logo
logo
Sign in

Venus, the most illuminated planet, and Jupiter, the gas giant, will look like two orbs nearly touching — separated by less than 1 degree in the night sky. Conjunctions occur when two planets, a planet and a star, or a planet and the Moon appear from Earth to be nearly grazing each other. But this conjunction is different because of the closeness of the planets. If you were to stretch out your hand and hold your pinkie out against the night sky, “you couldn’t fit your pinkie between these planets, they’re so close,” said NASA ambassador Tony Rice. “They don’t get this close very often.” But don’t be fooled — it’s an optical illusion. While it may look like the two planets are cuddling, they are actually separated by millions of miles of space. Skywatch: Jupiter and Venus dance, spring arrives and, with it, a farewell Venus and Jupiter have been gradually moving toward each other for the past few weeks. Last week, they formed a stunning line with the crescent moon.

avatar
yamairo
Venus, the most illuminated planet, and Jupiter, the gas giant, will look like two orbs nearly touching — separated by less than 1 degree in the night sky. Conjunctions occur when two planets, a planet and a star, or a planet and the Moon appear from Earth to be nearly grazing each other. But this conjunction is different because of the closeness of the planets.  If you were to stretch out your hand and hold your pinkie out against the night sky, “you couldn’t fit your pinkie between these planets, they’re so close,” said NASA ambassador Tony Rice. “They don’t get this close very often.”  But don’t be fooled — it’s an optical illusion. While it may look like the two planets are cuddling, they are actually separated by millions of miles of space.  Skywatch: Jupiter and Venus dance, spring arrives and, with it, a farewell  Venus and Jupiter have been gradually moving toward each other for the past few weeks. Last week, they formed a stunning line with the crescent moon.


This article is about the importance of mutual understanding, acceptance, and understanding between different people of different cultures. It highlights the need to recognize that no matter one's background and cultural experience, everyone is capable of achieving a respectful relationship. It suggests that by being open and interested in different cultures and customs, individuals can learn to appreciate the unique perspectives of people from other cultures and foster compassion. The article encourages us to be mindful of how our interactions with others may affect them and try to put ourselves in their shoes. It further urges us to be accepting and understanding of people from diverse backgrounds, as this could lead to a better and more peaceful society. Lastly, the article stresses that by learning about different cultures and different people, we can get to know ourselves better.


The two planets will make a slow-motion run toward each other Wednesday and Thursday nights before parting ways until May 2024, according to Noah Petro, a scientist with the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter project at NASA. The last time Venus and Jupiter were in conjunction was April 30, 2022.

The next time Venus and Jupiter will be as close as they are now will be on Feb. 7, 2032, according to Rice.

On Wednesday night, Jupiter, on the left side of Venus, will be the dimmer globe because it is much farther away, Rice said. Venus will glow nearly six times as bright as Jupiter.

The two planets will be closest around midnight, when they will be half a degree apart, Petro said. Then the planets will gradually move away from each other.

So, if you care to find the two sundown showstoppers, look to the western sky — as the character Elphaba says in the musical “Wicked.” Away from bright city lights and where skies are clear, the couple should be visible to everyone on Earth with the naked eye, but binoculars or a telescope will bring the pair more into focus.


Jupiter’s four large moons may also be visible to viewers with a strong telescope.

After Thursday, Venus will slowly ascend higher from the horizon with each passing night. But Jupiter will sink into the skyline, “disappearing below the evening horizon by the middle of the month,” Rice said.

If you miss out on the specular glow from Venus and Jupiter on Wednesday night, Thursday night will offer one more chance. If you miss both viewings this month, don’t fret: Conjunctions are common! But you’ll have to wait until the summer solstice to see the next one.

On the first official day of summer, Venus, Mars and the Moon will form a triangle in the night sky. No special equipment will be needed to view the trio.

collect
0
avatar
yamairo
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more