Photo: NASA
(Ames, IA) -- Sky conditions have been perfect for star gazers in Iowa lately. Jupiter is easily visible as the brightest star in the southern night time sky. Angela Zalucha of Iowa State University's Physics and Astronomy Department says Saturn can also be seen, although is less bright than Jupiter. She says in October, if skies are clear, Venus will also be easily visible near the rising or setting sun.
Zalucha recommends star gazers head away from the city lights to see stars more clearly.
She says there are several bright stars still visible right now too, including Vega.