Venus, Jupiter, moon offer dazzling show
2012-02-23 22:35
-
NASA
The USA accelerated the space race in 1958 by forming NASA. Eager readers will learn about the...
Now R432.00
buy now
Cape Canaveral - Stargazers of the world are getting a treat this weekend.
On Saturday and again on Sunday, Venus, Jupiter and Earth's moon converge for a brilliant night show.
Venus and Jupiter already are lining up in the western sky. In mid-February, the two planets were 20° apart from a viewing perspective. The gap narrows to 10° by month's end.
A crescent moon joins the show this weekend for a triple combination. The celestial encounter will be visible from around the world at twilight. The moon will appear closer to Venus on Saturday and closer to Jupiter on Sunday.
The moon then retreats from view, but Venus and Jupiter keep drawing closer. The two planets will be just 3° apart by mid-March.
- AP
