Observation #10: Convergence Approaches

1915

Temp: 49f

Skies: Clear, gorgeous. The much-touted conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter approaches quickly. These bodies are noticeably closer together in the sky, even with the naked eye. The telescope provides phenomenal viewing tonight. 

Jupiter and Saturn are both clearly visible with the 25mm lens, and almost close enough to see in the same field with the 10mm lens. Jupiter is spectacular tonight - amazing to think how colossal this planet is. At this time Jupiter is about 48 light-minutes from Earth, and despite that enormous distance - 536,493,304 miles - it is still pretty big in my scope. One of my favorite things about astronomy is the scale of it: it is almost impossible to understand in any meaningful way exactly how far 536 million miles is. A long-ass way is what it is. 

On a closer note, barred owls are calling territory in the distance - there are at least two distinct individuals calling. One is to the West, one to the East. The astronomer's cat is enjoying the evening and sitting beneath the tripod, occasionally soliciting attention from a distracted stargazer. 

There is plentiful light air traffic crossing the skies overhead - this would be an excellent night for flying.