Much to nearly every science educator's dismay, there are now only 8 planets; Pluto was demoted to "dwarf planet" status in 2006. It is still out there, but because of its small size and irregular orbit scientists decided it didn't truly fit the mold of a true planet. Poor Pluto! The correct pronunciation of the 7th planet is "YUR-uh-nus", not "your-ANUS"! I tell my students that "your anus" is the hole at the lower end of your digestive tract, and that isn't a very nice thing to call a planet! :) They don't forget that! See following photo for more information on the planets...
is sometimes called the "Morning Star" or "Evening Star" because it is seen just after sunset or just before sunrise. This shot was taken on Sept. 29, 2009 at 6:30 a.m. Like the Moon, Venus has phases. Click this link or more information on the phases (most of it is in German, but it can be translated through one of the translation sites). Being the only "female" in the planetary line-up, Venus has to be a bit different! It is the hottest planet (~900 degrees on the surface); it is upside down, so it spins backwards (east to west); and just like a female, she takes her time doing things, her day is longer than her year! But, like her Roman goddess namesake, she is a true beauty sparkling on the morning or evening horizon like a diamond in the sky. This photo was taken with a Nikon D82 spotting scope (what I call a "poor man's high power telephoto lens) attached to my camera.
were in close alignment in early Dec. 2008. Venus is on the left. This was the first time I've been able to get a decent (but not great!) shot of any planet and I was able to get 2 at the same time! Two of Jupiter's moons are just barely visible on its upper left if you look very closely.
