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Tom Kielbasinski 03-29-2005
What’s up Column
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The astronomy column for the week of May 3rd through May 10nd shows what’s happening with the stars,
planets, and constellations. You can easily spot your favorite stars, planets and constellations in the sky
with the simple use of your fist. For each finger, it equals two degrees above the horizon and a full fist
equals ten degrees above the horizon. This is to measure how high in the sky a certain star, planet or
constellation is from the horizon. However, the mountains could block the actual horizon a few degrees, so
stargaze in dark areas and clear to see horizon areas as well.
Inner Planets
The planet of Mercury will be seen from 5:20a.m. until 6:00a.m. in the East moving towards the East-
Southeast through the week partially seen with the most powerful small telescope. Venus will be seen in
the West-Northwest at 5 degrees above the horizon from 8:25p.m. until 8:45p.m. Venus is the brightest of
the stars in the solar system. Venus is so bright at times; you can even see its light appear as a shadow or
mistaken as a flying saucer. Mars will be seen in the East-Southeast at 1 degree above the horizon at 3:40
a.m. until 6:20 a.m. in the Southeast at twenty-one degrees before dawn. Mars is known as “the red planet.”
Mars has two visible moons from time to time, but are small and difficult to see.
Outer Planets
Jupiter will be seen in the East-Southeast at 25 degrees at 8:30 p.m. through 5:35a.m.in the West at 5
degrees. Jupiter appears as a yellow star and the second brightest in the solar system. Jupiter’s appearance
by hour can easily be made out as it sprints across the sky. Jupiter’s three biggest moons can be seen by
beginner astronomy through an average small size telescope. These three moons are Io, Europa, and
Ganymede. Jupiter also has a thin ring that can be seen through high-powered binoculars. Saturn appears as
a small dim orange star because of its distance. Saturn will be seen at 8:20p.m. in the South-Southwest at
66 degrees and until 2:00 a.m. in the West-Northwest at 5 degrees. Saturn’s visible rings can be seen at a 45
degree tilted angle on its axis. These rings and moons of Saturn are visible after 8:45p.m. Saturn biggest
moon Titan can be seen after 9:15p.m. Uranus is a blue and green dim star appearance. Uranus will appear
in the sky visible by the naked eye or an above average telescope in the East-Southeast from 1 degree at
4:30-5:45a.m. at 14 degrees. Uranus is tilted to a 90 degree angle on its axis because of a major impact
thousands of years ago. Uranus sometimes can be seen with the naked eye or small powered telescope.
Neptune has a blue dim star appearance. Neptune will appear in the East-Southeast at 5 degrees 3:30a.m.
until 5:45a.m. in the South-Southeast at 22 degrees.
Constellations
Spica is in the Virgo constellation. Virgo constellation is a small boot like constellation. Spica appears as a
blue-white star in the East-Southeast at 10 degrees 8:20p.m. Spica will be about 10 degrees away from
Jupiter. Spica will set at 6:05a.m. right off to the West of Jupiter. Spica will be at 5 degrees in the West-
Southwest at 5:45a.m. The brilliant “J” or fish hook constellation Scorpius can be seen from 3a.m. until
6a.m. The most apparent star is Antares about 520 light years away. This star changes colors constantly.
This star will appear in the South-Southeast at 20 degrees at 3a.m. and in the South-Southwest at 15
degrees at 6a.m.
Any comments, questions or comments please contact: Thomas Kielbasinski at
