Jupiter and Teapot highlight southern evening sky
1 comment Print Me Email to FriendTonight is Friday, Aug 22 2008
At nightfall, it’s hard to miss the planet Jupiter in your southern sky. This blazing world outshines even the brightest stars by leaps and bounds. Jupiter, the solar system’s largest planet, beams in front of the constellation Sagittarius the Archer, and will remain in front of Sagittarius for the rest of this year.
Modern-day sky watchers have a hard time visualizing Chiron the Centaur – the half-human and half-horse creature that Sagittarius is said to represent. However, many people can see the Teapot – a group of stars in western Sagittarius. Because the Teapot isn’t one of the recognized 88 constellations, this star formation is referred to as an asterism, not a constellation.
If you’re lucky enough to be under a dark country sky, look for the Teapot asterism tonight. The four stars below Jupiter make up the handle. The star depicting the top of the lid – Kaus Borealis – is about three finger-widths to Jupiter’s right or lower right. (Hold your three fingers an arm length from your eye.) The three stars forming the spout are to the lower right of Kaus Borealis.
In early January 2009, the sun will be shining over the handle of the Teapot, right where you’ll find Jupiter tonight.
Lots of talk lately about asterisms. I agree, centaurs do not do well in the modern world….Jim Colyer