Astronomical event: A comet!

Date Observed: February 24, 2009 at 9:20 pm

Weather: 27 ˚F

Sky Conditions: Tonight was pretty clear. Many stars were visible, as well as the moon.

Object Observed: The comet Lulin

Location:
• Altitude: 105˚
• Azimuth: 45˚

Observations: In order to see Lulin I had to use binoculars, it was not visible with the naked eye. The comet was to the right and just above Saturn. According to the Grand Rapids Press Lulin is called the “Green Comet” because it is slightly green, and I was able to see its green color when I looked through the binoculars. The press also said that it’s about 38 million miles away, which is 160 times farther than the moon. I think it’s pretty sweet that we can see that from here on Earth with only a small pair of binoculars.

*Again, I didn't have my camera :( and you wouldn't be able to see it since you can't see it with the naked eye.

Here is a picture courtesy of: http://www.admit-one.net/wp-content/lulin.jpg

Saturn

Date Observed: February 24, 2009 at 9:20 pm

Weather: 27 ˚F

Sky Conditions: Tonight was pretty clear. Many stars were visible, as well as the moon.

Object Observed: Saturn

Location:
• Altitude: 100˚
• Azimuth: 45˚

Observations: It still surprises me that the planets just look like regular stars in the sky. They are not any brighter than stars, and not any larger. Saturn was visible just over some trees in my neighborhood.

*I didn't have my camera :(

Here is a picture of Saturn courtesy of: http://cas.lgl.lu/Saturn_ring_system/saturn%20_rings/planet_saturn.gif

The Moon #1

Date Observed: February 10, 2009 at 9:30 pm

Weather:
• Temperature: 46.6 ˚F

Sky Conditions: It was semi cloudy, I was unable to see many stars, but the moon was very visible.

Object Observed: Full Moon (Age: 15 days)

Location:
• Altitude: 45˚
• Azimuth: 90˚

Observations: The moon was extremely bright on this night. It was pretty much due East and halfway up in the sky. According to the Almanac there was a full Snow Moon on February 9, 2009, which would explain why the moon was so bright.