Observers of the sky in the early morning hours this Sunday have the opportunity to view the moon and the planet Jupiter rise together in the East, North-Eastern sky.
While the distance and brightness isn’t of anything special for either object at this time, their magnitudes will make them both easy to spot. Jupiter will only be dimmer than the moon, and will outshine everything else around it.
This is getting to be a good time to watch Jupiter. It will begin rising earlier and earlier as Earth’s orbit brings the distance between our two worlds closer. By October, it will appear twice as bright as it is now.
The effect of Earthshine will be visible on the moon. The moon will only be close to ¼ illuminated, and the reflection of the Earth will add a hue to the darkened portion, helping it stand out.
Professional astronomer or not, this is a great view. Observing with binoculars will help bring out the Earthshine effect. So go out and have a look at something special this evening.
This is a simulated view of the east north/eastern sky. Jupiter will be rising above the horizon just below the moon. It’s brightness compared to other stars will make it easy to see.
This snapshot of the moon and Jupiter together in September of 2010. The moon will not be as full. Only about 1/4 illuminated.
Here is how the solar system looks today vs the later part of October this year. Jupiter will be great for viewing as it will begin to gradually rise earlier. By October it will appear twice as bright as it does now as Earth and Jupiter narrow in distance from each other.
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