Posted on 10/26/2018 1:13:30 PM PDT by EdnaMode
If you’ve ever wanted to get a really good look at Uranus, then tonight is your best opportunity. Not only is the distant planet at the closest point to Earth in its orbit at the moment, but it’s also particularly easy to locate. The seventh planet from the sun can be found just to the left of the moon in the night sky all this week. The moon is starting to wane after last night’s full moon, but it will still be shining brightly in the sky. Helpful for locating the distant planet.
Uranus lies south-west in the constellation of Aries, close to Pisces, and should appear as a small turquoise dot.
You’ll be able to glimpse it with the naked eye, but you’ll get a much better view if you can lay your hands on a telescope or pair of binoculars.
October is the best time to observe this planet because it’s in opposition to the sun. It’ll rise when the sun sets and stay visible all through the night; providing the clouds stay away.
Uranus as pictured by the Hubble space telescope (Picture Getty) Uranus has a few strange quirks such as rotating on its side, rather than on an axis like the Earth. Secondly, it’s actually colder than Nepture, despite being closer to the sun.
If you plan on getting out to see Uranus this evening then make sure you wrap up warm and try to get as far away from light pollution as possible.
And, don’t forget about the possible use of drones.
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