Lunar eclipse and planets in the night sky

On June 26th (Saturday night), there will be a partial lunar eclipse. I think that it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to see from Michigan. We will be at the very edge of the viewing area from what I can tell.

But, more exciting than that - you can now see up to 5 different planets in the night sky. After sunset or about 10 pm, look low in the sky to the west. You can see three very bright "stars" that almost form a line. The northernmost one is Venus, then the middle one is Mars, and the southernmost one is Saturn.

Also, early in the morning, before sunrise, you can look in the southeasterly direction and see Jupiter. It will also look like a bright "star". If you look at Jupiter with binoculars or a telescope, you can see Uranus just behind it. Right now Earth, Jupiter, and Uranus are almost in a straight line.

Happy skywatching. Tell me if you see anything.

Summer 2010

What's everyone doing? Going anywhere fun or interesting?

I'm heading to the UP this weekend. I'll post some photos and info when I get back. I'm going to Taquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Marquette, and Sault Ste. Marie. I'm looking forward to it even though I think it is going to be a lot of driving. I haven't been to the UP in at least 10-15 years, so it's about time!