In addition to seeing Venus and Jupiter, you can readily find Saturn in the night sky and may even have an opportunity of finding elusive Mercury. On February 20th the Moon will be near Saturn. Ebenezer Church Recreation Area , a state park, is located on SR1008, two miles south of US 64 just east of Jordan Lake. Having the Moon nearby makes it easier to locate and if all goes well, people will be able to successfully see Venus before sunset. Once we get about twenty minutes past sunset, Jupiter is also readily visible and a little later Saturn should be observable.
Individuals are welcome to bring their own binoculars and telescopes.
Bright objects such as these are easier to find for those inexperienced with their telescopes. Since, sunset is only a little more than two hours later, they will still be very close when they become visible to North Carolina observers. Saturn and the Moon will also be readily visible that night with the Moon at waxing quarter phase, high and bright in the sky at sunset. This observing session will be held in Chapel Hill in front of the Morehead Planetarium building. Views of the Moon, Saturn and possibly even Mercury are also planned.