Jupiter
 

The last few nights I have been seeing a very large "star" in the Western sky above the Purdue air field. Tonight I thought that it must be Jupiter by its size. So I looked it up and it is indeed Jupiter. Most impressive!

all the planets are to line up,on one side of the sun,this summer.Some say the gravity may tug on earths mantle.

That's a moody Blues song isn't it?;)

Jupiter has been on display for awhile now. I use planet finder app and it shows where all the stars and planets are using your phone.

If you get it in Lafayette, 780am (WBBM Chicago) at around 9:40 CST pm every weeknight there is Star Gaze. It is short a minute or so telling you what, where, and when stars and planets are visible to the naked eye. That happens to be perfect timing for my commute home, and listen nightly.

I hear that on occasion when I am in the right place for it.

Thanks!

Venus is simultaneously visible in the western sky. Jupiter is a cool sight thru a decent, long focal length, scope. I'd urge you to think about getting one if you don't have one already.

- Peter.

In fact, this made me just take my Orion 4.5 inch dobsonian outside to have a look. It's an awesome sight with all the Galilean satellites on one side of the planet. Three clustered right next to it in a bunch with one further out like a necklace of jewels.

- Peter.

I have never really wanted a big telescope but this might be enough to motivate me to get one.

No need for a big scope. Quality and portability/ease of use is more important for casual observations of things like Jupiter, Saturn, Moon etc. I have an Orion 4,5 inch XT Skyquest in its most basic form (The classic black one). A well made simple piece of equipment. I'm going to upgrade to the 6 inch example probably this year. For my needs a larger instrument is unnecessary.

Price is about 300 direct from manufacturer but you might find better deals if you shop around. That's 50 bucks per inch of aperture. You won't find a better deal on a telescope on the market today.

- Peter.

Thanks Peter!

Tom

I just came in from looking at Mars. Bright red tonight. Mars, Saturn and Jupiter are in full display right now.

Cool!

Yes. Ironically the Monsoon has started here and we have not had a cloud free evening in a week. I hope we'll get a night time break soon and I can take a look at them myself with the scope. Though apparently it won't be possible to see any detail on Mar's surface as there is a planet wide dust storm in progress at present.

- Peter.

Duuuuuude! I’ve been researching telescopes online! I’ve been looking at Dobs online trying to decide what this newbie can handle. Just a few hours ago I learned that my niece has an 8” Orion Dobsonian! She has moved to Philly and will sell it to me!!!!

My wife likes stargazing with her 8x40 binos so I thought I’d surprise her. In a good way. Who knows, I might get lucky a couple months ahead of schedule!