Event Date: May 24th
Time: 5:45 AM
Brief
Although Jupiter is still too far in the Sun's glare to see, while also being a couple degrees south of our star, it is gradually seen to emerge a little more each day. Our revolving around the Sun makes it seem as if it is moving against the stars faster than Jupiter west to east. Jupiter is at about its fastest rate in pro-grade motion, which also leads to it emerging from the Sun more slowly than further Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
Detailed
Jupiter and the Sun are now in the constellation of Taurus, meaning that they are almost as north as we see them on the celestial dome: Jupiter is almost 21º north, being a little over 2 1/2º of it's 23.5º at the solstice. At more than 18º, Jupiter is the furthest north that we have seen it since in Cancer about 9 years ago. Jupiter is still moving north each day, and will continue to until retrograde begins in early fall. By then, it will be close to as north as the Sun at the solstice. With the Sun having retreated to the celestial equator, why does that matter? Not only will we have more hours of darkness to see Jupiter then; it will spend more time above the horizon, with an impressive opposition high in the sky. This year through 2015 will be the best to see Jupiter high at opposition from our location. At latitudes not further south, such as those for Hawaii, Mexico, India and the far-east islands, Jupiter will be seen at or near zenith, exact latitude depending and which month it is viewed.
The image includes the ecliptic and celestial equator along with the celestial grid to remind us of the declination of both solar system bodies. As they rise, they curve from the horizon, and set that way also.
Time: 5:45 AM
Brief
Although Jupiter is still too far in the Sun's glare to see, while also being a couple degrees south of our star, it is gradually seen to emerge a little more each day. Our revolving around the Sun makes it seem as if it is moving against the stars faster than Jupiter west to east. Jupiter is at about its fastest rate in pro-grade motion, which also leads to it emerging from the Sun more slowly than further Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
Detailed
Jupiter and the Sun are now in the constellation of Taurus, meaning that they are almost as north as we see them on the celestial dome: Jupiter is almost 21º north, being a little over 2 1/2º of it's 23.5º at the solstice. At more than 18º, Jupiter is the furthest north that we have seen it since in Cancer about 9 years ago. Jupiter is still moving north each day, and will continue to until retrograde begins in early fall. By then, it will be close to as north as the Sun at the solstice. With the Sun having retreated to the celestial equator, why does that matter? Not only will we have more hours of darkness to see Jupiter then; it will spend more time above the horizon, with an impressive opposition high in the sky. This year through 2015 will be the best to see Jupiter high at opposition from our location. At latitudes not further south, such as those for Hawaii, Mexico, India and the far-east islands, Jupiter will be seen at or near zenith, exact latitude depending and which month it is viewed.
The image includes the ecliptic and celestial equator along with the celestial grid to remind us of the declination of both solar system bodies. As they rise, they curve from the horizon, and set that way also.
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click on image to enlarge: courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus, version 6.4.3, by Simulation Curriculum Corp. |
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