Sunrise Sunset

Fri., Nov. 25 6:42 4:14

Sat., Nov. 26 6:43 4:13

Sun., Nov. 27 6:44 4:13

Mon., Nov. 28 6:45 4:13

Tues., Nov. 29 6:46 4:12

Wed., Nov. 30 6:47 4:12

Thurs., Dec. 1 6:48 4:12

Fri., Dec. 2 6:49 4:11

For those with a clear view of the western sky, there is a pretty picture tomorrow night after sunset. A thin crescent moon appears next to the bright planet Venus. The two are together just above the horizon for one night only. Look a half hour after sunset, and as the sky darkens, the two celestial objects will begin to shine.

Look again on Sunday night and the moon is a good deal higher in the west, while Venus retains the same position.

Venus is the brightest planet in the night sky, but it sets quickly.

We’ve been watching the bright planet Jupiter high in the eastern sky early in the evening for many weeks. Jupiter is a spectacle, the easiest planet to watch. Astronomers estimate the planet is 362 million miles away and was closest to the earth on Oct. 29. Jupiter is in the zodiacal constellation Pisces.

For those who are outside late at night, the bright red planet Mars rises in the east after midnight. Mars is in the zodiacal constellation Leo. Mars is 139 million miles away and getting closer and brighter.

Viewing Mars gets better in the weeks ahead. The planet reaches opposition in March.

M.A.L.