The planets Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Saturn continue to be visible just as evening twilight ends this week. Make the most of it as Jupiter is well on its way to becoming invisible in the evening twilight. By the end of April, it will be well and truly lost in the glare of the Sun (and in conjunction on 13 May 2012).
All charts have been prepared for an observer based in Brisbane (Queensland, Australia) but will be useful for elsewhere in Australia.
Above: Look above the North West horizon as evening twilight draws to a close to locate Jupiter and Venus.
Above: Locate the Moon at the end of evening twilight. The bright star below and to the right of the Moon (as shown) is the planet Mars. Regulus is the brightest star in the ancient Greek constellation Leo ‘The Lion’.
Above: Saturn is easily visible low above the Eastern horizon as evening twilight draws to an end.
Above: The above chart shows the orientation of Saturn’s rings as seen through a correct viewing telescope. Not that only Titan (Saturn’s largest moon) will be easily visible through a small amateur telescope.
Hi Paul,
Im presently teaching the solar system to my p-3 class and am wanting to show them what planets they can see from QLD at the moment. Im having trouble sending a link of your web page to my school email. Please send me the link or a great web to show my students that is easy to read and at the younger audience.. thanks Jo Bucknell.
Joann,
Good to hear from you. I have put up a blog post with finder charts here to help you: http://nightskyonline.info/?p=3636
Regards,
Paul Floyd.