help

Bright Light in the S/SW From Atlanta GA?

-- Neil | October 13, 2019

Question:

Since early September there has been a bright light in the south-southwest sky with a smaller light just to its right, visible from East of Atlanta, GA. What are they? I can’t find anything about them. Two curious grandchildren!

Thank you.

-- Neil

Answer:

This is a pretty rich part of the sky since one is looking pretty much right toward the center of our galaxy, so it is hard to tell what you might be seeing. It also depends upon if you are seeing these objects with just your eyes or with a telescope/binoculars. Note that both Jupiter and Saturn are visible in this part of the sky for a couple of hours after sunset. They are about 25 degrees away from each other, though.

-- Jeff Mangum

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Linkedin

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.