Jupiter

Monday, June 11th, 2007 at 10:28 AM by Dave

Just above the constellation Scorpius, in the constellation of Ophiucus, is the planet Jupiter. This planet is our largest planet in the solar system. Even though it is the largest, it is not the brightest. Venus has that honor. Jupiter is bright this month because it is the closest to the Earth as it goes around in its orbit. Venus is closer to the Earth so it appears brighter.

Jupiter has been touted as one of the pieces of evidence that Galileo supported the idea that the Sun is the center of the Solar System. When Galileo observed Jupiter through his telescope he discovered that several “stars” moved around Jupiter. He concluded that these were moons like our Moon. These 4 bright moons are named the Galilean Moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

If you use a pair of binoculars you can see some of these moons. Be sure to rest your elbows on a fence or a chair when you look at Jupiter This way you’ll have the best opportunity to see the moons.

This month you will have excellent choices to view planets: Venus in the west and Jupiter in the East.

Clear skies to you.

Posted in Astronomy News

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