Here in the DMV we are enjoying freezing rain while awaiting the dreaded "polar vortex" to bring us record setting low temps I am sure on Monday night-Tuesday morning.
In the meantime the solar system continues to move and Jupiter is at opposition today, or directly opposite the Sun at 4 pm EST. The brightest object in the night sky besides the Moon, the "King of the Planets" will rise in the East at sunset and be visible all night. Jupiter will dominate the night sky for months to come.
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| G. Redfern 12-24-13 |
Jupiter is also at its closest approach to the Earth for 2014 (closest was 1-4-14 at 391 million miles) and will be a prime viewing target in telescope and binoculars. In good binoculars you can see the four main moons of Jupiter discovered by Galileo. Galileo first observed these moons on January 7, 1610 and he noticed that they moved over a period of time.
You can tune in to watch Jupiter live today on the SLOOH network at 3 pm EST.
If you are in the DMV, stay safe in the dangerous temps.
Sky Guy in VA
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