The world is not yet done talking about the rare encounter between two planets in our solar system in the night sky! Almost daily you can find new images published on the Internet of the Venus-Jupiter conjunction. NASA has shared the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus seen as two points of light over Italy in the night sky as today’s astronomy image.
NASA said while sharing the image that “a few days ago, the two brightest planets in the night sky passed within a single degree of each other in what is called a conjunction. The two points of light visible just after sunset in large parts of the world, were Jupiter (left) and Venus (right). The featured image was taken near closest approach from Cirica, Sicily, Italy. Just a week ago, Venus rose in the evening sky to meet Jupiter, but now their positions turned.
Of course, Venus is much closer to the Sun and Earth than Jupiter, and the apparent proximity of the two planets in Earth’s sky was quite angular. Despite their ongoing separation, the famous duo can still be observed for about an hour after sunset this month, but Jupiter will continue to set earlier each night.
Next Venus and Jupiter conjunction
Did you miss witnessing this rare planetary conjunction between Venus and Jupiter? According to a report from Space.com, Venus and Jupiter won’t come close again until February 7, 2032! It’s almost a decade.
Do not worry! This wasn’t the only planetary conjunction you can enjoy. The-sky.org report mentioned that Venus and Uranus will meet in the night sky on March 31, 2023. “Venus and Uranus will share the same right ascension, with Venus passing 1°17′ north of Uranus,” the report mentioned.
If you are in Delhi, you will be able to see the duo around 18:52 (IST), located 31 degrees above the western horizon as the evening light fades. As time passes, they will gradually lower towards the horizon, finally setting 2 hours and 46 minutes after the Sun, at 21:23. It will be visible through binoculars.