PLANETS IN SEPTEMBER

Press, Volume C, Issue 29607, 1 September 1961, Page 21

PLANETS IN SEPTEMBER

Jupiter, the largest planet of the solar system, is at present the beacon of the evening sky. Its commanding position high in the north-east, and its brilliance, combine to make its identification a simple matter. With Jupiter as a guide it is easy to locate Saturn, the ringed planet. Saturn is the fairly bright object close to the left of Jupiter. It appears to be more reddish in hue than Jupiter. During the month two other planets will be visible in the evening sky: Mars and Mercury. Both will be visible low in the western sky about an hour or so after sunset.

Mars will be only moderately bright, and will be more difficult to see as the month goes by. But Mercury, the most elusive of the five visible planets, will be progressively easier to see during the month. For a few days either side of September 21 Mars and Mercury will be very close to the bright star Spica. They will form quite a noticeable trio, of which Mercury will be brightest and Mars the faintest. The planet Venus is still visible in the early-morning twilight, but it is becoming more difficult to see as it moves closer to the glare of the sun.

PLANET VISIBILITY TABLE Sept. 2 Sept. 16 Sept. 30 Jupiter due north .. 9.48 p.m. 8.48 p.m. 7.53 p.m. Saturn due north .. 9.28 p.m. 8.31 p.m. 7.35 p.m. 8.39 p.m. 8.31 p.m. 8.26 pm. Mercury sets 7.21 p.m. 8.18 pjn. 8.51 p.m. Venus rises 5.25 a.m. 513 am. 5.13 a m. Times for intermediate dates may be estimated from. this table.