The multi-day conjunction of Jupiter and Venus in the southeastern predawn sky continues for the next couple days, and will be joined by a waning crescent Moon on the mornings of the 14th- 17th. For an observing challenge, see if you can spot the 1% illuminated Moon near Venus and Jupiter on the morning of the the 17th … here’s hoping for Earthshine! Orion, Taurus and the Pleiades are in the western sky before sunrise. Perseus, Cassiopeia and Cepheus are to the north before sunrise – see if you can spot them! Saturn is just above the treetops to the southwest after sunset, and is only visible for about a half hour before it sets. The Sun After nearly 2 weeks of spotless days, a small active region makes an appearance on the western limb of the Sun. The view from the Solar Dynamics Observatory) in 304 angstroms shows several prominences on the Sun’s limb, and a bright spot on the western limb, … Continue reading →