BETHLEHEM, Pa. – WLVR’s Brad Klein reviews the week’s astronomical highlights with Bethlehem’s ‘Backyard Astronomy Guy,’ Marty McGuire.
This week, Brad and Marty discuss the planet Jupiter.
All winter, it has been among the brightest objects in the night sky, and it’s still visible - shining brightly in the Western sky just after sunset.
But soon it will disappear from the Spring evening sky, only to re-emerge in the pre-dawn Summer mornings.
And there is a ‘bonus’ for spotting Jupiter in the Western sky this week after sunset. Using a small telescope or binoculars, you can clearly see up to for of that giant planet’s moons. The so-called “Galilean” moons are visible as points of light on either side of Jupiter, McGuire said.
Look for Jupiter this week in the Western sky after sunset and before 9 p.m. The sooner after dark, the better, McGuire said, before the planet sets below the horizon.
Three of the Galilean moons will appear on the top left side of the planet; the other moon will be below.
If you only see three moons, don’t fret. One may be passing behind or in front of the sunlit face of Jupiter, McGuire said.
By mid-June, Jupiter will be visible in the early mornings before sunrise, instead of lighting up the evening sky.
