Tonight, here at about 28° N latitude in Tampa, Florida a stunning Moon will gracefully slide by Jupiter in a heavenly greeting. Even before the sunsets, in the darkening twilight, the two sisters will shine brillantly to unsuspecting eyes.
Pull out the telescopes for an extraordinary double dose of wondrous sights. Waxing away the shadows, the sunlight illuminates the jagged terrain of La Luna while Jupiter and his loyal moons perform a celestial ballet. Near zenith at sundown, the two will remain in the sky until late evening providing the opportunity to witness movement among the Galilean moons over the hours. While you have the scope out look to the East just a the horizon. Orion returns to the winter sky, boosting his beautiful Nebula just under his three-starred belt within the faint dagger. A telescope will reveal the misty web of the nebula's cloud of gas and dust. Four little stars shine brightly blue in the fog forming the Trapezium constellation.
Chilly, dry and clear tonight should be perfect star gazing conditions. Keep looking up.
As an added treat the International Space Station will glide past the Moon and Jupiter tonight, 11/16, around 6:40pm as seen from Tampa/St. Pete. Beautiful mix of man and nature.
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