There are just a couple of days left to catch Mercury just above the western horizon; chances fade rapidly by the end of the weekend. The Sun sets at 8, Mercury an hour later. Start looking about 8:15 a couple of palm widths above where the Sun set.
As mentioned last week, the Lyrid meteor shower peaks on the morning of the 22nd, but is still active through the weekend. With the Moon spending the early evening hours in the east, you may be able to catch a few meteors in the south and west.
So, have I mentioned Jupiter?
Well, yes I have, many times, and at length last month. Jupiter is easy to find, currently lying half way up the sky just a smidge east of south. It looks pretty much the same night to night, so you will be forgiven for not making it a habit to look. However, add a set of binoculars, and you will see that it indeed changes.
In binoculars, we can see the four largest of Jupiter’s 67 known moons. Named for their discoverer, the Galilean moons orbit the planet rapidly enough that each day presents a totally different view. For example, on the 21st, Europa flanks Jupiter on the left, and Ganymede and Callisto on the right. The fourth moon, Io, will be hidden behind the planet. On the 22nd, Ganymede and Callisto will be a little further right, but Io will join them just off Jupiter’s shoulder. Meanwhile, Europa will be passing in front of the planet preceded by its shadow, although you’ll need a telescope to see either. The positions of the moons will change daily, including a nice grouping with two moons on each side on the 27th.
Some people think Saturn ranks number one among the planets because of its rings, but my vote goes to Jupiter. The fact that you can actually see the moons move over a few hours makes the universe far more real to me than some PBS special on television.
It’s worth the effort to find your binoculars, or borrow a pair; any set will do. The biggest problem will be holding them steady enough. To help, sit back in a chair or lean against a wall, grip the binoculars out near the end of the lenses, and tuck your elbows against your chest. Quit breathing.
Now, if you have done all that and can still find Jupiter, you should be able to make out any moons not hidden by the planet at the time. Of course, a telescope can make all brighter and easier, and far less shaky, but binoculars provide very nice casual views with no set up required.
Jupiter will be visible over the next few months, and checking out its moons is always something I do when I’m out. So should you; it’s a bit of magic available as close as your own back yard.
