Light in the sky- star or planet?

[LDR74]

I always love how I can see all of the beautiful stars during my stay in Seagrove. We just don't see those stars in Atlanta!

We have noticed there is a particularly bright star or planet that can be seen at night- has anyone else noticed it? Do you know what it is?



It is REALLY bright (compared to the surrounding stars). We noticed it tonight while driving along 30A too.

 

[pk305]

hmmmmmmmmmmm....good question....I noticed it too, last night!

 

[Smiling JOe]

that would be a planet, probably Jupiter if it is in the southeast sky and the first thing you see after the Sun sets. It is the brightest one up there right now.

 

[LDR74]

Thanks! I was going to Google it, but I figured someone on this board would know. Thanks, SJ.

 

[Mango]

Jupiter
The largest planet in our solar system is a commanding presence in the night sky for much of the year. It looks like an intensely bright cream-colored star, shining brighter than anything else in the night sky except the Moon and Venus. It starts the year low in the southeast at first light, not far from Antares, the brightest star of Scorpius. It rises earlier as the months go by, and moves into the evening sky by spring. Jupiter is at opposition in early June, when it appears brightest for the year and remains visible all night. It will disappear behind the Sun in early December, where it will remain hidden from view for the rest of the year

July 2007 Viewing
Bright Venus shines low in the west during twilight, getting lower each week. Saturn glimmers next to it at the beginning of July, then moves off to Venus’ right as the month progresses. Regulus, which is fainter still, twinkles near them. The Venus-Saturn-Regulus trio sets by the time it’s completely dark, leaving Jupiter, higher in the south, to shine as the brightest point of light in the night. Orange Antares twinkles below Jupiter.
1 Look low in the west at dusk for Venus and Saturn having a close conjunction. Much dimmer Saturn is to the right or upper right of Venus by about a pencil’s width at arm’s length (0.8 degree). Farther to their upper left (7 degrees), look for Regulus. Binoculars will give a great view.

5 Saturn is now to the right of Venus by about two finger-widths at arm’s length.

6 Earth is at aphelion, its farthest from the Sun for the year — 3 percent farther (about 3 million miles) than at perihelion in January.

7 In twilight this evening, bright Venus appears about equally distant from Saturn (to its right) and Regulus (to its upper left). Venus is about 3.5 degrees from each.

 

[ItzKatzTime]

I always love how I can see all of the beautiful stars during my stay in Seagrove. We just don't see those stars in Atlanta!

We have noticed there is a particularly bright star or planet that can be seen at night- has anyone else noticed it? Do you know what it is?



It is REALLY bright (compared to the surrounding stars). We noticed it tonight while driving along 30A too.

Oh my gosh....as I was driving home from the cafe around 10ish I saw something too. Had not noticed it before tonight, but thought it must be a low flying helicopter or something.....except that it was just different looking. I drove all the way down 30-A watching it, wishing someone was with me to see it. So glad there were others out there that saw it too!

 

[audie]

venus is really bright right now - it always catches my eye

 

[30A Skunkape]

I have the telescope ready, I will give a report assuming the sky stays clear. Maybe we can hook Rapunz's camera to the scope somehow:scratch:

 

[audie]

I have the telescope ready, I will give a report assuming the sky stays clear. Maybe we can hook Rapunz's camera to the scope somehow:scratch:

we've never tried this - let us know how it turns out....

 

[NoHall]

Jupiter
The largest planet in our solar system is a commanding presence in the night sky for much of the year. It looks like an intensely bright cream-colored star, shining brighter than anything else in the night sky except the Moon and Venus. It starts the year low in the southeast at first light, not far from Antares, the brightest star of Scorpius. It rises earlier as the months go by, and moves into the evening sky by spring. Jupiter is at opposition in early June, when it appears brightest for the year and remains visible all night. It will disappear behind the Sun in early December, where it will remain hidden from view for the rest of the year

July 2007 Viewing
Bright Venus shines low in the west during twilight, getting lower each week. Saturn glimmers next to it at the beginning of July, then moves off to Venus? right as the month progresses. Regulus, which is fainter still, twinkles near them. The Venus-Saturn-Regulus trio sets by the time it?s completely dark, leaving Jupiter, higher in the south, to shine as the brightest point of light in the night. Orange Antares twinkles below Jupiter.
1 Look low in the west at dusk for Venus and Saturn having a close conjunction. Much dimmer Saturn is to the right or upper right of Venus by about a pencil?s width at arm?s length (0.8 degree). Farther to their upper left (7 degrees), look for Regulus. Binoculars will give a great view.

5 Saturn is now to the right of Venus by about two finger-widths at arm?s length.

6 Earth is at aphelion, its farthest from the Sun for the year ? 3 percent farther (about 3 million miles) than at perihelion in January.

7 In twilight this evening, bright Venus appears about equally distant from Saturn (to its right) and Regulus (to its upper left). Venus is about 3.5 degrees from each.

I knew I liked you.