THE ALMOST FULL MOON CLOSE BY TO JUPITER TONIGHT! 17/11/2024
If you have been out stargazing recent evenings, you will likely have spotted a very bright point of light in the night sky towards the East. This bright star-like object is in fact the super bright gas giant planet Jupiter!
If you have been keeping an eye on the Moon as well, you may have noticed the Moon travelling closer to Jupiter and tonight the Moon will appear even closer to Jupiter. Tonight, the Moon and Jupiter will appear to be separated by only 5 degrees in our night sky.
The Moon will also be appearing extremely close by to the star Elnath of the constellation of Auriga the charioteer. The Moon and Elnath will appear to be separated by only 1 degree.
This special meeting of luminaries will make for amazing viewing and an excellent photographic opportunity.
OTHER CELESTIAL TREATS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Nearby to the right of the Moon and Jupiter you will also be able to spot a bright red star known as Aldebaran – the eye of the constellation Taurus the bull. Not too far away above and right of Aldebaran you will be able to spot the beautiful open star cluster – the Pleiades (aka the Seven Sisters or Subaru).
Just below the Moon and Jupiter you will also be able to spot the distinct constellation of Orion the hunter, whose return to our night time skies heralds the colder nights that are to come with winter!
Keep an eye out for the red planet Mars too! Mars can be found around 35 degrees to the left of Orion in the zodiacal constellation of Cancer the crab.
Another great celestial treat to look out for is the amazing ringed planet Saturn which can be found towards the South in the early evening.
All of these objects can be seen and enjoyed without binoculars or a telescope, however if you do own a pair of binoculars or a telescope, you can get a closer look and reveal more detail.
All in all it’s a great time to do a spot of stargazing and planet-gazing.
We wish you luck if you head out to enjoy this special meeting of the Moon and Jupiter, and wish you all clear skies!