NEW YORK: If you step outside at about 10:30 P.M. under a clear night sky, you will see three of the brightest planets in our solar system strategically placed for optimal viewing. These three planets are Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. For better viewing, a drive out in the country where the sky is darker is highly recommended.
Venus appears in the western sky about this time approximately 20 degrees above the horizon. You can’t miss it as it is the brightest celestial object visible in the night sky with the exception of the Moon. Venus will appear as a very bright white looking star.
Through a telescope, Venus will look like a waning last quarter Moon. Planet will be about 71 million miles from the Earth. Venus is the second planet in order of its distance from the Sun. The Earth is the third planet.
Remember, if you hold your fist out at arm’s length, the distance between the lower and upper part of your fist measures about 10 degrees.
The next brightest planet is brilliant Jupiter, the fifth planet in order of its distance from the Sun. It is the largest planet in our solar system. Look for the planet also about 10:30 P.M. when it will be found about 40 degrees above the southwestern horizon, and to the upper left of Venus. The planet is currently about 528 million miles from Earth, and four of its moons are easily seen in a small telescope.
Last, but certainly not least of the brightest planets now visible in the night sky is majestic Saturn and its magnificent ring system. It is the sixth planet from the Sun. Through even a small telescope with a magnification of about 40 times, you can easily see the stunning ring system.
