The big three

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

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

Jupiter may boast 97 confirmed moons (at the time of writing), but only four – the Galilean giants, Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto – are generally described as being within easy reach of amateurs.

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

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

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