Today:
The Milky Way, known in the Orient as the “River of Light”, arches from southeast to northwest, home to many bright stars, including Capella, a brilliant white star some 46 light-years away, the sixth brightest star in the skies. You’ll find this beacon nearly overhead this evening at 10:00 PM EST.
Thursday:
Looking nearly overhead, just before 10:00 PM this evening, you’ll find the fourth brightest star we can see from our northern latitudes, the outstanding Capella. Below Capella in the south, Orion is unmistakable, while the red star Aldebaran sparkles to Orion’s right. Left of the stellar giant are the Twins of Gemini, accompanied by the dazzling Jupiter.
Friday:
Tonight, after midnight, the planet Jupiter reaches opposition, which positions the Earth directly between Jupiter and the Sun, the closest we get to our giant cousin. This also provides the optimal angle of reflection, as the light of the Sun reflects off of Jupiter and back toward the earth, making Jupiter appear its brightest to us, among all of its relative positions.