#AstroMiniBR: Jupiter in December skies!

Each week TecMundo and #AstroMiniBR bring together some of the interesting astronomical curiosities produced by the team’s collaborators. Twitter profile To share the fantastic universe of astronomy with you. Check it out below!

#1: Keeping an eye on the sky!

Observing the gas giant Jupiter in our Solar System can be an incredible experience when done under ideal conditions. The best opportunities for observing Jupiter occur during opposition, when the planet is on opposite sides of the Sun relative to the Earth, providing the closest approach and visibility to it.

During the opposition, Jupiter reaches its maximum brightness and can be easily seen with the naked eye.. But Jupiter is usually easily visible throughout most of the year, such as during this month of December.

To identify Jupiter in the night sky, look for an intense, unblinking light that is predominantly white and much brighter than surrounding stars.. On these nights, it can be seen shortly after the beginning of the night, and the experience is generally better on nights when skies are clear and there is not much light pollution.

The use of small telescopes helps reveal fascinating details of the planet, such as atmospheric bands and the movement of four large moons. Pay attention to astronomical ephemerides to plan your observations!

#2: What are quasars?

Quasars are extremely bright and energetic astronomical objects found in the cores of distant galaxies. The word “quasar” derives from “quasi-stellar radio source,” indicating its origins in what were originally described as radio sources..

However, the true nature of quasars has been revealed as we have progressed in our understanding of astronomy: They are phenomena powered by massive supermassive black holes that release enormous amounts of energy in various forms of the electromagnetic spectrum as they accrete matter.

The discovery of quasars is inherently linked to the advancement of technology and observational innovations. In the 1960s, astronomers observed strange radio sources that looked like stars but exhibited strange behavior. Deeper investigation realized that these bright spots were not individual stars, but rather active and distant galactic nuclei..

Correctly identifying these quasars as supermassive black holes has improved our understanding of galactic evolution and is one of the most prominent areas of astrophysics research to date.

#3: What are the active regions of the Sun?

Transient locations in the solar atmosphere characterized by complex magnetic field activity are called active regions. In these places the magnetic density is extremely strong, allowing dynamic solar activity and producing numerous sunspots: Darker, colder areas on the Sun’s surface.

The activity of our host star’s magnetic fields often leads to explosive events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Active regions are crucial to understanding the solar cycle because their activity is closely linked to the approximately 11-year magnetic changes that characterize the solar cycle.

Besides, these intense magnetic fields can interfere with terrestrial communications and satellite navigation systemsThe study of regions where solar energy is active makes it not only fascinating from a scientific point of view, but also of great practical importance for modern society.

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