The three brightest objects in the night sky met up early on Wednesday (Feb. 22) when the moon made a close approach to both Venus and Jupiter in the sky. The moon visited Venus, the second planet from the sun, first, and then moved close to the solar system’s largest planet, the gas giant Jupiter, shortly after this.
As two of the brightest objects in the evening sky, you won’t need a telescope to see this planetary conjunction.
Astronomically speaking, a conjunction is when two astronomical objects appear close to each other in the sky, as they appear from our view on Earth.
I’ve seen some amazing photos from those who have a clear sky at night, it has been cloudy here, however if you do spot anything take a photo and let me know.
Towards the end of the month, the Moon will progress eastward, while Jupiter and Venus get closer together.
On 1 and 2 March, Venus and Jupiter will be less than one degree apart in the sky.
So keep a look out over the next week, hopefully we will have clear skies and I’ve read it’s best to look up during sunset and just after.
Venus is currently presenting as the Evening Star (Venus appears in the morning sky for around 263 days (aka the Morning Star), and in the evening sky (aka the Evening Star) for around 263 days) remaining in the sky after the Sun has set in the late afternoon. As a result, it’s one of the brightest objects in the twilight sky, and is easilydistinguishable as we look towards the west.
Heavers Farm Year 5 