Jupiter dances with the moon in rare night sky performance (PHOTOS)
The night sky produced a rare treat for stargazers on Sunday, when Jupiter appeared brightly in the sky next to the moon. Even with binoculars, the solar system’s largest planet was easily visible, along with its moons.
Visible in most of the northern hemisphere, the UK’s clear skies on Sunday were perfect for viewing the planet, whose visibility peaked at 11pm local time. Images shared online show that the planet was visible to the naked eye.
Sunday evening Moon, with Jupiter directly below it...@StormHourpic.twitter.com/Yv1koAMc3d
— Steve (@aboveeg) May 7, 2017
Hey, if you're in the U.K. look outside👍🏻 you can see the planet Jupiter under the moon🙏🏻👍🏻🍕 pic.twitter.com/wQvtM7XTuP
— CodeNamePizza 🍕 (@CodeNamePizza) May 7, 2017
Thank you to Nick Edgington for this superb shot of the Moon and Jupiter in the sky tonight (07/05). pic.twitter.com/3jPK2xjQxV
— Birmingham Updates (@BhamUpdates) May 7, 2017
Jupiter and the Moon setting from Irlam, UK #Jupiter#Moonpic.twitter.com/vXlKFdc209
— Kevin Bradshaw (@KDBraddy) May 8, 2017
Even with some basic astronomy tools, the brightness of the planet allowed for its moons to be seen.
took a quick pic of Jupiter & moons tonight...will try for better pic later.
— starboy69 (@citizencriss) May 7, 2017
Night! pic.twitter.com/QepfRwZMQJ
I've got a telescope. This is a photo of Jupiter and it's three moons as seen through it. It's amazing to see with your own eyes. pic.twitter.com/htILAuorBr
— Brett Barnes (@IAmBrettBarnes) May 6, 2017
While Sunday provided the best glimpse of Jupiter, eager stargazers have been able to catch it since May 5, when it first became visible alongside the moon. It will bid farewell again on May 8.
And if you missed the show, don’t worry. The two will be together again on June 3, according to Space.com.
Earth's moon, Jupiter, Jupiter's moons tonight from Spain by our friend Annie Lewis! pic.twitter.com/HhIH8qllJU
— EarthSky (@earthskyscience) May 8, 2017
A composite image showing Jupiter's tiny disc next to the moon. It's close this morning, but not this close! #Jupiter#moonpic.twitter.com/3SotMb17fT
— Stephen Cheatley BFC (@Stephencheatley) May 7, 2017
