See Jupiter from Gozo

The Astronomical Society of Malta is inviting the public in Gozo for a viewing of the first quarter moon and Jupiter, among other celestial wonders, tomorrow evening.

Craters and mountain ranges are best observed at this time since sunlight reaching the moon at 90 degrees to our line of sight, provides excellent contrast as compared to a full moon when the sun and the moon are exactly opposite and a flat image of the moon is seen. Little detail can be observed in this case, since no shadows are cast, the society said.

The planet Jupiter is the brightest object in night sky close to the constellation of Libra. Through a telescope the Galilean moons orbiting this planet look like tiny jewels at times being eclipsed by the planet itself. A storm which has been raging in its atmosphere for at least 400 years and is normally referred to as the Great Red Spot swings into view late in the evening.

Recently a smaller storm known as the Junior Red Spot was observed forming from a white oval and is currently approaching the Great Red Spot with the possibility of the two merging into one big storm.

Members of the Astronomical Society of Malta will be setting up telescopes for public use at the Qala football ground tomorrow from 8.30 p.m. and all are welcome to share views of the night sky. Information about the Astronomical Society of Malta can be found at www.maltastro.org