just letting you know of one of my future pet observing projects.
I note that on 7 January 1610, Galileo discovered 3 of Jupiter's moons for the 1st time in human history.....then on the 11 January 1610, he noted the 4th moon (Ganymede).
So, as a bit of historic fun, I'm hoping to observe these moons on 7 & 11 January 2010 - 400 years later to the very night.
I'm hoping Jupiter will be able to be seen on those dates (?).
As my son's a primary school teacher, I'm giving him an idea for some projects his students could do, not only looking at Jupiter (binoculars only needed) but they could do a project covering some of the major historic occurrences that happened on Earth, during these last 400 years.
Galileo also observed Jupiter on 25 December, 1610, so,who knows I might get up early tomorrow, try and spot Santa and if not, catch Jupiter - 395 years after Galileo did.
Also, he first looked at Saturn through a telescope on 25 July,1610....well, I'll try for that 400 years later, too.