Posted on 10/20/2020 4:23:37 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: Saturn and Jupiter are getting closer. Every night that you go out and check for the next two months, these two bright planets will be even closer together on the sky. Finally, in mid-December, a Great Conjunction will occur -- when the two planets will appear only 0.1 degrees apart -- just one fifth the angular diameter of the full Moon. And this isn't just any Great Conjunction -- Saturn (left) and Jupiter (right) haven't been this close since 1623, and won't be nearly this close again until 2080. This celestial event is quite easy to see -- already the two planets are easily visible toward the southwest just after sunset -- and already they are remarkably close. Pictured, the astrophotographer and partner eyed the planetary duo above the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo) in the Italian Alps about two weeks ago.
(Excerpt) Read more at apod.nasa.gov ...
See:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3896087/posts
OSIRIS-REx is 200 million miles away.
It is a tiny thing (20’ X 9’ X 10’) space-wise.
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/16/nasa-spacecraft-osiris-rex-tags-asteroid-bennu-in-first-ever-asteroid-m.html
It has made contact with Bennu, attempted to collect a sample,
and it has successfully backed off again.
NASA is still trying to determine if it actually collected anything.
My understanding is they can make 2 more attempts,
if they think they need to.
On a few clear nights, have gotten some stunning views of Satun on my 27-60X spotting scope. I real bear to get pointed in the right spot.
Not meant for that, but it does work. Saturn is still small, but the rings and planet are perfectly clear.
I have used a spotting scope like that too.
Angled eyepiece, which does not help with intuitive aiming. Daytime, no issue, can see adjacent stuff to know where you are. night sky, nothing but stars that all look alike. No clues which way to aim.
Too much swinging up/down, Lt/Rt hoping to see the target sweep by.
My spotting scope has sights on top, like open sights on a rifle.
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