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Question
Every night I notice a bright star or satellite that moves around in irregular patterns but stays in relatively same place. I first noticed it in the east (I live in northern California), but it does appear to move slowly to different areas on consecutive nights. What is it, please?
Well, if its late at night, it is probably the planet Jupiter. It is not actually moving around in irregular patterns; probably some kind of optical illusion.
Look at it through binoculars or a small telescope. If it is Jupiter, you might see some tiny dots (Moons) on either side of it.
Contact your local planetarium for more info.
Steve
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Answers by Expert:
Steven LJ Russo
Expertise
As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.
Experience
Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.
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