This weekend, be sure to look west after sunset. A beautiful alignment of planets is happening in the sky. You’ll spot Venus, bright and low, with Jupiter not far off. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of tiny Mercury just above the horizon. This gathering of planets promises to create a stunning sight!
As the weekend unfolds:
Friday, May 22: The moon, lighting up 45%, will pass near Regulus, the brightest star in Leo.
Saturday, May 23: After sunset, look for Jupiter shining just above Venus. Mercury will be close to the horizon. If it’s hard to see, binoculars might help.
Sunday, May 24: You’ll have another chance to spot this trio, with the bright star Capella joining the sight. It will form a triangle with Venus and Mercury.
This celestial event will set the stage for a remarkable planetary encounter over the next few weeks. Night after night, Venus and Jupiter will appear even closer in the sky, leading to a close conjunction on June 9-11. During this time, Mercury will also be visible, creating a vibrant display.
An interesting fact: In 2020, a similar alignment caught the attention of many stargazers, with Venus and Jupiter coming as close as one-tenth of a degree apart, a phenomenon known as a planetary conjunction. Social media was abuzz with photos and reactions from enthusiasts everywhere.
Looking ahead, the full moon will occur on May 31, heralding a “Blue Moon” that will be best visible on May 30. This will coincide with “Manhattanhenge” in New York, where the sunset aligns perfectly with the city’s streets.
As June begins, keep an eye on the sky for the evening pairing of Venus and Jupiter. They’ll be drawing closer, leading up to a supermoon on June 15, which will be the largest of the year.
For more information on stargazing, check out Stellarium, a fantastic resource for pinpointing celestial events based on your location.
So, grab a blanket, head outside, and enjoy the wonders of our universe this weekend!
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