DR. SKY BLOG

Arizona astronomers: Look to the skies for Venus-Jupiter conjunction

Nov 7, 2017, 2:08 PM | Updated: 7:46 pm
(Photo: NASA)...
(Photo: NASA)
(Photo: NASA)

Over the next few days, observers in Arizona will be able to witness an amazing astronomical event in our skies.

I am referring to the close conjunction of both the giant planet Jupiter and the bright planet Venus. This rare celestial event will be best seen on the morning of Nov. 13, before dawn in the southeast sky.

Look to the southeast sky around 6 a.m. on Nov. 10 and you will see these two objects in close proximity.

The two brightest planets to see on earth are Venus and Jupiter. They are easy to see with the naked eye, if you know where to look.

Venus is the brighter of the two objects and on the left, while Jupiter is on the right side.

To add some extra excitement to the equation, the thin waning crescent moon will be close to this dynamic duo on the morning of Nov. 16, just before sunrise.

This makes for a great photo opportunity and a chance to observe both objects in the same field of view in binoculars and a small telescope.

This also paves the way for the next decent meteor shower, Leonids, which will be best seen in the early morning sky on Nov. 16 and 17.

Venus has been that bright object in the pre-dawn sky and now Jupiter, fresh out of its October conjunction with the sun, will soon join it.

This conjunction is special because in reality, these two objects are on opposite side of the Earth in space.

Venus, the second planet from the sun, is now about 150 million miles from Earth. Jupiter, on the other hand, is the fifth planet from the sun and is about 598 million miles from us.

The last major conjunction of these planets was back in the summer of 2016.

Here is your very own November sky map to help locate many of the objects and events listed above.

Dr. Sky Blog

(Pixabay Photo)...
Steve Kates

In February, skywatchers will see beautiful full snow moon, maybe even a comet

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is streaking along our skies. If you want to see it, grab a pair of binoculars or a telescope.
2 months ago
This split image shows the difference between an active sun during solar maximum (on the left, capt...
Steve Kates

Hot news: Solar Cycle 25 is ramping up the sky show in 2023

The sun is now in the process of showing us its real power during the long-awaited Solar Cycle 25.
2 months ago
(Pexels Photo)...
Steve Kates

Sirius: The brightest star in the night sky comes into view

Our January night sky offers up some really amazing sights and some include viewing that brightest star in the sky in remote locations.
2 months ago
(Pixabay Photo)...
Steve Kates

New comet to streak across skies before end of January

Get set for a new comet coming our way! Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF can be viewed with binoculars in the early morning sky later this month.
3 months ago
(Pixabay Photo)...
Steve Kates

Why we kiss under the mistletoe, tracking Santa and other holiday rituals

As we celebrate the holidays and Christmas, we look for some time to relax with loved ones and enjoy many of the traditions that have come from the distant past!
3 months ago
(Pixabay Photo)...
Steve Kates

Sky events to look forward to in 2023 include a rare eclipse and meteor showers

We've got a new year to look forward to great events in our skies after a terrific 2022.
3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

(Pexels Photo)...

Sports gambling can be fun for adults, but it’s a dangerous game for children

While adults may find that sports gambling is a way to enhance the experience with more than just fandom on the line, it can be a dangerous proposition if children get involved in the activity.
(Desert Institute for Spine Care photo)...
DESERT INSTITUTE FOR SPINE CARE

Why DISC is world renowned for back and neck pain treatments

Fifty percent of Americans and 90% of people at least 50 years old have some level of degenerative disc disease.
(Photo via MLB's Arizona Fall League / Twitter)...
Arizona Fall League

Top prospects to watch at this year’s Arizona Fall League

One of the most exciting elements of the MLB offseason is the Arizona Fall League, which began its 30th season Monday.
Arizona astronomers: Look to the skies for Venus-Jupiter conjunction