The planet Jupiter hangs high in the western sky in mid-evening this week, with the bright stars of the Summer Triangle off to its right. The crew of the "China Clipper" used these and other stars as navigational aids during its first crossing of the Pacific Ocean 75 years ago. Celestial navigation was used by pilots for decades, and by ship's navigators for centuries. [Tim Jones]
+
Get the ultimate StarDate fan experience with our new premium digital package — a one-year subscription to the digital edition of StarDate magazine and a one-year subscription to our same-day audio service. For a limited time, we're offering both together for just $45, a savings of 20% over purchasing both separately.
StarDate depends on the support of listeners and astronomy enthusiasts like you. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to StarDate.
StarDate is brought to you in part through the generous support of our underwriters. Interested in underwriting? Let us know.
©2013 The University of Texas McDonald Observatory