Planets In October

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30561, 2 October 1964, Page 16

Planets In October

In the evening sky the planet Saturn may be seen well above the horizon in the east. It is well to the right of Altair—the bright centre star of the three which form the constellation aquila, the Eagle—and about 20 degrees to the left of Fomalhaut, a star which is almost as bright as Saturn but does not possess the same golden hue. At the beginning of the month Jupiter will rise about 10.30 p.m. This giant planet, the largest in the solar system will come properly into view about half an hour to an hour later as it climbs steadily higher in the eastern sky. It will be seen towards the north-east rather than due east. Jupiter and Saturn are the only two planets visible in the evening sky at the present time. Both planets are noted for their large numbers of attendant satellites. Jupiter has 12 and Saturn, second only to Jupiter in physical size, has nine. A pair of binoculars is sufficient to reveal the four largest of Jupiter’s family of satellites and one of Saturn’s. A small telescope will bring another two or three of Saturn’s into view. The remaining satellites

of both planets are ' very small, some of Jupiter’s being only about 10 miles in diameter. In the morning sky Jupiter is dominant until shortly before sunrise, when Venus appears low in the north-east. By that time the light of dawn is beginning to steal across the sky but the surpassing brilliance of Venus allows it to be seen until the actual time of sunrise. It remains visible during the day until early afternoon but a careful search is necessary to find it. Look about 40 degrees to the left of the sun and it may be detected as a small white spot of light against the blue background of the sky. Do not use any optical aid, the naked eye is sufficient. The use of binoculars or telescopes on the sky during the day time can be dangerous—an accidental glimpse of the sun can ruin one’s eyesight. The planet Mars is also visible in the early morning when the sky is still dark. It is not very bright but its red colour is a good guide. Look for it to the right of the twins Castor and Pollux, which are easily found low in the sky between north and north-east.