Witness the Stunning Dance of the Moon and Jupiter Tonight!

Tonight, stargazers are in for a celestial treat as the moon will glide closely by Jupiter, meeting the giant planet in the constellation Taurus. This unique event, known as an appulse, occurs when two astronomical bodies appear near each other from our vantage point on Earth.

When to Watch

Mark your calendars for 4:45 p.m. EST (2145 GMT) when the moon will reach its closest approach to Jupiter at about five degrees apart. As a point of reference, your clenched fist at arm's length covers approximately 10 degrees of the sky.

Viewing in New York City

In vibrant New York City, expect to catch a glimpse of the moon and Jupiter starting around 5:06 p.m. EST (2206 GMT), as they rise 34 degrees above the eastern horizon. Their bright display will reach its pinnacle in the night sky at approximately 9:14 p.m. EST (0214 GMT on Jan. 11), soaring about 70 degrees high in the southern sky. Both cosmic wonders will remain visible until they dip below the western horizon around 3:47 a.m. EST (0847 GMT) on January 11th.

Brightness Comparison

During this striking display, the moon will shine brighter than Jupiter, boasting a magnitude of -12.6 compared to Jupiter's -2.7. This is due to the moon’s proximity to Earth—much closer than the gas giant, which is the fifth planet from the sun! The moon, in its waxing gibbous phase and nearly fully illuminated with about 92% of its surface lit by sunlight, will visibly outshine the distant planet.

Positioning in the Sky

Both celestial bodies will be positioned above the bright red supergiant star Aldebaran, often referred to as the "eye of the bull," representing Taurus. This visual spectacle will not only be charming but also an extraordinary opportunity for amateur astronomers and sky enthusiasts. While this delightful duo can be seen with the naked eye, they will be too widely spaced to fit within the field of view of most telescopes or binoculars.

Enhancing Your Stargazing Experience

For those eager to enhance their stargazing experience, consider investing in a telescope. A top recommendation is the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ, ideal for budding astrophotographers looking to capture the stunning scenery of our night sky.

Conclusion

Don’t miss this enchanting phenomenon! Whether you head out for a night of stargazing or observe from your backyard, prepare to be captivated by the moon and Jupiter's luminous conjunction. Grab your binoculars and capture the beauty of this celestial dance, and make tonight a night to remember!