The solar system is indulging us with yet another spectacular display this week. Stargazers have been tracking the movements of Jupiter and Venus over the past few days and should be able to glimpse a ‘planetary conjunction’ within the next week.
What that essentially means is the two brightest planets in our night sky are gradually drawing nearer to one another, and at the start of March, they will appear to form one shimmering whole. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is planetary conjunction?
It is the name given to the occasion when two planets appear to meet in the same part of the sky.
When are Jupiter and Venus in conjunction?
From February 20 to March 10. The moon also joined the party between February 21 and 23, adding a little bit of extra drama to the event.
How can I see Jupiter and Venus meet from the UK?
You’ll be able to see the planets approaching each other with the naked eye every evening for the next week. However, you’ll get an optimal view on Wednesday March 1, when Jupiter and Venus will be closest to each other.
The planets will appear to join together on Wednesday at 6.45pm. According to Space.com, Jupiter will be blazing twice as bright as Sirius (the brightest star in the sky) and Venus will gleam six times brighter than Jupiter.
The two planets will then begin to go their separate ways again but will continue to make for a stunning sight until around March 10.
Is there a live stream?
There isn’t a live stream available right now, but we recommend keeping an eye on the Virtual Telescope Project website.
How rare is this occurrence?
It’s actually not rare at all. Venus and Jupiter align with each other around every 13 months, so unlike the once-in-a-generation green comet, stargazers will be to witness the cosmic meeting roughly once a year.
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