Astronomical Society of Harrisburg

We are coming up on the Grand Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. It will be on the night of Monday, December 21st. The conjunction happens ever 19.6 years, but not normally this close. This will be the closest one since 1623. Even though they are closest on Monday, they will be very close the next few days. The weather is not looking good for Monday, so get out and see them while you can. Just after sunset (5-5:30 or so), look to the southwest (right of the Moon). Don't go out too late, they will set soon after dark. They will be the 2 bright stars close together. The brighter will be Jupiter, the dimmer one Saturn. Hopefully you will be able to see them on Monday, too.

There will be a nice overhead pass of the International Space Station visible tonight starting at 6:15pm. It will rise in the southwest, to the right of Jupiter and Saturn and then head almost directly overhead, ending at 6:21pm. The ISS will look like a bright steadily moving star.

The Moon, Jupiter and Saturn are putting on a show tonight. Mars is also visible as the bright red star high in the south.

The Moon and Mars are very close in the sky tonight (Friday, October 2nd). If you get a chance, go out and take a look. You also have the bright planet Jupiter in the south, with slightly dimmer Saturn just to the left.

Mars will be just above the Moon tonight (Sept 5). Moonrise is about 9:30pm. Easy way to spot the red planet. Currently close to Earth, closest on October 19th, so it will keep getting brighter night after night.

Jupiter and Saturn are well placed for viewing. Look to the south, the brightest star is Jupiter, with Saturn just to the left. Tonight they are just to the right of the Moon, making them easy to spot.