Adrian Dening's Stars Over Somerset

Wednesday, 7 July 2021 17:00

Monday 12th to Sunday 18th July 2021

Just after sunset on Monday 12th there is an opportunity to view the planet Venus together with a thin Crescent Moon. At about 9.15pm, the Moon will be towards the west, with Venus slightly to the right of it and closer to the horizon.

You will be able to see them with the naked eye, but if you are using binoculars or a small telescope to improve your view, please remember never to aim directly towards the setting Sun as this would cause instant and permanent blindness!

On Saturday 17th, one of Jupiter's Galilean moons, Ganymede, transits (or moves across) the face of the planet and in doing so, casts a shadow on the gas giant's surface. You will need to be pointing your telescope south east towards Jupiter from about 11.45pm.

Ganymede is the largest moon and overall ninth-largest object in our Solar System. It is actually bigger than planet Mercury! Galileo, pioneer of the astronomical telescope, first observed Ganymede in 1610 along with three other Jovian moons - Io, Europa and Callisto.

Galileo was also the first person to observe Saturn's rings and you could do the same with your telescope when you have finished watching Ganymede's transit as Saturn will be located a little to the right of Jupiter.

Screenshots courtesy of Stellarium
Copyright Adrian Dening and Radio Ninesprings 2021