Thursday, November 3, 2011

// // 4 comments

See Jupiter in November (and Mars, Saturn, Mercury, and Venus)!

November is a fabulous month for viewing the planets in our solar system!

From the northern hemisphere, Jupiter is the easiest to see.  Without a telescope, Jupiter "rises" in the East at about sunset, stays up all night, and then "sets" in the west about sunrise.  At the end of the month it will set an hour or two before dawn.  Jupiter is the brightest "star" in the November night sky.  If you have a telescope or strong binoculars, you can easily see Jupiter's biggest moons too!

Mars rises in the East at about midnight and shines in front of the constellation Leo until dawn.

Saturn rises in the East shortly before dawn.

Mercury and Venus can be seen in early evening, if you can get a clear view of the Western horizon.  By the end of November, Mercury will set shortly before dusk (making it impossible to see).  Venus, however, will set later and later, making it easier to see immediately after sundown.  If you have binoculars or a telescope, and can see Venus in early November, aim your binoculars at Venus.  You should be able to see the fainter Mercury close to Venus.

Check them out!  Which planets did you find?

4 comments:

Camille Griffiths said...

Cool!! My husband will love this. I have to find my binoculars.

Grace said...

I enjoyed your post. My husband and I always get the telescope out when the grand kids come over and 'dance with the stars' for real. :)
Now following you on GFC

Terri said...

Wonderful site - so glad to have found you! Have shared and stumbled some of your posts.

Stopping by from Weekends with Lucy & Sam hop and now following you via newsletter and GFC.

Terri
http://www.tsue-thatswhatshesaid.com

Melissa said...

I am your newest follower! I just ordered your curriculum in a box, and I cannot wait to get it! I have wracking my brain for weeks to come up with pre school lessons for my 3 year old, she wants to learn, but most of the stuff I came up with was too old for her. I found you through your giveaway on Take It From Me. We are looking forward to lots of fun learning, and lots of stress free teaching for mom! Thanks!!!