What is that bright object to the left of the moon tonight?

Question

I'm in Pennsylvania and it's about 10:20 pm. There's a very bright object in the sky to the right of the moon, but it's not twinkling like a star does.

Anyone know what it is?

Answer 1

it is jupiter

Answer 2

Jupiter is 18 degrees to the East of the Moon which is 95% full. If you hold your arm straight out 18 degrees is roughly two full hand lengths.  Jupiter is mag -3 and the moon is mag -12 (negative is brighter).  Jupiter is currently the next brightest thing in the sky after the Moon and the Sun.  

When you look south, east is on your left, so Jupiter would appear to be "left" of the moon.  

The naked eye planets are extended objects, especially Jupiter.  Stars are pinpoints (even very bright ones).  The optical consequence is that planets don't "twinkle," since there are multitudes of parallel rays coming in.  Stars are a single point source of light which dances as the atmosphere bends it.  

If you look closely with binoculars you will see Jupiter's moons nearby.  They will look like stars.  They move fast so if you go out every hour or two you can watch them change positions.

Hope that helps,

GN

Answer 3

Its the planet Jupiter.

Jupiter appears that bright in our night skies about every 13 monhts or so.  It has been that bright for a few weeks, and will be bright for another month or so (until next year, when its bright again).

Answer 4

Jupiter