Grandtour

Astronomers are now regularly detecting planets thousands of light years from Earth – but have we missed one in our own Solar System?

You may have bought this December issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine because you’ve been given – or you’ve treated yourself to – a new telescope for Christmas. And you may be wondering what to do with

Best time to see: 10 January, 00:15 UT Altitude: 59° Location: Gemini Direction: South Features: Complex atmosphere, moons Recommended equipment: 100mm or larger Jupiter reaches opposition on 10 Janua

BEST TIME TO SEE: As shown Jupiter is a magnificent planet to observe. Through the eyepiece, it presents a tangible disc full of detail. Weather and local seeing effects can reduce the visibility, but

1 Thursday The Moon’s libration makes it favourable for viewing features near the southern pole today. At 21:06 UT, Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, can be seen emerging from behind Saturn’s disc. Callis

1 Dec 00:00 AEDT (30 Nov, 13:00 UT) 15 Dec 23:00 AEDT (12:00 UT) 31 Dec 22:00 AEDT (11:00 UT) The chart accurately matches the sky on the dates and times shown for Sydney, Australia. The sky is differ