In the last few days, the two brightest planets have offered us the spectacle of a wonderful celestial ballet. A dance that will lead Jupiter and Venus to an unavoidable convergence on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023.
Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The date is noted in the astronomers’ calendar. It is what was predicted of a conjunction between two planets in our solar system, Venus and Jupiter. An event that is not really extraordinary since the two planets have a habit of crossing and approaching each other. This happens about once a year. In 2015, they nearly “grazed” each other, emerging at a visual distance of only about 22 arc minutes.
This time Jupiter and Venus remain just a little further apart, 0.5 degrees of arc. It corresponds to the apparent diameter of the full moon. But the show should still be wonderful. Starring the two brightest planets in the sky. Currently the magnitude of Jupiter is -2.2 and Venus is -4.4. This makes them very easy to watch. Among other things in the city. Assuming you have a clear view of the western horizon.
Jupiter and Venus put on a show
Observers will have noticed that Jupiter and Venus have been beginning their nightly ballet for a few days. On February 22, they even invited the moon to dance. To enjoy the choreography for yourself, all you have to do is turn your gaze to the west once the sun goes down.
Last recommendation if you admire the spectacle offered by Jupiter, the god of gods, and Venus, the goddess of love. Do not forget that this is neither more nor less than a beautiful illusion. In reality, the two planets remain very far apart in orbit around the sun. Without risk of collision.