VENUS AND JUPITER-TOGETHER?
Up in the eastern sky, two white dots appear. What are they? Jupiter and Mars. They appear together or close to each other in late August. Right before sunrise, people can see it with the naked eye or binoculars, or a telescope. They are fundamentally different types of planets.
They are both light, making them easy to see. Venus can outshine all other planets and even the brightest stars. A crescent moon will join the planets in the sky around August 19th-20th, making a triangular shape. Binoculars and telescopes can see clearly, maybe even one or more of Jupiter’s moons! They will keep close enough for several mornings afterward, slowly drifting apart as the month goes on. Later in August, Mercury will appear in the dawn sky, creating a short planetary alignment.
Kelly Beatty and some other people described the conjunction as a “truly stunning and remarkable sight, like seeing a brilliant double star.” and say that “although finding a good viewing location with a clear horizon might require some effort, it’s considered well worth it to witness this astronomical event, particularly as such close conjunctions are relatively rare.”
Be very cautious and only observe well before sunrise. Never point your instrument at the sun—it can seriously hurt your eyes.
A Jupiter-Venus conjunction is a spectacular astronomical event that highlights how the planets in our solar system move smoothly and elegantly. It offers a powerful reminder of the beauty and wonder of space. This celestial alignment not only captivates the eye but also inspires curiosity and awe about the universe.