Crescent moon - watch it this weekend!

This weekend the moon glides past several planetary way points, including Saturn. All you'll need to enjoy this show is a clear evening sky . On Friday, June 6th - that's tonight - the slender crescent is below Mars and might be difficult to see, but give it a try. You'll be looking low in the western sky after sunset. On Saturday June 7th you'll spot the crescent moon just a little below Mars. On the 8th, take another look! The moon is now closer to Saturn, forming a little triangle with Leo' bright star, Regulus! And on the 9th, the much larger crescent will be higher still above Saturn, tracing an imaginary line along the ecliptic plane. There's a different bright planet coming into view a little later in the evening, too. Jupiter! You'll have to wait until about 11 p.m. or later to see Jupiter. Look low in the east for a view of the king of the planets. Over the next few weeks Mars and Saturn draw closer together. On July 10 and 11 both planets will be visible in the same telescope field-of view. Next week - June 13 and 14 will be our sidewalk astronomy nights. See you then! Jane and Mojo -- Jane Houston Jones Senior Outreach Specialist, Cassini Program JPL - 4800 Oak Grove Drive, MS 230-205 Pasadena, CA 91109 818-393-6435 jane.h.jones(a)jpl.nasa.gov Cassini SOC http://soc.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm What's Up? http://education.jpl.nasa.gov/amateurastronomy/index.html