The Dufferin Astronomy Association
Serving: Shelburne, Orangeville, Grand Valley, Dundalk and surounding areas.
Keep up-to-date on our latest news and upcoming events
Comet NEOWISE
This summer stargazers are receiving an unexpected treat. After two comets earlier this year failed to live up to expectations, comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE is now visible to the unaided eye and climbing in the evening sky.
The comet is low in the northeastern sky below the big dipper. It is visible with the unaided eye, but a pair of binoculars or a small telescope at low power will provide enhanced views.
The comet has survived its encounter with the Sun and is now hurtling outward towards the outer solar system. The comet will be closest to earth on July 22nd.
The following link provides additional information on the comet and tips on where to look for it. The comet is expected to remain visible into the early part of August.
Link:
earthsky.org <For Those at Northerly Latitudes Comet NEOWISE is Up in The Evening Now>
Jul. 13, 2020
Jupiter and Saturn Reach Opposition in July
The solar system's two largest planets are visible this summer. Both plants are close to each other in the night sky and reach opposition in mid July.
Jupiter is located just to the left of the teapot in Sagittarius. It will be easy to pick out as it will be the brightest object in the sky. Jupiter reaches opposition on July 14th and glows at magnitude -2.75 and its planetary disk spans 48 arc-seconds. Look for the planet's four Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto) If you are viewing from and urban or light polluted location a light pollution/broadband filter will help the view by increasing contrast. A colour 80A (Light Blue) filter will also help tease out details of the clouds and the red spot.
Saturn is located just the to the left of Jupiter in the night sky this summer. It reaches opposition on July 20th. Saturn is almost twice the distance from earth than that of Jupiter, but with its glorious system of rings has been called the jewel of the night sky. The planet itself glows at magnitude +0.1 and the planetary disk spans 18.5 arc-seconds and its ring system spans 43 arc-seconds. Look for Saturn's moon Titan (mag. +8)
Links:
earthsky.org <Jupiter Reaches Opposition July 13-14>
in-the-sky.org <Saturn at Opposition>
Jul. 13 2020
Mars is Coming
2020 is an opposition year for the red planet. The planet will reach opposition on October 13th but the planet's disk will be large enough by July for surface details to be visible in backyard telescopes.
Link:
Baader-Planetarium <Mars Opposition 2020. The Red Planet Returns>
Jul. 13 2020