Welcome to the Classical Astronomy Update!

IN THIS UPDATE:

• The Moon Passes Jupiter
• The Retrogradation of Mars
• MOONFINDER SALE ENDS SATURDAY!

Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar;
The LORD of hosts is his name. - Jeremiah 31:35

The Moon Passes Jupiter (One-Star Activity)

Be sure to go outside on the evening of Wednesday, November 9 to see the Moon passing closely to the bright planet Jupiter. Yes, that bright star near the Moon is actually the planet Jupiter. People are always amazed to learn, not only that Jupiter is visible with the unaided eye, but is actually brighter than any star, the fourth brightest object in the night sky, after the Sun, Moon and Venus. The Moon will be in between Jupiter and the Pleiades star cluster.

If the skies are clear in your area on Wednesday night, you really should not miss this beautiful celestial sight. All you have to do is go outside and look at the Moon. And yes, you can be 100% sure that the bright "star" near the Moon is actually the planet Jupiter!

(Even beginners can find the Moon and Jupiter in the sky, so this observing activity is rated as a one-star activity.)

 

The Retrogradation of Mars (Four Star Activity)

During this whole week, you also have a chance to see the red planet Mars as it is very close to the bright star Regulus in the constellation Leo. Mars is currently moving east through the stars and passes Regulus this week, coming closest on Wednesday, November 9, when the pair are only three lunar diameters apart.

Mars will continue to head east through the end of 2011, moving through Leo. However, on January 25, 2012, Mars will stop, and begin to turn around, and then move west for several months! This is the retrogradation of Mars, where the red planet moves backwards through the stars.

Mars will brighten considerably as it retrogrades through Leo, as it approaches opposition on March 3, 2012 when it is near its brightest. Mars will approach Regulus again, and will stop again on April 15, 2012, when it begins to move east once more. The dates and places where Mars stops and turns are called stations, because Mars is "stationary" among the stars at that time.

For anyone who has seen the "Bethlehem Star" video that is popular at Christmas, this retrogradation of Mars is similar to the one that occurred between Jupiter and Regulus in 3 BC. This season is a great time to follow the cycle of Mars, as it retrogrades near a very bright star.

For more information about the retrogradations of Mars and the other superior planets, along with more info about oppositions and stations, check out our Signs & Seasons homeschool astronomy curriculum.

We hope to cover the retrogradation of Mars in the NEW Classical Astronomy Celestial Almanack, scheduled to debut in January, 2012. Stand by for more information!

(This activity is difficult, since one must know how to find the constellation Leo. Also, Leo rises about 1:30 AM this month, and is still visible before sunrise, so these hours are not suited for young kids. Therefore, this observing activity is rated as a four-star activity, for "most difficult.")

 

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