An Opportunity to Easily Locate Uranus
September 2010 :
Note: This article may contain outdated information
This article was published in the September 2010 issue of The Skyscraper and likely contains some information that was pertinent only for that month. It is being provided here for historical reference only.
Have you ever observed Uranus? If you have, when is the last time you looked at it?
The seventh planet is usually not the first one that comes to mind when planetary observation is the topic of discussion. In all likelihood, very few observers who frequently observe the five naked-eye planets telescopically make the effort to track down Uranus at least once a year.
This month’s opposition of Jupiter provides an excellent opportunity to spot Uranus, as both planets reach opposition on the same day and are about 1 degree apart for several days before and after September 21. Uranus will be to the north of Jupiter and shining at magnitude of 5.9. Uranus’ appearance in a telescope is unmistakable, with its 6th magnitude aqua-green disk not quite resolving to a point as nearby stars do. In a low power eyepiece, both planets together, along with Jupiter’s moons should provide a stunning view. The distances to Jupiter and Uranus are 3.95 AU and 19.09 AU respectively. The waning gibbous Moon joins the alignment, 6 degrees to the north, on the 23rd.
