China Lake Astronomical Society (ChinaLakeAstro.org)

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Maturango Museum

Next Star Party:

Saturday, February 28, 2026 6:30 PM

Quarter Moon Star Party at Maturango - Feb 28

Shrodinger Crater on the Moon — NASA Lunar Reconnaisance Orbiter

* IMPORTANT: Please check here for POSSIBLE WEATHER CANCELLATIONS. *

Tonight there will be an uncommon transit of Jupiter by its moon Callisto - the tiny moon will pass in front of the planet as we watch! This begins around 7:20 PM (and ends about 11:15). It is a challenge to see Callisto against Jupiter, but obvious when the moon "disappears" at the beginning. With some luck and good viewing conditions, we will find it—and maybe even see its faint shadow across Jupiter's clouds!

In addition, the Great Red Spot of Jupiter will be in a good position to see. With some practice, you can see this reddish-orange oval—an enormous cyclonic storm that has been visible on Jupiter since at least 1831! The GRS rotates into view around the same time as the Callisto transit begins. It will approach the center by 8:30 PM, making it easier to see.

The waxing Moon will be just 2 days before Full Moon and 94% illuminated, showing us features not visible at the actual First Quarter. We can see craters, mountains, rilles, and other details on the surface of the Moon. 

For a detailed map of what's visible on the Moon this night, go to Derekscope Moon Phase Maps and click on the Day 11 and Day 12 Moons.

Activity

Transit of Jupiter's moon and the Great Red Spot!

Location

Maturango Museum