Norfolk Island Stargazing by Peter Davies

This week in the Norfolk Island night sky

The moon is currently in a waning gibbous phase. Jupiter and Saturn are clearly visible in the night sky, rising in the East and setting in the west. Saturn rises earlier so will be seen higher in the night sky and Jupiter is by far, the brighter of the two.

Did you know?

Saturn is the least dense planet in the solar system. Saturn has a density of 0.687 grams/cubic centimeter. Just for comparison, water is 1 g/cm³ and the Earth is 5.52. Since Saturn is less dense than water, it would actually float like an apple if you could find a pool large enough.

Only 4 spacecraft sent from Earth have ever visited Saturn. The first was Pioneer 11, in 1979, which flew within 20,000 km of Saturn. Next came Voyager 1 in 1980, and then Voyager 2 in 1981.

Astronomy quote

The scientific theory I like best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of lost airline luggage. - Mark Russell

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Norfolk Island Stargazing: Open for business any day it’s not raining.

Bookings by appointment: Adults $48 (min 4) – Children $20.

(Self-drive / weather dependant)

For bookings call Peter on 52458 or email norfolkislandstargazing@gmail.com