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May 20th , 2024

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VENUS AND JUPITER CONJUNCTION: PLANETS TO ALMOST TOUCH IN NIGHT SKY

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On Saturday, you might be able to see two of the solar system's brightest planets almost colliding if you look up in the sky at the right time.

 

Although Venus and Jupiter will be millions of miles apart, they will appear to be on the verge of colliding from Earth. This planetary conjunction occurs once a year, although it will be more closer this year than normal.

 

 

 

The next time something like this happens will be in 2039. In a clear sky, it should be visible with the naked eye or binoculars.

 

After Saturday, the two planets will drift apart in the ensuing days as they move away.

 

Prof Lucie Green, a space scientist and head stargazer of the Society for Popular Astronomy, says, "It's quite exciting for astronomers and it's a really excellent chance for people to come out and have a look."

 

What is planetary conjunction, and how does it work?

 

In the night sky of the Earth, a conjunction occurs when two planets seem close together or even touch.

 

 

Venus and Jupiter have been progressively approaching each other in the sky in the days leading up to Saturday.

 

The planets' orbits are around 430 million miles apart in reality, yet their apparent alignment as seen from Earth provides the impression that they are touching.

 

 

 

What is the best way for me to see it?

You'll need to set your alarms and be prompt in the UK. Looking east before the Sun rises at 05:00 BST will be the ideal time to get a peek.

 

The planets will be low in the sky, near to the horizon, and the view will be obstructed by hills and buildings. Find a high vantage point and search for two dazzlingly brilliant lights that are extremely close together.

 

 

 

"The brightness of the planets will vary. Venus is brighter than Jupiter, so when you view it, it will appear dazzlingly brilliant. Jupiter will be somewhat less luminous than Venus, roughly one-sixth as bright "Prof. Green adds.

 

 

 

She recommends utilizing an app to assist you to navigate the sky.

 

You might be able to see some structure in Jupiter's atmosphere or some of its larger moons if you have a telescope.

 

At various periods of day and night, the conjunction may be observed from both hemispheres of the Earth.

 

 

 

A view of Mars and Saturn, which create a line of four planets, may also be seen via a telescope.

 

 

 

Prof. Green said she'll be up and out of bed in the UK to see it.

 

 

 

"However, if I don't make it on Saturday morning, I won't be too concerned," she explains.

 

 

 

"The two planets will begin to drift apart in the following days, but I will still be able to view them."

 

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