This webpage offers details regarding the present and projected locations of Jupiter within the solar system and in the celestial sphere, taking into account your precise location. Additionally, it provides information on Jupiter’s apparent brightness, size, luminosity, and more.
Current position of Jupiter in the sky
The chart displays the altitude of Jupiter above the horizon (—°) at different times of the day. The shaded regions ( ) indicate nighttime, while the dashed line ( — ) represents the present time.
Latest Updates on Jupiter
Stay tuned for the live stream of ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer mission launch, as it embarks on a journey to explore the mysteries of the Jupiter system.
Astounding images of two of Jupiter’s largest moons have been captured by a ground-based telescope, giving us a closer look at these celestial bodies.
Exciting news awaits on September 29, as “Juno” is set to provide us with detailed images of Europa’s surface, revealing its hidden secrets.
“James Webb” has recently shared a breathtaking image of Jupiter and its magnificent rings, showcasing the beauty of our solar system.
Scientists have made a fascinating discovery suggesting that water on Europa may be much closer to the surface than previously thought.
The mystery behind the energy source that fuels Jupiter’s massive polar vortices has finally been uncovered, shedding light on this intriguing phenomenon.
“Hubble” has successfully completed its annual survey of the giant planets, providing us with valuable insights into the nature of these captivating celestial bodies.
The enigmatic Great Red Spot on Jupiter has been further explored by “Juno,” revealing its true depth and unraveling more of its secrets.
In an unexpected turn of events, Jupiter has experienced its second collision with an object in just a month, leaving scientists intrigued and eager to study the aftermath.
What is the current position of Jupiter in the solar system?
The current position of Jupiter, Earth, and the Sun, as well as their positions six months from now, are illustrated in the diagram.
The current distance between the Sun and Jupiter is displayed in kilometers.
The current distance between Earth and Jupiter is displayed in kilometers.
This animation demonstrates the movement of a photon as it travels from Earth to Jupiter at a speed of 299,792,458 meters per second. It will cover the current distance of 702 million kilometers in 39 minutes and 8 seconds.
Visibility of Jupiter in the sky over the next six months
Displayed is a chart depicting the fluctuation in the number of hours per day ( , h) that Jupiter can be observed in the sky before sunrise and after sunset on any given day.
Brightness of Jupiter in the sky over the next six months
The graph illustrates the variation in Jupiter’s brightness (—) based on its stellar magnitude (m).
Details about the other planets in our Solar System
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In late August – September, Saturn will have a unique opportunity to observe the Earth’s inhabitants under clear skies. During this time, Saturn will be positioned on the opposite side of the Sun in relation to our planet, making it as close and prominent as possible. This celestial event, known as opposition, allows astronomers to easily spot the star-shaped planet with the naked eye. Additionally, even amateur telescopes can reveal the intricate details of Saturn, including its iconic rings.
Saturn’s opposition
According to astronomer-observer Eugene Parfenov from the Tomsk planetarium, distant planets like Saturn have periods of visibility when they are at their closest to Earth and appear brightest. This occurrence happens once a year.
“The duration of a year varies on different planets. On Jupiter, a year lasts slightly longer, about 13 months. Saturn’s year is around 12.5 months, while Uranus and Neptune have a year that is slightly longer than Earth’s by a few days. This difference in the length of a year is due to the combination of a planet’s orbit around the Sun and the Earth’s orbit around the same.
The best time to observe distant planets is when they are in the sky at a point opposite the Sun. However, there are also periods when the planet is on the opposite side of the Sun and the Earth is on the same side, creating a closer proximity between the Earth and the planet. During these moments, the Earth is as close to the planet as possible.
For example, a close approach between Saturn and Earth will occur at the end of August. However, in six months, this planet will be relatively behind the Sun, making it invisible to us,” explained the astronomer.
The term used to describe the situation when a planet is on the opposite side of the Sun in relation to Earth is known as opposition. This is considered the optimal time for observing outer planets and other celestial bodies, as they are fully illuminated by the Sun and appear particularly bright in the sky. Furthermore, during opposition, the planet in question reaches its maximum size in the sky, as it is at its closest approach to Earth.
In other news, a Festival of author’s song will be taking place on the left bank from August 18-20. Transportation options to the festival include buses and motorboats.
Only planets that orbit farther from the Sun than Earth can be in opposition, as this event requires Earth to be situated between the planet and the Sun. The planets that can be in opposition include Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
When is the best time to observe?
Astronomers have determined that the opposition of Saturn, which occurs when the planet is fully illuminated by the Sun and shines at its brightest, will happen on August 27th around 6:00 PM Moscow time.
Although the exact moment of opposition is brief, the period of opposition lasts for several weeks. You can choose any convenient day during this time to observe the planet. Saturn will rise on the opposite side of the Sun shortly after sunset, reach its highest point in the sky around midnight, and set before dawn.
In order to see Saturn, it is recommended to select a day closest to the opposition when the sky is clear of clouds, and embark on a search for the planet.
Experts say that the days surrounding the opposition of Saturn will bring about a unique phenomenon known as the “Zeliger effect”, where the planet’s rings will emit an unusually intense brightness. During this opposition, Saturn is directly illuminated by the Sun as seen from Earth, resulting in the planet and its ring particles being fully lit without casting any shadows. Moreover, the light repeatedly hits each individual particle, causing the rings to appear even more brilliant.
How to locate Saturn in the celestial sphere, where to direct your gaze?
With respect to our planet, this celestial body can be found at an apparent angular separation of 180 degrees from the Sun in the sky during the opposition phase – when the Sun disappears below the horizon in the west, Saturn emerges above the horizon in the east.
Therefore, to observe Saturn in opposition towards the end of August, it is essential to direct your gaze in the opposite direction of the sunset.
According to the astronomer from Tomsk, Saturn will exhibit a prominent brightness, making it relatively easy to spot in the sky.
“Finding Saturn in the night sky is a simple task – it will be among the top five luminous objects, alongside four prominent stars. Later on, during the autumn season, there will be a Jupiter opposition, where it will outshine everything else and be unmistakable. In the evening, until midnight, direct your gaze towards the southeastern region of the sky, just above the horizon, as that is where Saturn will ascend. By morning, it will have shifted to the southwest,” mentioned Eugene Parfenov.
To observe detailed information about the planets, it is necessary to use optical devices. However, as a celestial object resembling a star in the sky, the planets should be visible to the naked eye, and this applies to Saturn as well. Saturn will appear as a bright yellow star when observed without any optical aids. The location to observe Saturn has already been determined.
Astronomers emphasize that even with basic optical devices, such as binoculars or a telescope, it is possible to see Saturn, especially its distinctive rings, in a clear and cloudless sky. In some cases, the planet may appear larger when observed through binoculars or a telescope.
Astronomers mention that when observed through binoculars, the oval shape of the planet becomes apparent. With a small telescope, one can observe Saturn’s rings, including the Cassini Gap, as well as its largest moon, Titan.
Discover the celestial wonders of 2023: lunar eclipses, Venus, Jupiter, and more!
Currently, efficiency, ambition is on the rise. Individuals are becoming more potent, articulate, and persuasive. Particularly, positive character traits such as nobility, generosity, humanism, and a desire to engage in charitable and philanthropic activities are prevailing. There is a strong inclination to assist the sick, weak, defenseless, and offended. People are striving to contribute to significant and even global endeavors for the betterment of others or something larger than themselves. Additionally, there is an increase in attraction to the opposite sex, as well as a higher likelihood of conception or successful childbirth. Success is anticipated for scientists, educators, military personnel, criminal investigators, detectives, public servants, and politicians. Speculation, stock market transactions, and capital investments have the potential to yield positive results. Those individuals who have astrological indications can expect a fortunate period in gambling activities.
THE MOON IN THE GIRL ZODIAC SIGN AT 10 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 49 SECONDS
The start of this zodiac sign is on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 2:14 a.m. (GMT +3), while the end is on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 14:53 (GMT +3).
MERCURY IN THE SIGN OF VIRGO at 20 degrees, 19 minutes, and 11 seconds
The sign starts on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 0:31 (GMT +3) and ends on Thursday, October 05, 2023, at 3:08 (GMT +3).
This transit does not involve casual conversation and idle pastimes. Individuals are reminded of their responsibilities and obligations, and begin to work diligently or search for employment. Sensations and impassioned speeches no longer hold as much significance as they once did. During this period, specific and concise information is highly valued. Even if it originates from reliable sources, it is double-checked, sometimes multiple times, or gathered from various sources, analyzed, and compared. In general, people become more biased during this time and do not easily trust others’ words. They refrain from being driven by emotions and instead act according to instructions, fulfilling their duties diligently. Thoughts are preoccupied with work or health, and conversations revolve around these topics as well. Unnecessary conversations are typically avoided, but there is a noticeable increase in business contacts. This is an optimal time for important meetings and conferences, planning, creating reports and various types of references, as well as for conducting inventories, organizing things, performing various checks, and fine-tuning. In other words, it is an ideal time for any task that requires concentration, patience, diligence, heightened attention, and even insight. As individuals become more observant during this period, they start to make changes and improvements. However, it is crucial to know when to stop. Firstly, as the saying goes, “the best is the enemy of the good,” and secondly, one can lose sight of the ultimate purpose behind these actions. In other words, one may stop seeing the bigger picture amidst the smaller details. During this time, individuals may experience a sense of detachment in their interactions, and a certain level of formality is expected. Regardless of the situation, individuals strive to remain calm and prudent. This is particularly evident in official environments and when interacting with outsiders. While individuals become more demanding and critical during this time, open conflicts are usually avoided in positive situations, although negative conflicts are possible. Travel during this period is typically for business purposes or medical reasons, such as visiting a sanatorium or specialized resort. Negative aspects of this transit include excessive criticism, bias, pickiness, pettiness, and nagging. There may also be instances of restlessness, lack of coordination, absent-mindedness, callousness, bookishness, and unwillingness to admit mistakes. Communication may become more formal and may simply involve the “fulfillment of duty” towards partners, loved ones, and others.
VENERA IN THE SIGN OF LION g 17° 46' 33"
Commencement of the astrological sign: Monday, June 5, 2023, 16:46 (GMT +3)
Conclusion of the astrological sign: Monday, October 9, 2023, 4:10 (GMT +3)
Currently, individuals are characterized by their emotional need for self-validation. They become particularly sensitive to signs of attention and praise. Both women and men eagerly await compliments and admiration, passionate declarations of love, and reassurances of their irresistible and unique qualities. During these days, enthusiasm, passion, and even a touch of theatrics in expressing feelings are welcomed, along with generosity and grand gestures. People have no desire to dwell on problems and are even less inclined to work; instead, they strive to experience all the joys life has to offer, indulging in leisurely activities, love, and fun. Feelings are openly and often demonstratively expressed. Consequently, there is a sharp increase in romantic encounters, intimate dates, and casual, non-committal affairs. There will also be a significant increase in spending on gifts, pleasures, and entertainment. People become more generous and spoil their children with gifts, while also actively participating in raffles and lotteries. The chances of winning increase, although primarily for those who have favorable indicators in their natal chart. There may be some small unexpected financial gains or windfalls. Speculative endeavors are likely to be successful. This is a favorable time for individuals in the arts and for famous people. It is also a favorable period for presentations, exhibitions, and showcasing artistic abilities or achievements in applied crafts. However, negative aspects can cause feelings to spiral out of control, becoming overly passionate and theatrical. There may be a tendency to dramatize situations and exhibit mannerisms. The desire to attract attention may lead to ostentatious and demonstrative behavior or flamboyant and overly flashy attire. If the desired attention and recognition are not received, the reaction can be quite intense, leading to tantrums, hysterical behavior, and rudeness. A person may become sarcastic, intolerant, and deliberately unfair if society’s attention is focused on someone else. Negative aspects of Venus in this domain often lead to wastefulness. Individuals may have difficulty controlling themselves and impulsively spend money, driven by the fear of appearing financially unstable. It is advisable to avoid gambling establishments and other forms of entertainment during this time and to be cautious of casual relationships. Possible physical discomfort in the heart area, tachycardia, fainting, and back pain are mostly rooted in emotional factors. To calculate a personalized horoscope with Venus aspects, please follow the link.
VENUS IN RETROGRADE
Start: Sunday, July 23, 2023, 4:32 (GMT +3)
End: Monday, September 04, 2023, 4:20 (GMT +3)
- Engagements can be announced, marriages can be concluded, and new acquaintances can be made;
- Holidays, presentations, and advertising campaigns can be organized;
- Jewelry, valuable items, fashionable items, and beautiful interior items can be purchased; luxury goods are also favored;
- Negotiations, trade agreements, and legal contracts can be concluded;
- Financial investments can be made, financial transactions can be conducted, new businesses can be started, and agreements can be entered into;
- Companies, real estate, patents, etc. can be purchased;
- Borrowing and lending money, as well as applying for loans, are favorable;
- Lawyers can be consulted and civil cases can be taken to court;
- Cosmetic procedures, surgeries, and surgical interventions in the pelvic organs can be performed.
During the retrograde of Venus, it is advised to:
- Finish any previous tasks and projects that are related to Venusian themes.
- Pursue your creative aspirations that you may have previously neglected.
- Reassess your spiritual and ethical values.
- Take a critical look at your relationships with business partners, spouses, loved ones, and others.
- Evaluate your wardrobe and jewelry, and get rid of any outdated or unnecessary items.
- Rekindle relationships that may have been damaged or lost for various reasons.
- Visit theaters, museums, exhibitions, and spend more time in nature.
- Give more attention and care to the people you love.
- Decorate your home, engage in needlework, and enjoy other pleasurable activities.
MARS IN THE GIRL SIGN at 23 degrees, 50 minutes, and 25 seconds
Start of the sign: Monday, July 10, 2023, at 14:40 (GMT +3)
End of the sign: Sunday, August 27, 2023, at 16:19 (GMT +3)
The employers have the best time during this period. People become more diligent, hardworking, and pay close attention to details. They devote all their energy to their work. Those who are unemployed start looking for jobs, while those who already have jobs dive deep into their work. With Mars in Virgo, there is a sense of urgency to organize everything, put everything in its proper place, count, audit, and document. A business that starts during this time tends to progress slowly, make moderate profits, but constantly undergo improvements and may get caught up in trivial matters. Trade unions play a bigger role during this period, and the most pressing issues are related to employment, professional development, training, increasing labor productivity, product quality, improving working conditions, and disease prevention. There is a promotion of a healthy lifestyle, with new diets and weight loss systems emerging. People actively participate in all these activities. Doctors, nutritionists, healers, and herbalists all work with increased workload during this period, as the number of visitors to them increases significantly.
Generally speaking, at this moment in time, individuals resemble a bustling anthill with everyone scurrying about in various directions – from an external perspective, this collective movement may appear chaotic. However, this apparent chaos is actually quite structured, as each person knows their destination and the reason behind it; everyone has their own responsibilities and obligations. This is what drives everyone forward, and it is challenging to motivate or divert them towards alternative pursuits nowadays. They won’t take to the barricades; instead, they will grab a bag filled with provisions and medicine and head off to visit an unwell aunt or assist an elderly neighbor in cleaning their windows, and so on. Currently, people are primarily occupied with mundane tasks that do not bring them fame or fortune, but rather a clear conscience and a sense of fulfillment.
JUPITER IN THE SIGN OF Taurus at 15 degrees 04 minutes 10 seconds
Commencement of the sign: Tuesday, May 16, 20:20 (GMT +3) 20:20 (GMT +3)
Conclusion of the sign: Sunday, May 26, 2024, 2:14 (GMT +3)
If Jupiter is in a favorable position and has no negative aspects, this year presents an opportunity to establish the groundwork for future prosperity. People are fully engrossed in everything related to the potential for earning money. It is a favorable time for investing in real estate, initiating or expanding a business connected to finance, construction, high-quality, natural products, as well as obtaining long-term loans and credits. There is an increase in the circulation of cash and securities, and new laws concerning property rights are enacted. The government begins to prioritize the development of industry, agriculture, and the search for energy reserve growth opportunities. When Jupiter is strong and supported by powerful aspects, an incredibly productive and profitable year can be expected. Jupiter in Taurus appreciates art and fine dining, so these areas will not be overlooked and will receive ample support. At the everyday consumer level, the transit of Jupiter will not only manifest in a desire to increase wealth but also in a significant increase in spending on pleasure, entertainment, and convenience. The key is to maintain a balance so that expenses do not exceed income. It is a favorable year for major investments and acquisitions, stock market and financial transactions, changing to a more financially lucrative job, and purchasing large, beautiful, expensive items.
Instead of experiencing an increase in wealth, negative elements indicate the possibility of significant expenses and losses. In order to restore financial equilibrium, the government may implement measures that are unpopular with the public. It is important to exercise caution when engaging in financial transactions, especially if transiting Jupiter is in an unfavorable alignment with a malefic planet. It is advisable to avoid making large purchases or entering into real estate deals during this time.
SATURN IN THE SIGN OF PISCES at 04° 32' 46"
The commencement of the sign occurs on Tuesday, March 07, 2023, at 16:34 (GMT +3), while the conclusion of the sign is on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 6:35 (GMT +3).
Pisces is the final sign in the zodiacal cycle. It represents a period of stillness and preparation for a new beginning. Saturn, the planet associated with debts and obligations, plays a significant role during this time. It is well-known that in order to make room for new experiences, one must first resolve any lingering issues from the past. The current phase encourages reflection, learning from past mistakes, and getting ready to embrace new opportunities. In essence, Saturn brings a halt to many aspects of life during this period.
If there are no negative aspects associated with Saturn, then justice is brought back, and previously concealed or unexpressed facts are revealed. This includes granting amnesty to political prisoners (including all political prisoners involved in the GKChP case), restoring the rights of dissidents, allowing those who were previously compelled to leave their native land to return, or implementing a policy of “opening” the borders for unrestricted entry and exit from the country, similar to the temporary measure taken by Fidel Castro in 1994.
As a result, various measures are taken to address this issue, such as the introduction of new legislation and the implementation of amendments related to civil rights, immigration, social security (including pensions and benefits), healthcare (including the provision of free medicines in the UK since 1965), and the improvement of prisoner detention conditions.
Pisces represents a realm of hidden knowledge and Saturn, while seeking stability, is also known for its restraint. This combination can lead to the exposure of concealed affairs, arrests, legal proceedings, and investigations related to espionage. Additionally, secret communications, negotiations, and activities may come to light, along with political intrigues and complex maneuvers. During Saturn’s transit through Pisces, there may be reorganizations within secret organizations and numerous events that remain hidden from the general public. For instance, the completion of classified projects, the appointment of a new leader within a clandestine society, or amendments to the bylaws of a spiritual order, among other things.
The challenging aspects of Saturn are always hard to endure, especially when it is in the sign of Pisces. During this time, there tends to be an increase in the number of desperate individuals who feel a sense of helplessness, hopelessness, and a lack of meaning in their existence. These emotions are intensified by external events that are beyond a person’s control. Lawlessness becomes widespread, with laws being ignored or manipulated to benefit those in power. This fosters a climate of fear, as seen in historical examples such as Stalin’s repressions in the 1930s, Brezhnev’s persecution of dissidents in the 1960s (which involved the use of punitive psychiatry), and the rise of the mafia in the 1990s. Other possible consequences include spy scandals, kidnappings, racial unrest, religious conflicts (such as Dudayev’s call for a “holy war” against “infidels”), and the emergence of numerous sects, some of which may have totalitarian tendencies. Additionally, there may be outbreaks of diseases, epidemics, and devastating natural disasters.
SATURN IN RETROGRADE
Start: Saturday, June 17, 20:27 (GMT +3) 20:27 (GMT +3)
End: Saturday, November 04, 2023, 10:02 (GMT +3)
Similar to Jupiter, the retrograde motion of Saturn primarily impacts social life rather than personal life. In a sense, we can describe a Saturn retrograde phase as being more closely aligned with individuals who also have Saturn retrograde in their natal chart. It is important to consider the influence of Saturn retrograde for those involved in business or who hold positions in significant institutions, such as government or law enforcement.
We offer today’s Horoscope, which calculates the present location of the celestial bodies, indicating the beginning and end dates of their zodiac signs and retrograde motion. To discover tomorrow’s horoscope, or any other date, simply choose the desired date, your time zone (GMT), and click on calculate.
This astrological forecast represents the general impact of planetary energies and complements individual horoscope transits and natal chart readings.
The movements of the planets and the important aspects in 2023 are noteworthy. In 2023, there will be retrograde periods, configurations, and movements through the zodiac signs for Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. This astrological service provides the ability to calculate the current positions of the planets in the solar system. Planets are the largest celestial bodies that orbit a star. The term “planet” comes from the Greek word meaning “wanderer” or “wandering”. The planets in the solar system travel in elliptical paths around the sun.
Each one of us is affected by the changes displayed by the aspects of the planets in our solar system, although the extent of this impact may vary. These changes have a unique reflection on the life of each individual. The reason for this lies in the fact that we are all born at different times, resulting in different vibrations and energy charges. As a result, certain phenomena resonate with us, while others do not. To gain a deeper understanding of how the planetary configurations will personally affect you, it is essential to study their influence on the elements of your individual birth horoscope.
Distinctive features of the planets and their placement within the astrological signs
The connection between astrology and the planets is intimately intertwined. It can be argued that astrology’s influence on an individual is not limited to a single planet, but encompasses all the components of a unified whole. The planets and the signs of the Zodiac have a direct impact on our actions, habits, emotionality, character traits, karma, and fateful decisions. They determine the characteristics of the planets and their position in the zodiac signs. These include the Moon, the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
The impact of planets in retrograde motion
Retrograde signifies “moving in reverse.” The reason for the reversed movement is that the Earth observer and the planet are moving at varying speeds around the Sun. We are all familiar with the scenario: a passenger on a train observes another train traveling in the same direction, but at a slower pace, and it appears to be moving backwards. The mechanism of retrograde motion of planets operates in a similar manner. Taking into consideration the periods of retrograde motion of planets can greatly simplify life, especially when it comes to avoiding planning important affairs during this time. Retrograde planets ☿ Mercury ♀ Venus ♂ Mars
Each house’s cuspid has a specific ecliptic longitude that changes as the daily view of the sky changes. Essentially, the houses are connected to the sides of the world, and as the Earth rotates daily, the signs of the zodiac pass through them. The Ascendant is the cuspid of the 1st house, while the cusp of the 10th house is known as the Meridian. The cusps of the houses are significant points in a horoscope, representing the focal points of each house’s energy.
This website provides an interactive experience with the current state of the solar system, as well as its past and future positions.
EXCITING NEWS: Upcoming Events Calendar – The Highly Anticipated Solar System Spectacle is Approaching:
The Taurids Meteor Shower
Have you ever pondered the inquiry “Where do the planets presently reside?”
For individuals interested in astrology, the current positions and movements of the planets hold great significance as they can provide insights into one’s emotions and the course of their day. Similarly, astronomers rely on this information to observe and study the planets. For others, understanding the Earth’s position in relation to the Sun, moon, and planets is simply interesting to know. If you’ve ever found yourself outside at night, engaging in a discussion about whether a bright star is actually a planet and pondering which planet it might be, this website can help you narrow down the possibilities!
This online tool, known as an orrery (a device used to display the positions of planets), aims to aid in your understanding of celestial events.
Exploring Our Real-Time Solar System Map
If you have our desktop version enabled on your computer, the application displayed above utilizes data from NASA’s JPL website to accurately depict the position of the Earth and planets. This accuracy is maintained for a span of time between 3000 BCE and 3000 CE. On the other hand, if you have our mobile version enabled, you will be presented with a more simplified view of the solar system. This view will showcase the current positions of the planets, and you will also have the option to navigate up to 30 days ahead or backwards in time.
Current Planetary Positions: A Map of the Solar System
Both applications display a solar system map that provides a “plan view” of the planets arranged in the plane of the ecliptic, which is the flat plane in which the main planets orbit around the Sun.
The positions of dwarf planets are also depicted on the map. However, it is important to note that these objects often deviate significantly from the plane of the ecliptic. This is because their orbital planes are tilted at angles greater than 40 degrees in some cases. Therefore, it is necessary to acknowledge that even if the application occasionally shows a planet and a dwarf planet in close proximity in the plan view, they may actually be separated by a considerable perpendicular distance.
Earth’s Axis Tilt
As you may be aware, the Earth’s axis is inclined at an angle of 23.4 degrees and currently, the Earth’s North Pole is aligned with Polaris, also known as the North Star. The application is designed in such a way that the perspective is fixed on the stars, with Polaris always positioned off the top of the screen and hidden from view. Consequently, the Earth’s North Pole appears to be pointing upward on the screen, while the South Pole appears to be pointing downward. During the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, the North Pole tilts closer to the Sun, causing the Earth to be depicted below the Sun. Conversely, during the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere, the South Pole tilts towards the Sun, resulting in the Earth being depicted above the Sun.
Unlike other online orreries that offer various angles to view the solar system, this website consistently presents the same perspective to assist with maintaining orientation. An option to switch between the northern and southern hemispheres allows users to customize the view according to their location, making it easier to relate the positions of the planets displayed in this application to what is visible in the night sky. In both views, the North Star remains at the top of the screen.
Due to the fact that the display is fixed in a northern tilt, it functions similarly to a clock face. In this analogy, one complete rotation of the Earth around the Sun corresponds to one year. Additionally, each constellation on the display roughly corresponds to a specific month of the year. For example, January aligns with the Sun predominantly in Capricorn, while December aligns with the Sun mostly in Sagittarius, and so on.
The Zodiac, Equinoxes and Solstices and the seasons
Solstices and Equinoxes
The Zodiac is centered on the Earth and aligned with the tilt of the earth. This display indicates the zodiac sign in which the Sun is located at any given time. The Sun’s sign at a person’s birth is referred to as their Star Sign.
The Zodiac is linked to the tilt of the earth in the following manner: Due to the earth’s tilt, the Sun resides in the northern hemisphere for six months and then in the southern hemisphere for the next six months. The moment when the Sun moves from the northern to the southern hemisphere is known as the Vernal Equinox. This occurrence determines the position between Aries and Pisces, thus establishing the orientation of the entire Zodiac for the subsequent year.
In the current arrangement, the winter and summer solstices happen when the Sun crosses the vertical zodiac line, while the spring and autumn equinoxes occur when the Sun crosses the horizontal zodiac line. Therefore, using our counter-clockwise clock analogy (e.g. with the app set to the northern hemisphere mode), the winter solstice (December) takes place when the Earth is precisely at 12 o’clock relative to the Sun, the spring equinox (March or Vernal) occurs at 9 o’clock, the summer solstice (June) happens at 6 o’clock, and the autumn equinox (September or Autumnal) takes place at 3 o’clock relative to the Sun.
The longest and shortest days occur during the Solstices, while at the Equinoxes, the day length is nearly the same (12 hours) all around the globe.
Solstice and Equinox Data Courtesy of Fred Espenak, www.Astropixels.com
The Zodiac – and “Hey. That planet is in the wrong place!”
The zodiac always displays the current zodiac sign of the Sun in the desktop version. However, it may not accurately indicate the zodiac sign of each planet. “How is that possible?” you may wonder. This is because the app includes a slider control that adjusts the orbits of the planets. In the diagrammatical view, all the planets are evenly spaced in circular orbits. In contrast, the real view depicts the planets in elliptical orbits, with the inner planets squeezed close to the Sun and the outer planets more widely separated. Only when the orbit realism slider is set to the real position (indicated by the tick icon) will all the planets be correctly aligned with their respective zodiac signs. For more information on the desktop version controls, click here.
By default, this page displays a diagrammatic view. By default, the Astrology page displays a geocentric view, showing the positions of all the planets relative to Earth, without indicating distances. This view allows for easier observation of the planets in the sky and ensures that they are always displayed in their correct zodiac sign.
At times, individuals gaze up at the dark sky and anticipate that a planet indicated to be in the zodiac sign of “Cancer” will be positioned directly above the star constellation Cancer. However, this is not always accurate as zodiac signs and constellations do not align perfectly. This discrepancy arises due to two main reasons: firstly, the constellations differ in size, whereas the zodiacs are all standardized; and secondly, the constellations have shifted (or more accurately, the direction in which the Earth’s north pole points has changed) since the inception of astrology.
The direction of the North Pole changes by 1 degree every 72 years, a phenomenon known as precession. It takes about 26,000 years for the North Pole to complete a full circle. While the stars generally remain in the same place, the solstices and equinoxes, which are determined by the movement of the Sun relative to the Earth’s axis, change by 1 degree every 72 years in relation to the stars. Consequently, the position of the zodiac also shifts by 1 degree every 72 years in relation to the stars, as it is defined by the equinoxes.
Our desktop app visually represents this precession in the zodiac. As time progresses, the zodiac rotates clockwise (from a northern hemisphere perspective). The positions of all the planets, including Earth, are shown in relation to the stars and are not affected by precession.
If you want to explore more comprehensive explanations on different websites, you can click here. Additionally, if you are interested in watching a video that covers the intricate details of the Earth’s motion and how it affects the positions of the stars, you can check it out here.
Which Planets are currently experiencing Retrograde?
When the zodiac display is activated, glowing markers appear on planets that are in retrograde, indicating that the planet appears to be moving backwards from its usual direction when observed from Earth. The image on the left depicts Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune in retrograde as Earth speeds past them on its inner orbit.
In the field of Astrology, it is crucial to be aware of when planets are in retrograde, as well as when they cease and resume forward motion (known as the Stationary Direct), as it is believed that this motion can reverse and amplify the planet’s effects. However, in the realm of Astronomy, retrograde motions hold no significance as they are simply a result of the planets’ movements relative to Earth.
This software is currently in the process of being developed and we are continually adding new features. If you have any suggestions for additional features or if you have any questions about the solar system that you would like answered, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We also welcome any feedback or comments you may have about the application.
Other Free Online Orreries and Solar System Simulations
Unfortunately, two out of the three online orreries that I used to list here are no longer operational, which is quite unfortunate.
However, until I come across some more reliable online orreries, I can recommend one that is quite good:
3D Fun
This application offers a wide range of 3D features that allow you to explore the solar system while also providing you with basic facts. It also gives you the opportunity to observe all the stars and constellations.
Altas Interactive
Another excellent online orrery that is similar to ours.
Maps of the Solar System
