July 2016 is our last opportunity to see Jupiter in the evening sky this year. As the month opens we’ll find the giant planet shining like a beacon of bright white light low down towards the western horizon about 60 minutes after sunset. Once the sky darkens Jupiter becomes easier to see as it follows the sun down below the horizon, setting just before midnight. July 9th sees a thin crescent moon close to Jupiter.
By mid-month Jupiter is visible for about an hour before setting in the west at around 11pm. Come the end of July Jupiter is mostly lost in the summer evening twilight, and so becomes difficult to see.
Jupiter in a Telescope in July 2016
Jupiter in a telescope is a spectacular sight. Look out for the dark bands crossing the planet’s disc, and Jupiter’s four bright moons – Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. Occasionally shadows from the moons move across the face of Jupiter, appearing as tiny dark spots. Best times to see these shadow transits are listed below.
Jupiter Moon Shadow Transits – July 2016
Sat 2 July – Io – from Dusk to 11:11pm
Wed 6 July – Europa – from Dusk to 11:17pm
Sat 9 July – Io – from 10:51pm to Set
Mon 25 July – Io – from Dusk to Set
The 300-year old Great Red Spot storm system can also be seen on Jupiter nestled in the upper dark band when viewed through one of our dobsonian reflector telescopes. The Red Spot looks like a small dark oval eye looking out at you. Best times to look for it are listed below.
Best Dates & Times to see the Great Red Spot in July 2016
Sat 2nd July – 10pm to 10:30pm
Mon 4th July – 10:30pm to 11:30pm
Sat 9th July – 10pm to 11pm
Mon 11th July – 11pm to Set
Thu 14th July – 10pm to 10:30pm
Sat 16th July – 10:30pm to Set
Thu 21st July – 9:45pm to Set
Tue 26th July – 9:30pm to Set
Pingback: Spacecraft Juno Arrives in Jupiter Orbit | Dark Sky Telescope Hire