Jupiter, Aldebaran, and star clusters transit high

Event Date: December 3rd

Time: 11:53.18 PM

Brief

   I have put alot of attention towards Jupiter's opposition this year, since it happens when the planet is transiting very high; as a result of being north of the celestial equator.  Seen at or very close to zenith at global latitudes 21-22º, those folks are in for a real treat.  As for us, we feel as if we are still looking close to this high, since as an illusion, the altitude grid becomes more "squeezed" the closer we view towards zenith.  This can not be revealed by the software as shown below; the lines are evenly spaced here to avoid confusion and for correct increment showing.  Near Jupiter, now back in binocular view, is the red Giant star Aldebaran.  The Pleiades star cluster is a little further west-northwest of the planet, while the Hyades (Aldebaran not included, transits a little lower than Jupiter.

click on image to enlarge: courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus, version 6.4.3, by Simulation Curriculum Corp.

Detailed

   Although opposition for Jupiter has passed, it will remain a great viewing target for several weeks.  Since it isn't too far from its perihelion, it is still close enough to us to appear slightly larger in angular size; this in comparison to opposition 4 or 5 years from now, when it is closer to aphelion.  Two years ago, Jupiter reached perihelion in Pisces.  On Earth, we were between perihelion and aphelion for that opposition, meaning that we had one of the closer encounters with Jupiter during its 12-year cycle.  The year before was not much different.  Jupiter's apparent magnitude reached close to -3 under such orientations of the planets, while this year a little further away from it, Jupiter is -2.8(3), yet not noticeably dimmer.  When the planet reaches opposition in 2016 and '17, take note of the mentioned apparent magnitudes then.  Even though the planet will be further and measurably dimmer for those, it is still large enough to give us an an impressive showing of its belts and zones-- the dark and light bands of ammonia clouds, respectively.  Just as fascinating under clear, stable-air skies, about every 10 hours, its great Red Spot* (storm) transiting the meridian and in very good view.

NOTE: as a result of the software not doing update calculations for the Spot, I will rarely show it magnified or give a time.  Find out more about that at various websites including www.skyandtelescope.com