If you have clear weather during the next few nights, go outside and look for some great views of some of the planets that can be seen right now.
Andrew Fazekas
for National Geographic News
Published February 28, 2012
For the first time in almost a decade, sky-watchers this week will be able to see all five naked-eye planets over the course of one night for several nights in a row.
The classical naked-eye planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—can be seen easily without optical aids and so have been known since ancient times.
But the quintet hasn't appeared together during a single night since 2004.
What's more, this week's parade of planets will be joined in the nighttime skies by the waxing crescent to waxing gibbous moon and the superbright stars Sirius and Canopus....
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/02/120228-planets-moon-night-sky-venus-jupiter-space-science/ (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/02/120228-planets-moon-night-sky-venus-jupiter-space-science/)
http://www.space.com/14688-jupiter-venus-moon-photos-february-skywatching.html (http://www.space.com/14688-jupiter-venus-moon-photos-february-skywatching.html)
I have been having fun this week with my Telescope..... Jupiter and its moons Venus and the elusive Mars!
Marko
Venus has been scary bright lately! End of the world bright! :)
We have been watching these as well. Last night for a short window we had clear skies early in the evening. Jupiter was particularly bright. Any else use the iPhone app 'Star Walk'?
i have star walk and a few others........ great APP
I have Star Walk as well...Rick Peete recommended it to me a while back. It's an awesome app!!
Got my 8" Orion Dobsonian telescope ready for viewing! Just nee to stay up late enough. We have great dark skies out here in Fountain Hills. I can resolve the rings of Saturn and cloud bands on Jupiter no problem.
I have been lusting after the 16" scope for years...
meh stupid city lights. can't see a thing with all these clouds.