It’s Autumn now, and one of the best things this season has to offer is peering up into the sky on a crisp, clear night. Take advantage of this weeks semi clear skys and try to get a glance at our interesting night show. Try to see as much as you can before the clouds start setting in!

Monday, Oct. 24

Jupiter is going to be quite interesting this week as we are able to see its moons (and their shadows) shift across it. At 9:26 to 11:54 p.m., our time, Europa will begin to cross Jupiter, followed by its shadow about 15 minutes later. Europa is an interesting moon because some scientists believe that under its ice there is a vast ocean possibly containing life!

Tuesday, Oct. 25

 Formalhaut, the Autumn star, will be shining at its highest in the south. It’s hard to believe that this star is 25 light years away, but so bright in our sky.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

Over the summer, we could always depend on seeing our sun brighten up our day in the sky. During the last few days of October, however, it will be Arcturus that will be located where our sun was during the summer (at night, of course).  

Thursday, Oct. 27

Jupiter will now be experiencing a second moon, Io, stream across its vast surface. This will be similar to the sight of Europa and its shadow, except this time we can expect to see the actual moon of Io follow only three minutes behind its shadow. Speaking of shadows, Ganymede will go into an eclipse from Jupiter’s shadow tonight.

Friday, Oct. 28

If you locate the waxing crecent moon in the South West, try to spot Venus to the lower right. If you want a challenge, break out your equipment (even if it’s just a pair of binoculars) and try to find Antares and Mercury. Also, Jupiter will be having an opposition unusually close to Earth, even slightly closer than last year’s.

Saturday, Oct. 29

 Ending this week look for a crescent moon lighting up the night sky. This time try to locate Venus and Mercury.

Our never ending art gallery keeps on giving us eye catching things to look at. This Autumn expect more interesting things to be happening whether it’s with Jupiter and its own moons, or our moon.

And don’t worry, even when the clouds start clouding your view, HiSpots Online promises to let you know what’s happening with our beautiful Autumn sky!