24 Feb 2012

Cold and Spellbinding: An Alignment of Planets in the Sunset Sky

Cold and Spellbinding: An Alignment of Planets in the Sunset Sky 

A special night to look at your night Sky is Saturday, Feb. 25th 2012, when the crescent Moon moves in to form a slender heavenly triangle with Venus, Jupiter and the Moon as vertices.  
One night later, on Sunday, Feb. 26th 2012, it happens again. This arrangement will be visible all around the world, from city and countryside alike.  The Moon, Venus and Jupiter are the brightest objects in the night sky; together they can shine through urban lights, fog, and even some clouds.
After hopping from Venus to Jupiter in late February, the Moon exits stage left, but the show is far from over.
In March, Venus and Jupiter continue their relentless convergence until, on March 12th and 13th this year, the duo lie only three degrees apart—a spectacular double beacon in the sunset sky.  Now you’ll be able to hide them together behind a pair of outstretched fingertips. Should make some interesting photography!
 
Yeah there’s something mesmerizing about our stars and planets all bunched together in this way—and, no, you’re not imagining things when it happens to you. Just chill, relax and enjoy the spectacle!

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