Spring 2026
Each semester offers opportunities and events worth your attention. Below are some astronomical news for your current semester.
The following web page offers a great overview of current activities in astronomy - http://skyandtelescope.com/
More on astronomy events at: http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy_calendar_current.html
And even more at: http://in-the-sky.org/newsindex.php?feed=DFAN
Robert Bonadurer, director of the MPM Planetarium, sends out a terrific monthly newsletter on astronomy. Email bonadurer@mpm.edu to request and receive his FREE monthly sky map and newsletter.
Planets
On January 10th, Jupiter reached opposition ... the best time to see any superior (more distant) planet. This is because it is opposite the sun and appears on the meridian around midnight. You can easily spot the four bright moons (Galilean satellites) with even a small telescope. Galileo did so way back in 1609. But don't worry if you missed opposition, you will be able to see Jupiter all semester in the evening sky. Jupiter is boss for this semester.
On February 19th, Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation of 18 degrees from the sun. Look for it just above the western horizon about 15-20 minutes after the sun sets. It is difficult to spot because if you look too early, it is too bright out. If you wait too long, it is too close to the horizon to spot. If you miss it, Mercury swings around to the other side of the sun reaching a tad over 27 degrees west of the sun on April 3rd. (Note: This is about the furthest Mercury ever gets from the sun so even though Mercury is always difficult to spot, this is the best it ever gets. Now look for it in the east at pre-dawn.
Saturn can be seen above the western horizon after sunset when the class starts. However, Saturn is doing a swan song (it put on a great show prior to this semester) and will soon get lost in the glare of the sun.
Venus and Mars are duds this semester .... hiding in the glare of the sun most all this semester.
Eclipses (as seen from Milwaukee area)
Watch a total lunar eclipse on March 3rd. The moon will still be in totality (the umbra) at sunrise so you will have to get up pretty early to watch the show begin. Can yo recreate this event in Stellarium?
Other
Prior to the start of the course Earth reached perihelion, the closest we get to to the sun. This occurred on January 3rd.
On February something a bit fun occurs. The moon will occlude (move in front of) the bright star, Regulus. Can you recreate this on Stellarium? Get a pair of binoculars and watch it yourself as the bright star suddenly disappears.
On March 20th the sun reaches the Vernal Equinox. This marks the first
day of Spring when the sun's rays shine directly over the equator. We
experience a 12 hour day and a 12 hour night.
ŠJim Mihal 2004, ... 2026 - all rights reserved