planet reaches its highest point in the western sky, and starts trending lower as we move into June. It'll disappear from evening skies by late July, reappearing in the eastern sky about a month later as a morning object. Earthshine For a few nights each month the subtle spectacle of "Earthshine" on our natural satellite is easily visible to everyone on the planet. Be outside after sunset from Sunday (May 20) and, as it gets darker you'll likely notice light on the waxing crescent Moon's dark limb. Earthshine is twice-reflected sunlight, which bounces off Earth to the Moon, and then back. Clear Skies Everyone!
