Waning moon stalks Jupiter as Halloween approaches

Jupiter doesn’t know it, but the stealthy moon is on track to make a close approach to the planet this Thursday night. Tonight you’ll find the waning gibbous moon in edging into the constellation Taurus about one outstretched fist to … Continue reading →

The waning gibbous moon heads toward Jupiter in the next few nights. The two will be closest – only 2 degrees apart – the day after Halloween. The map shows the sky facing east around 9:30 p.m. local time. Created with Stellarium
Jupiter doesn’t know it, but the stealthy moon is on track to make a close approach to the planet this Thursday night. Tonight you’ll find the waning gibbous moon in edging into the constellation Taurus about one outstretched fist to the right of the Seven Sisters or Pleiades. Since it’s only one day past full, you’ll probably need binoculars to see the cluster. On Thursday, Jupiter and the slimming moon combine forces to shine with a mesmerizing radiance in the northeast around 9:30 p.m. and later.
Jupiter’s innermost bright moon Io moves into the planet’s shadow starting at 11:10 p.m. CDT this evening. Even a small telescope will show the eclipse. Create with Meridian ...