Event Date: November 22nd
Time: 6:30 AM
Brief
For a few times, I will return to the Venus/Saturn pairing this week, as they are now only slightly more than 5º separated, and easily fitting into most binocular fields. A very low f-ratio telescope can also fit them, although such would require a low-magnification eyepiece as well. For now, we will stick to a binocular field of 7º. First shown below, are the two planets, with Mercury further east, (+2.0). The latter is still too dim to see easily, yet that will change quickly over the next several days. Venus and Saturn are much easier to see, being brighter and higher up. The second image shows them in the aforementioned binocular field, which magnifies them only 10x.
click on images to enlarge: courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus, version 6.4.3, by Simulation Curriculum Corp.
Detailed
With the magnification given, the software doesn't show Saturn's rings, although realistically, they may be barely visible if a camera was used with the same magnification, and zoomed in just as much. They are at a good enough angle towards our eyes, that with the clearest of skies they may be barely visible, depending how dark the sky is, and their tilt towards the Sun, As for Venus, it will be hard to see its waxing phase also at such a small magnitude. To see characteristics of each, a 3" telescope should provide more than enough magnification. If you have a bigger telescope, that will help bring out Venus and Saturn's phase and rings respectfully, better. While we only have Venus visible on our morning sky easily for another couple of months, Saturn will be transiting during dawn by about the time we lose Venus, shortly before Sunlight, and then reach opposition this spring. Be ready for a long night of ring-watching, yet don't forget its disc, which at times can reveal amazing--albeit temporary--characteristics!
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