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What is a Conjunction?
A conjunction is an alignment of 2 or more celestial bodies (usually the moon and planets) in the sky, from our vantage point on Earth. The objects aren't necessarily physically close to each other in space, but from where we see them, when the bodies are grouped close together on the sky we call them in conjunction.
12th May: Mercury, Mars, Venus and Jupiter
Between May 2nd and May 12th, the four planets converge to their closest point during the conjunction, where on May 12th they'll be within 6 degrees of each other.
Jupiter, Venus and Mercury will also be within 2 degrees of each other, with Jupiter and Venus the closest together at just over half a degree.
The trio will make a fantastic low-power view with binoculars and a higher power view of Jupiter and Venus through your telescope.
See the Sky Chart below for the view on the 12th May. They simulate the view from approx 5:45am local time AEST in mid-southern (Sydney) latitudes.
21st May: Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter
Skipping forward another 9 days, and Venus and Mercury are moving down towards the North-moving Mars while Jupiter rises earlier and continues its journey higher in the sky towards the North.
Jupiter will be at approx 18 degrees altitude, while Mercury, Venus and Mars form a triangle between 9 and 10 degrees altitude. The trio will be within 2 degrees of each other, though at magnitude 1.3, Mars will be dimmer than Mercury (-0.1) and Venus (-3.78).
30th May: Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter
31st May: Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter
Originally posted by Bob Sholtz
really? may 12? hmmmm. expect big things may 12. none will be able to deny any longer. though sadly the fools will.
Originally posted by ararisq
S&F - thanks for posting this - its good to see how the actual alignment is predicted to be like. I have a question though - I saw this article posted today on the DrudgeReport but it was originally released by Space.com on April 28th and referring to an alignment for that week (the week of the BC, Royal Wedding, and Osama). Is this the same alignment or a different one?
(CNN) -- Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn will soon line up for a cosmic dance that should delight observers all over the world who look up into the skies before dawn. - July, 2001
Originally posted by Bob Sholtz
really? may 12? hmmmm. expect big things may 12. none will be able to deny any longer. though sadly the fools will.
Originally posted by TheLogicalist
Originally posted by Bob Sholtz
really? may 12? hmmmm. expect big things may 12. none will be able to deny any longer. though sadly the fools will.
One more day..You want to find another random day to pick? Or are you sticking with your gut?