SkyWatch

Join our space experts to enjoy an evening of space exploration through MOSI’s telescopes. SkyWatch stargazing events are located in the parking lot by the new MOSI entrance.

All Ages | Weather Permitting | No ticket or purchase required

September 19, 2020 (8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.)

The first SkyWatch of the 2020/2021 season has Jupiter and the Galilean moons, Saturn, the Summer Triangle, and Antares in view. The heart of the Scorpio is commonly mistaken for Mars due to both exhibiting almost the same red hue and lying very close to the ecliptic line.

October 10, 2020 (8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.)

Mars will be approaching opposition which means that the fourth planet of our solar system will be much brighter to the human eye in the night sky. The planet will lie directly on the other side of the sky from the Sun which will make it the brightest it has been since 2003.

November 21, 2020 (7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)

The first quarter moon in November will provide an excellent view through telescopes and provides an excellent view to see Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

December 19, 2020 (7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)

Similar to November, the approaching first quarter moon will provide an excellent aid to astronomical viewing as much of the moon light will be subdued. This will be especially exciting as the night will be perfect for viewing the Great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter. The planets will be almost indistinguishable from the unaided eye as their orbits will cause them to “crowd” each other in the sky. Telescopes with wide-angle eyepieces should see both planets with the respective satellites in the same view!

January 23, 2021 (7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)

The first SkyWatch of the New Year will be looking at some staples of the winter sky; the Orion Nebula, Pleiades star cluster, and Sirius. Mercury will be sinking toward the western horizon as the sun sets.

February 13, 2021 (7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)

Mars will be at the zenith, or highest point of the sky. The planet hanging directly above should allow larger aperture telescopes a better chance at resolving the small planet with greater detail. Orion, Taurus, and the Pleiades star-cluster will remain in the sky for viewing.

March 20, 2021 (8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.)

The switch to Daylight Savings will throw some for a loop, but Orion, Sirius, and the Pleiades will still be visible drifting to the west after sunset.

April 10, 2021 (8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.)

The last SkyWatch of the season will bid a farewell to the Orion Nebula and Pleiades as they disappear from the spring sky and return late autumn. Leo the Lion will rise as the suns sets and with it the possibility if viewing the Leo galaxy triplets in clear skies. The optical double stars of Alcor and Mizar will be at prime viewing in the tail of Ursa Major which many also recognize as the asterism, the Big Dipper.