Planet or sumthin?

Question

while out veiwing the sky in my backyard with an amateur telescope a few weeks ago i noticed a planet type thing. it sorta looks like saturn but theres no rings. any opinion? its sorta in the south or south east sky of colorado springs

Answer 1

That is probably Jupiter. Jupiter is the brightest star in the sky just now and visible low in the southeast just after sunset, getting higher and farther west as the night progresses..

Answer 2

Its Jupiter.

Answer 3

jupiter.

opinion is irrelevant. this is a matter of facts.

Answer 4

This is definitely the planet Jupiter. Even a small telescope can make out Saturn's rings if you're using an eyepiece with enough magnification.

If you're new to telescopes, use your lower magnification eyepiece to get centered on Jupiter - it's easier with lower magnification because you have a wider field of view. Get it perfectly centered and then switch to a higher magnification.

I have a 4.5" telescope with a 9mm focal length eyepiece. Once I get really on-target with the 9mm, I add a 2x barlow lens. It gives a really great view of the planet.

If you view it twice, but several hours apart you should even be able to notice that the Moons of Jupiter have moved around the planet some.

Answer 5

Campbel is correct. What you are seeing is undoubtedly Jupiter. If you focus carefully, you should be able to see the bands of clouds on the planet as well as four of its moons - Galileo saw them in his scope - you should be able to see them in yours.

ADDED: Do you have more than one eyepiece for your scope? If so, try using the eyepiece with the smaller number. This is the eyepiece focal length, and a smaller number means higher magnification. Once you have it installed, swing the scope over and focus carefully on the surface of the Moon. Once you have done that, swing the scope back to Jupiter. Even small scopes will show the moons and the storm bands with sufficient magnification. Good Luck...