Venus, Jupiter, Moon Govern The Thanksgiving Sky

By Dee Chisamera
15:05, November 26th 2008
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Venus, Jupiter, Moon Govern The Thanksgiving Sky

This week, stargazers are in for a spectacular display by Jupiter, Venus and a crescent Moon, as the celestial bodies prepare for a triple conjunction on the night of December 1st. Throughout this week, the bright Venus and almost just as bright Jupiter can be seen drawing closer together.

The phenomenon is even more remarkable as the distance between them seems to shrink at a fast pace. The planets will go from being 8 degrees apart on November 22nd to being 2 degrees apart on December 1st.

Astronomers confirmed the display will be visible with naked eye, with the two planets separated by just 2 degrees. The crescent Moon will be only 20 degrees to their lower right on Saturday night, when the two planets will be 2.4 degrees apart, Sky and Telescope Magazine informs.

“It’ll be a head-turner,” said Alan MacRobert, senior editor of Sky and Telescope, according to the Associated Press. “This certainly is an unusual coincidence for the crescent moon to be right there in the days when they are going to be closest together.”

The event is one not to miss because although such encounters take place from time to time, the celestial bodies are sometimes not visible due to being too close to the sun. Furthermore, stargazers should know that another event such as this one will take place again approximately four decades from now.



Image Credit: Sky and Telescope Magazine
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