Sky Night Highlights

We all know 2009 will be the start of something new; new economy, new lives, new gas prices. But what about Space? The earth has made its full circle around the sun and is starting again. Now we wait for the “night sky highlights” to begin; 2009 has been forecast to be a year full of magnificent observations in space. One has already happened, on January 3rd Quadrantid Meteors, were supposed to be visible in the sky in the United States and Canada. In addition, the night attractions that we are looking forward to is the Planet Trio that will appear from February 22nd to February 26th. Early risers might get a chance to see Jupiter, Mercury, and Mars all settled in a circle next to the moon. Later in the year, on March 25th, we expect Venus as an evening and morning star. Other space attractions include the Occultation of the planet Venus on April 22, and on June 6th, the Occultation of the star Antares. Also, if you’re in Asia on July 22nd, you just might experience the “Eclipse of the Century”. This eclipse will be unlike any eclipse seen for at least another century! Everyone, down to two year olds, knows that Saturn has many rings, seen from anywhere where in the sky. But from August 10th through September 4th, Saturn will be on an extreme tilt, and we will not be able to see any of the rings! That will be an interesting spatial sight. Of course we need a telescope to view it. With the beginning of fall, starting on the night of September 2nd, Jupiter will be observable, through a telescope without satellites crowding it. My opinion is that this will give scientists time to study Jupiter in way that they haven’t been able to before. Also on October 8th, Mercury and Saturn will appear in close conjunction. Finally, to end the year, on November 17th Leonid Meteors will come into view and lastly on December 13th and 14th Geminid Meteors will come out. Personally, I think that 2009 will be a very eye-catching year, filled with new discoveries and adventures in space.

I got my information from:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28474566/