[net.astro] What are these stars/planets?

rjnoe@ihlts.UUCP (Roger Noe @ N41:48.5, W88:07.2) (02/21/84)

>>	They are probably Mars and Saturn. Mars is the one closer to the
>>	horizon. Almost all of the planets are visible in the SE-sky before
>>	sunrise.

Of course the poster meant all the planets visible to the naked eye are in
the same general region of the sky at this moment.  Mars and Saturn passed
within 48 minutes (0.8 degree) of arc about a week ago.  Look for a
yellowish Jupiter a bit to the East of Mars and Saturn (and a bit lower in
the sky), and a bright Venus to the East of Jupiter (that's left for most
of you).  Venus rises ABOUT 0500 local time, and is visible on a clear
morning until 0630 or even 0700.  Also in this region are several planets
not visible to the naked eye, including Pluto and Uranus (or is it Neptune--
or both?).  But I know Mercury isn't in this general area.  Perhaps someone
with the numbers will post them.  If you know where Libra is, you're
looking at Mars and Saturn.
	Roger Noe		ihnp4!ihlts!rjnoe