It's The Great Planet, Charlie Brown!

Halloween this year will see a visit by more than one great, big, spheroid fellow. You may see plenty of jack-o-lanterns this year, but the sky will have a treat of its own. Jupiter will be at opposition on Saturday, 29 October. Opposition means that Jupiter will be "opposite" the Sun; as one sets, the other rises. That means on that night, Jupiter will rise as the Sun slides below the western horizon. After that, Jupiter will rise earlier each evening for the remainder of the year.

So, perhaps Linus was looking for the wrong Great Pumpkin, or at least looking in the wrong patch. Be sure to look for Jupiter as you are out trick-or-treating!

Astronomy Day 2011

In preparation for our local Astronomy Day, 8th October this year, I've decided to re-launch this blog with a little meditation on how to properly celebrate the event. So, without further ado...

10 Things to Do On Astronomy Day

10. Go outside and enjoy the Sun (just don't look at it directly!)

9. During sunset, see how many colors are painted across the sky

8. Look at the Moon (it'll be waxing gibbous this year; that means sort of egg shaped, by the way)

7. Learn the phases of the Moon (like waxing gibbous...)

6. Learn the constellations

5. Make some constellations of your own

4. Look for planets (like Jupiter, which will be high in the eastern sky around 10pm this Astronomy Day; you can't miss it)

3. Learn the names of some of the bright stars (like Aldebaran, Rigel, Altair, Vega and Betelgeuse; bonus points for pronouncing Zubenelgenubi correctly the first time out)

2. Look through a telescope or binoculars, but most importantly...

1. Just look up at that wonderful show in the sky