Once again we have a small parade of the planets about 6:00 AM in the early
morning sky toward the end of September and early October. Three
bright naked-eye planets are strung out nearly across the sky. Venus
is in the east, about 30% lighted, and Saturn and Jupiter are in the west,
nearly fully lighted. You should be able to see the crescent of Venus
with a pair of binoculars and a steady hand. Some people with very
keen eyesight can see the horns of the crescent with their naked eyes under
good conditions. Give it a try.
A modest pair of binoculars will show you the rings of Saturn. Galileo
saw the rings with his poor little scope, but described Saturn as a planet
“with ears.” You can also see the four largest moons of Jupiter with
binoculars – provided none of them are behind the planet, or transiting
across Jupiter’s bright face. Galileo saw the moons with his scope
and came to understand what they were in a couple of nights. Could
we have done as well in 1610?
When you observe the wonders of the sky, take a moment to savor the accomplishments
and the intellect of the early astronomers.
You can print a copy of this star
chart so you can take it outside.
