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| This star chart shows the
northwestern sky at 8:30 PM on April 13, 2002, the night of our star party.
Ikeya-Zhang is in the lower right corner of the chart, about 6 deg above
the horizon. If we can see the comet at all, this will likely be
our last evening view for the next 341 years or so. The comet will
remain visible as a morning object for some time to come.
The bright planets are nicely aligned in a vertical parade along the left edge of the chart. And we have the added bonus of a slender crescent moon, lit about 1.6%. We will be able to see interesting topography in the mountains along the terminator, the edge of the lighted portion of the moon. Like most dedicated deep-space astronomers, we usually consider the moon a nuisance. But now and then, we can enjoy having a look at its rugged features. Can you see the footprints? Mercury will be the first of the planets to set, followed eventually by the others. Saturn and Jupiter are much higher, well placed for more leisurely viewing. Tonight, the more interesting planets will be the last to set. Sometimes we’re lucky. In addition, we will have an array of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters to look at – something for everybody! |
You can print a copy of this star chart so you can take it outside.
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