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Marcus Schenk

Marcus Schenk

Posts composed by Marcus Schenk

Infographic: Astronomy Highlights of Summer 2023

May 31 2023, Marcus Schenk

Observing in summer! This means warm temperatures, but also some interesting constellations and the visible part of the Milky Way. In this infographic you will find all the important astronomical events in the summer of 2023 that you really should not miss. How about Saturn at opposition, or the Perseids shooting stars which we can enjoy this year without any interference by the Moon?

Whether you are an experienced amateur astronomer or a complete beginner to the field of astronomy: the astronomy events in our infographic offer something for everyone.

We wish you lots of observing fun!



02/06 Mars near M44

There is an interesting encounter in the evening sky at the moment: Mars, the Red Planet, can be found close to the M44 cluster, and the pair offers a beautiful view. The constellation is easy to see, especially at dusk close to the western horizon. But it is not only Mars that is attracting attention: at a distance of around 10 degrees, Venus is also close by.

09/06 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn 

A very special performance is awaiting us in the sky this morning: the Moon and Saturn meet in the constellation of Aquarius and provide us with an impressive sight. Jupiter can also be seen nearby which rounds off the spectacle perfectly.

13/06 Venus near M44 

On 13 June, Venus will be in close proximity to the open cluster M44, which is also known as the Beehive Cluster. It’s great when you can combine such an astronomical event with some deep sky observation.

14/06 Conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter

On 14 June, just four days after its meeting with Saturn, the Moon will be spending some time with the planet Jupiter. This beautiful dawn sight is worth getting up early for, because the Moon appears as a delicate sickle and will soon reach its new Moon phase.

21.06 Beginning of summer 

Summer begins with the summer solstice on 21 June. In the northern hemisphere this means that the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky. We cannot actually observe this astronomical event, but we are now experiencing the longest days and the shortest nights.

21/ 22.06 Conjunction between Venus and Mars 

21 June is a day that you should be certain to make a note of in advance. This evening, above the western horizon, Venus and Mars meet up with the narrow crescent Moon. This trio is especially impressive when it is not yet completely dark, and we can also enjoy the twilight sky.

27.06 June Bootids 

From 23 to 28 June you can observe the June Bootids meteor shower. These shooting stars radiate from a point in the constellation of Boötes and fizzle comparatively slowly across the sky. The number of meteors is small but also variable. This means that it is particularly interesting to take a closer look.

01.07 Conjunction between Venus and Mars

Our two neighbouring planets, Venus and Mars, meet on 1 July. These two celestial bodies differ greatly in brightness, which makes them especially interesting to observe. You should not miss this opportunity if you are a big Mars fan, because the Red Planet will disappear from the celestial stage this month, and remain invisible for the rest of the year.

07.07 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn

The Moon and Saturn rise above the horizon at the beginning of the second half of the night, and accompany us through till sunrise. Both celestial bodies can be found in the constellation of Aquarius.

09.07 Venus at its brightest

Venus reaches its maximum brightness on 9 July, and looks almost like a spotlight in the sky – an impressive spectacle for amateur astronomers.

12.07 Conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter

Jupiter rises on 12 July at 01:23, and reveals itself beside a slim, waning crescent Moon.

20.07 Conjunction between the Moon, Venus, and Mars

Another fascinating event awaits us in the night sky on 20 July. The wafer-thin crescent Moon approaches Venus and, together with Mars, forms an attractive group of three. However, you will need an uninterrupted view towards the horizon to successfully observe this. If you want to enjoy this sight or even take pictures, you should find a good spot as early as possible. A tip for the professionals: the planet Mercury is also located around 10 degrees west of Venus.

22.07 Pluto at opposition 

An astronomical event for more advanced astronomers: Pluto, the dwarf planet former classified as a planet, is at opposition to the Sun on 22 July. With a brightness of magnitude 14, you can only detect and observe it with a large telescope. A location map is advisable! Astrophotographers can take advantage of a good photo opportunity since Pluto is close the M75 cluster.

27.07 Golden Handle 

We can see the Golden Handle on the Moon on the evening of 27 July. It appears when the waxing Moon is exactly 83 percent illuminated, which happens around 10 days after the new Moon. As the light phenomenon takes place, a handle shape emerges on the dark side of the Moon’s terminator.

30.07 Delta Aquariids 

The Delta Aquariids is a meteor shower that originates from the region of the constellation Aquarius, and is visible from 23 to 28 July. We will be able to marvel at up to 25 shooting stars per hour! The optimal observing window is in the early hours of the morning, after the Moon has set.

03.08 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn

An interesting encounter: the Moon nears the planet Saturn. The ringed planet will reach its opposition to the Sun this month and is therefore an especially good target to observe.

08.08 Conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter 

In the early morning hours, we can enjoy the autumn and the first winter constellations in the night sky. Our largest planet, Jupiter, is to be found right in the middle of them. On the 8th of the month, the Moon approaches the gas giant and they make an arresting pair in the night sky.

12-13.08 Perseids

A view of the Perseids is the top astronomy event not just for astronomers, but also for anyone who is interested in the night sky. An especially large number of meteors fall from the sky over the course of an evening, and everyone can enjoy guessing which direction the next light trail will appear from. It’s finally time to see them again during the night from 12 to 13 August. Grab a blanket or a lounger and something warm to drink, and enjoy the starry sky. If you’re lucky, you’ll see up to 100 meteors per hour this evening. This year there is an added plus: it is almost new Moon, so the night is particularly dark.

27.08 Saturn at opposition

The ringed planet Saturn is at opposition to the Sun on 27 August and can be observed all night long – an absolute highlight for any amateur astronomer.

30.08 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn

In the night from 30 to 31 of the month, the Moon and Saturn meet at a distance of around 3 degrees. Despite the full Moon, it is always worth observing Saturn.

New Omegon apochromats with Hoya special glass

March 27 2023, Marcus Schenk

Four new telescopes which turn astronomy into something exceptional. Available in four different apertures of 85mm, 96mm, 106mm and 140mm and fitted with Hoya special glass, the images produced by the new Omegon triplet apochromats are amongst the best in class.

Our new Omegon apochromats offer many advantages. Here is an overview of the top four:

Special glass built into the lens Thanks to large technological advances, Hoya has successfully optimised the production of the FCD100. This optical glass has extremely low dispersion, equivalent to that of the well-known FPL-53 glass. As a result, you get high-contrast images with excellent colour purity, even at high magnifications.

Adjustable mount: Thanks to high mount stability, alignment stays set, even with regular transportation. But you can also be prepared for all eventualities as professional readjustment is not a problem for this mount. Our workshop service provides professional support at all times. Get the best out of your telescope even years down the line.

Large, sturdy drawtube with transmission gearing: The Crayford hybrid technology and rack ensure heavy accessories are securely held whilst settings can be very smoothly and precisely set using the ball-bearing mounted inner tube.

Mounting rails for accessories: One thing is clear, the new apochromats are creations for astrophotographers or fans of fantastic planetary observations. But astronomers who are on a photographic journey, often require more accessories, such as a guiding scope or a guiding camera. Simply and quickly attach your preferred equipment using the pre-installed Vixen-style mounting rails.

The Omegon apochromats are available in four versions:

Pro APO AP 85/510 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

Pro APO AP 96/575 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

Pro APO AP 106/700 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

Pro APO AP 140/910 apochromatic refracting telescope FCD-100 triplet ED

 

Thinking about buying an apochromat? A smaller, more transportable device or a more powerful beast with an 140mm aperture? Then let the Omegon apochromats with Hoya glass convince you with their excellent image quality.

Video (with English subtitles): the Vaonis Vespera telescope – smart photos of nebulae and galaxies

March 20 2023, Marcus Schenk

Do you want to take pictures of objects from outer space, but with absolutely no effort?

Welcome to the world of a new generation of telescopes. In this video we introduce you to the Vaonis Vespera. With this device, you can take beautiful photos of the universe – really easily with your smartphone, an app and without much technical knowledge. We explain what smart telescopes are, the Vespera’s advantages and how you would use it in practice to observe the night sky.

Besides the telescope, the Singularity app is the central control unit and offers a simple and intuitive way to operate the telescope and take photos. In the video, you can follow a step-by-step demonstration of how to activate the telescope and take photos of an object of your choice.

Watch the video and get a first impression!

Products used in the video:

Omegon APO 94mm

Vaonis Vespera

Vespera backpack

Infographic: Astronomy Highlights in Spring 2023

March 1 2023, Marcus Schenk

Spring is a great time to take a look at the stars: it’s getting warmer, and the weather in Central Europe is better. And, as always, there are plenty of interesting celestial events to see: a minor planet at opposition, the only time the planet Mercury is visible in the evening, and some beautiful conjunctions between planets and the Moon. In this infographic you’ll learn about the top astronomical events in the night sky during the spring of 2023. There’s no better reason to get outdoors again with your binoculars or telescope.

Events in March

01/03 Conjunction between Venus and Jupiter

On 1 March, you can observe a very special astronomical event: at dusk, Venus and Jupiter draw closer to one another, until they are around a half a degree apart. This is approximately the same distance as the diameter of a full Moon. The encounter is a rare opportunity to marvel at these two bright celestial bodies in the evening sky.

10/3 Ceres near M91 

Today Ceres intersects the bright spiral galaxy known as M91, thereby offering us the rare opportunity to admire both the minor planet and the galaxy simultaneously with our telescope. Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

The planet has a diameter of around 950km which is about the length of Spain. Ceres was considered to be a planet following its discovery in around 1801, and it was only later re-defined as a minor planet. Ceres thus faced a very similar fate in its classification as Pluto did in 2006.

A closer inspection by the Dawn Spacecraft discovered many craters, most of which are only small. Water vapour was even discovered there in 2015, and further research suggested that there may be liquid water under the surface. So, we can say with certainty: it’s a very interesting celestial body! Use your telescope to enjoy the rare sight of Ceres and M91 together!

14/03 Conjunction between the Moon and Antares 

Today is a good day for early risers: the Moon nears Antares, the brightest star in the constellation of Scorpio, at a distance of just 1.5 degrees. You can only observe and enjoy the meeting of these two in the morning hours. So, maybe on your way to work?

21/03 Ceres at opposition

Have you ever observed a minor planet? Ceres, which was discovered in 1801, is the largest object in the asteroid belt. It’s at opposition now, and its brightness reaches a magnitude of 7. You can locate it with small telescopes and, theoretically, even with binoculars. Have fun!

24/03 Conjunction between the Moon and Venus

The delicate sickle Moon rises above the western horizon, serving as the perfect complement to gleaming Venus. With a brightness of magnitude 4, Venus is a wonderful sight at dusk and will entice you outside to look at the stars tonight. Less than 3 degrees separate these two celestial bodies, which guarantees a particularly beautiful sight. It’s always an impressive natural wonder when the Moon meets Venus, especially if you’re planning to capture it with your camera.

25/03 Conjunction between Ceres and M100

Make a note of date: the minor planet Ceres crosses another deep sky object! Its path takes it past the breath-taking galaxy M100 in the constellation of Coma Berenices. Using a finderscope, you can locate it above Denebola, the star that marks the tail of the constellation of Leo.

28/03 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars

Tonight, the Moon and the planet Mars can be found very close together. Observing these two celestial bodies framed by the stars of the Winter Hexagon is a truly impressive sight.

Events in April

03/04 Mercury in the evening sky 

Mercury is a nimble planet as its orbit is located close the Sun. This usually makes it difficult to observe, because it only rarely escapes the brightness of our central star. The only evening visibility this year occurs in April: Mercury reveals itself a few degrees above the western horizon between 3 and 15 April.

10/04 Conjunction between the Moon and Antares 

Tonight, the Moon is in the constellation of Scorpio and nears the bright supergiant star Antares. This occasion takes place in the morning hours. But a further event awaits us: the occultation of the magnitude 3 star by our Moon. At 04:52, the bright side of our satellite moves towards the star and occults it for around an hour. We will not be able to see the star’s reappearance on the other side of the Moon, as, by this time, it will already be daylight.

16/04 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn 

Keep an eye out if you’re an early riser: this morning we are greeted by the waning crescent Moon and the planet Saturn above the eastern horizon. You’ll need to choose a place with a good view of the horizon to observe this.

22/04 Conjunction between the Moon and Venus

Tonight, we can observe a really special spectacle: a conjunction between the Moon and Venus. The Moon is just 2.5 days old, so we only see a slender sickle form. Venus, on the other hand, shines brightly at more than magnitude 4, so it appears especially bright in the evening sky.

22/04 The Lyrids

On 22 April, at its maximum, the Lyrid meteor shower produces up to 20 meteors per hour.  The meteors can be observed undisturbed by moonlight during the best observation time which is between 22:00 and 04:00 next morning. Their point of origin, also known as the radiant, is located in the constellation of Lyra.

25/04 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars

Today, the Moon and Mars can be seen in the constellation of Gemini. This is a rare sight not to be missed.

Events in May

13/05 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn

This morning the Moon nears the planet Saturn. Such a lovely sight is certain to get us motivated for the day ahead.

23/05 Conjunction between the Moon and Venus 

Venus – almost as bright as a spotlight in the night sky – together with the slender crescent Moon. This is exactly what you will see if you look up at the sky this evening. What’s more: a little higher you’ll find Mars too. When compared to its two colleagues, it seems to be really dimly lit.

24/05 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars 

Whereas the Moon visited Venus yesterday, today it is calling on the planet Mars.

26/05 Conjunction between the Moon and Regulus 

If you have been observing the Moon in recent days, you will have noticed how quickly it moves against the background of stars. Today it meets Regulus, the brightest star in the constellation of Leo. The name Regulus comes from Latin and means ‘little king’.

31/05 Conjunction between the Moon and Spica

Today, the Moon meets the brightest star in the constellation of Virgo: Spica. We owe this coincidence to the path of the ecliptic, which repeatedly leads the Moon into the vicinity of this star. The best observation time starts in the late twilight, because Virgo will disappear below the horizon in the second half of the night.

New: A monocular for nature lovers and explorers!

February 21 2023, Marcus Schenk

For everyone who likes to explore far away places when out walking, or to discover a bird or a deer. Omegon’s new monocular is the ideal companion for observations you never counted on making.

Thanks to its compact design, the Omegon monocular fits in your jacket pocket. This means you can use it whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Monokular

The Omegon monocular is available in four versions:

 

What is special about this monocular?

All of these monoculars stand out from the crowd due to the following properties.

Powerful optics: The optics give you a clear, crisp image and, with an 8-degree visual field (at 8x magnification), provide a larger visual angle than many comparable monoculars. As a result, it convinces with impressive clarity, even at the edges. Tempering on glass surfaces comes as standard.

Robust for outdoor use: no plastic, full metal design. This feels good in your hand but also makes the monocular sturdy and durable. The nitrogen filling prevents internal misting on the lenses and guarantees fun observations in all weathers.

Easily accessible focusing: A large focusing ring at the front provides comfortable focusing. Usable even when wearing gloves.

These are only some of the many advantages of the new Omegon monocular. Astonishing that, despite the high quality, it has a low price tag. Are you interested in observing using compact instruments? You can find out more about the 8×3210×328x32ED or 10x32ED on the product pages.

 

AstroFest 2023 in London: why it’s worth a visit

February 1 2023, Marcus Schenk

If you’re an astronomy fan, you really shouldn’t miss this. The European AstroFest 2023 is taking place in London once again! On 3rd and 4th February, you’ll get the chance to experience all those products that make every observer’s heart beat a little faster.

We will be there too with our Omegon stand. You can experience our latest products live and up close.

 

 

Here’s a selection of the highlights:

MiniTrack: you can become an astrophotographer in the blink of an eye; the MiniTrack Astrotracker only needs a tripod and your own camera. With it, you’re ready in an instant to start shooting amazing nightscape pictures.

Neptune fork mount: you’ll be able to observe the night sky with your large binoculars more comfortably than ever before with the Omegon Neptune fork mount. This mount delivers superior stability, giving you the flexibility to reach any target in the sky. With an optional tripod, your binoculars become a solid observation station for the most amazing observing evenings.

Kolossus: the Omegon Kolossus is a new parallelogram mount for large binoculars. With it, observing stars is a pleasurable experience. You’ll feel as if your binoculars are weightless and almost floating in the air. This is achieved by a three-part swivel arm, 360-degree rotation, and a mechanism allowing you to perfectly balance your binoculars. For relaxed and fascinating observations that are simply more fun.

But: there’s plenty more to discover around the subject of astronomy at our stand!

What is AstroFest?
AstroFest is an annual astronomy event, rather like a trade fair, where astronomy enthusiasts from all over the world come together in London. Here you can listen to lectures from experts, discover countless telescopes and accessories, and take a closer look at the latest developments in the astronomy marketplace. If you’ve never been before, why not come along to the city on the Thames?

We look forward to seeing you!

 

The address:

Kensington Conference and Events Centre
The Town Hall, Hornton Street
London, W8 7NX

Telescopes for children and young people: 3 perfect present ideas – Video with English subtitles

December 2 2022, Marcus Schenk

Looking for a present for your children? In this video, we give you tips and advice to help you find the right telescope. We have selected three different models, which are suitable for beginners. Additionally, we show you which accessories you realistically need. Watch the video and discover the fascinating world of astronomy with your family!

Products shown in the video:

AC 90/1000 EQ-2 telescope

Omegon Advanced 130/650 EQ-320

Omegon 152/1200 Advanced Dobsonian

17.5cm rotating star chart

Astronomy torch Astro-Flashlight

Book for children and young people 

Cronus eyepieces

Astronomy Highlights in Winter 2022/2023

November 30 2022, Marcus Schenk

Mars at opposition, two planetary occultations by the Moon, the Geminids and beautiful triangular arrangements between the Moon and the planets. This winter, there are many reasons to look towards the stars. And you should join in!

In the “Astronomy Highlights in Winter 2022/23” infographic, you can find important celestial events for the next three months. Have fun observing!

December

02/12 Conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter

When darkness is upon us, we can gaze at the Moon and Jupiter on the south-eastern horizon. The gas giant will be blazing with an intensity of -2.5 magnitudes.

05/12 The Moon occults Uranus

The Moon and the planets travel along an imaginary line known as the ecliptic. This is the plane along which the planets and the Sun appear to move. Every now and then, the Moon occults one of the planets. And that time has come once again, as the dark side of the Moon approaches and occults Uranus at 5:34pm.

07/12 Conjunction between the Moon and Plejades

In the early hours of 7 December, the almost-full moon reaches the Golden Gate of the Ecliptic, which is flanked by the famous Hyades and Pleiades star clusters.

08/12 The Moon occults Mars/Opposition

Mars is at opposition to the Sun today and is  shining particularly bright and looks magnificent through a telescope. During this year’s opposition, the planet reaches a diameter of 17 arc seconds and a height of 66 degrees above the horizon from central Europe. And today is also a double event as, in the early hours of 8 December, at around 6am, our Moon occults the Red Planet.

14/12 Geminids

If the skies are clear in the evening, look towards the south. You will see the Geminids meteors emerging from the constellation of Gemini. Or more precisely, from a spot two degrees above the star, Pollux. With 120 meteors per hour, this shower is one of the events with the highest fall rates. In the early evening, up to 10pm, you can view it undisturbed by the Moon, as this is when our satellite appears over the horizon.

Lunar phases:

08/12 Full moon, 16/12 Waning quarter, 23/12 New moon, 30/12 Waxing quarter

January

01/01 Conjunction between the Moon and Uranus

Over and over, encounters or occultation between the Moon and planets take place along the path of the ecliptic. At the start of the new year, the Moon scrapes past Uranus at a distance of only half a degree.

03/01 Conjunction between Moon and Mars

Two bodies are competing for brightness today… the Moon and Mars. Both appear in the eastern skies when darkness falls. The Moon passes eastward beneath Mars.

03/01 Quadrantids

The next meteors are on their way to us – the Quadrantids. This meteor shower originates in the constellation of Bootes. The meteors shoot across the sky at a maximum rate of 120 per hour. The Moon only leaves our field of vision in the early hours of the morning.

16/01 Pallas at opposition

With a diameter of 588 kilometres, the asteroid Pallas is the second largest in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. During its opposition, it is so bright that we can easily see it with a small telescope and, theoretically, even with binoculars. To tell it apart from the stars, you should use a star chart whilst observing.

22/01 Conjunction between Saturn and Venus

A good view of the horizon is essential for this event. During twilight, the stunningly bright Venus outshines the considerably weaker, but still bright, Saturn above the western horizon. From 5:30pm, we have an hour-long opportunity to follow this celestial pair, both of which become weaker and then disappear into the haze.

23/01 The Moon near Venus and Saturn

An attractive event for all who are interested… Today a slim crescent moon joins the planets Venus and Saturn. Together, they are a dream team for a wonderful twilight photo.

30/01 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars

This evening, the Moon visits the Red Planet. During the night, our satellite draws nearer until both objects are around one degree apart in the morning hours.

Lunar phases:

07/01 Full moon, 15/01 Waning quarter, 21/01 New moon, 28/01 Waxing quarter

February

15/02 Conjunction between Venus and Neptune

Venus and Neptune come to within 0.25 degrees of each other – a very close encounter between two very different planets. Whilst Venus beams like a floodlight, Neptune shines 50,000 times less bright.

22/02 Conjunction between Venus and Jupiter

This evening, the crescent moon appears with two planets. A beautiful view which you should not miss.

27/02 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars

This evening, Mars and the Moon can both be found in the constellation Taurus.

Lunar phases:

05/02 Full moon, 13/02 Waning quarter, 20/02 New moon, 27/02 Waxing quarter

Video: Solar observation with telescopes and filter tips (with English subtitles)

October 19 2022, Marcus Schenk

Want to observe the Sun? Welcome to the solar observation club!

In this video we show you how to easily observe the Sun, sunspots or solar prominences using your telescope. Additionally, you will learn which filters and what additional equipment you need for this. Finally, fantastic images of the Sun await you. A guide for beginners and other fans of our central star. Solar observation is fun!

But beware… Never observe the Sun without a suitable solar filter! And never leave children unattended with a telescope or binoculars near the Sun!

Good to know: We will have a partial solar eclipse on 25 October. Secure your solar filter and solar eclipse glasses now – our stocks are limited.

From the video:

 

  1. Take care when observing the Sun
  2. What you must consider
  3. The technique of white light observation
  4. What is it and what can you see?
  5. Which filter works for me?
  6. What to consider for solar lens filters
  7. Glass or foil and finding the correct filter size
  8. How to locate the Sun quickly in your telescope
  9. Herschel wedges for refracting telescopes
  10. Observing solar prominences and chromospheres
  11. Impressions of the Sun in H-alpha


Products shown in the video:

 

Omegon 45791 solar filter

Omegon ProNewton N 153/750 OTA

iOptron GEM28 GoTo LiteRoc mount

Baader AstroSolar solar eclipse glasses

Astrozap solar filter for external diameters of 232 to 238mm

Baader AstroSolar® OD 5.0 A4 210x297mm solar filter film

Baader AstroSolar ASTF 200mm telescope solar filter

Omegon 150mm solar filter

APM Herschel wedge 2″ FastLock

MEADE 2″ Herschel wedge with ND3 filter and ceramic plate

Omegon Pro APO AP 72/400 ED Quintuplet OTA apochromatic refracting telescope

Coronado ST 40/400 OTA PST Personal Solar Telescope

Coronado ST 40/400 0.5Å OTA PST Personal Solar Telescope

Daystar QUARK H-alpha solar filter, Chromosphere

Daystar QUARK H-alpha solar filter, Prominence

Astronomy highlights in Autumn 2022

August 31 2022, Marcus Schenk

Autumn is on its way, and the evenings get dark earlier. For many, this marks the start of a great observing season. And it’s all there: Saturn is eye-catching as it shines in the night sky, Jupiter is at opposition and there will even be a partial eclipse of the Sun! What’s more, the Moon will occult Uranus. And that’s just the start!

In our “Astronomy Highlights in Autumn 2022” infographic, you’ll find many of the important celestial events at a glance. Information and further explanations of the events can be found in the accompanying text.

Have fun observing!

September

11/09 Conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter

The Moon and Jupiter rise almost together and we can admire them at around 9 p.m. above the eastern horizon.

14/09 The Moon occults Uranus

The Moon and the planets move along an imaginary line in the sky known as the ecliptic. This refers to the apparent path along which planets move around the Sun. Once in a while the Moon occults one of the planets. Now, on the 14th, it’s that time again: the Moon approaches with its illuminated side and occults Uranus at around 10 p.m.

16/09 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars

Shortly before midnight, the constellation Taurus climbs above the eastern horizon and will look particularly attractive today, because it also marks the meeting place of Mars and the Moon. Together with Aldebaran, Capella and the Pleiades, it makes a lovely sight.

16/09 Neptune at opposition

Our farthest planet is at opposition to the Sun tonight. Neptune is currently 4.3 billion kilometres away from us and shines with a magnitude of 7.8. Its light takes 4 hours to reach the Earth. We can even see Neptune with binoculars, though it cannot be distinguished from a star. It is only with a telescope that can we identify it as a planet with certainty. But it’s not so easy to find as Jupiter or Saturn. A star chart or app will help you.

26/09 Jupiter at opposition

An opposition is quite special: for this is when a planet is directly opposite the Sun and shines brightly all night long. Jupiter is currently at an altitude of 42 degrees above the horizon. This is considerably higher than in recent years, which greatly improves the quality of our observations.

Lunar phases:

03/09 First Quarter, 10/09 Full Moon, 17/09 Last Quarter, 25/09 New Moon

October

05/10 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn

Tonight, the Moon passes below the ringed planet. On the Moon you can also observe the phenomenon known as the Golden Handle, an illuminated mountain at the Moon’s terminator.

08/10 Conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter

Time for a planetary evening! The Moon and Jupiter meet today in the constellation Capricorn. In September, Jupiter was at opposition to the Sun and is still an excellent object for any telescope. Tonight, we won’t be disturbed by a bright Moon.

11/10 Mercury in the morning

From 5 October, we can catch Mercury in the morning sky. The closest planet to the Sun is usually too close to it, which is why we rarely see it. October is the only time this year that it is visible in the night sky.

14/10 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars

From midnight, we get a taste of winter because then the constellations Auriga and Taurus appear above the horizon. In the middle of all this we can also see Mars and the Moon, which are particularly close to one another today. Can you see the red colour of our neighbouring planet?

21/10 Orionids

The Orionids are a small meteor shower producing around 20 meteors per hour. The radiant is located in the constellation Orion near the star Betelgeuse. Although you can observe the shooting stars throughout the month, they will be at their peak between 20 and 21 October. The best time to observe them is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

24/10 Conjunction between the Moon and Mercury

Are you an early riser? Perfect, because this morning you can take a quick look at the slender crescent Moon and Mercury. For this you will need an elevated location or an unobstructed view towards the horizon. Then, just before sunrise from 6:50 a.m., you will discover the two celestial bodies.

25/10 Partial solar eclipse

The last partial eclipse that was visible to us was on 10 June 2021. A little more than a year later we can follow the next one. It starts at around 11a.m. on 25 October when the Moon moves in front of the Sun and obscures around 25% of it.

Important: use a solar filter when observing. Safe filters are available in our Astroshop.

Lunar phases: 09/10 Full Moon, 17/10 Last Quarter, 25/10 New Moon

November

01/11 Conjunction between the Moon and Saturn

The waxing crescent Moon and the planet Saturn are now to be found together in the constellation Capricorn.

04/11 Conjunction between the Moon and Jupiter

This evening, the waxing Moon meets the planet Jupiter, which was at opposition in September. Over the course of the night, the two celestial bodies approach at a distance of around 2 degrees.

09/11 Uranus at opposition

Uranus is one of the most distant gas giants. It appears only as a tiny, greenish disc in a telescope and we cannot make out any detail. However, you can still distinguish it as a planet. Find Uranus with a star chart or, easier still, with your telescope’s GoTo system. Then you can identify the planet using 150 to 200 times magnification.

11/11 Conjunction between the Moon and Mars

Tonight, the waning Moon finds itself close to the planet Mars. The Red Planet is between the Moon and Aldebaran, the brightest star in the constellation Taurus. An interesting task for today is to compare the intensity of the red colours of Mars, Aldebaran and Betelgeuse.

17/11 Leonids

From 16 to 17/11, the Leonids reach their peak. Together with the Perseids, they are among the most famous meteor showers. In some years these meteors fall like raindrops from the sky. This usually happens every 33 years when the Earth meets the Leonids’ debris cloud. In normal years, the peak does not exceed 20 meteors per hour. This year, you can observe them during the first half of the night, undisturbed by moonlight.

Lunar phases: 08/11 Full Moon, 16/11 Last Quarter, 23/11 New Moon, 30/11 First Quarter