A Spectacular Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus [Waxing Crescent Moon, Too!]

University of Arizona ^ | November 27, 2008 | N/A

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Venus and Jupiter, the two normally brightest planets in our sky, are moving closer in skies worldwide, and will group in the most spectacular conjunction of two planets seen in several years at the end of November. The two reach just over 2 degrees apart in our sky on Nov. 29, and are slightly closer on Nov. 30. Until Dec. 1 (when the two planets lie nearly parallel), look for bright, whitish Jupiter in the southwestern sky above brighter Venus. Jupiter and Venus are both highest each evening in evening twilight but lose altitude early, setting in the west-southwest around 8:20 p.m. during the last week of November.

The public is invited to join Flandrau, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and UA Students for the Exploration and Development of Space for special free telescope viewing of this planetary duo, and other celestial objects. Donations are encouraged.

The public also is invited to attend a special talk by Patrick Woida, Phoenix Mars Scout Mission senior engineer at The University of Arizona. Woida will talk about the recent Mars exploration with the Mars Phoenix Mission, detailing what we've learned and have yet to understand, and will describe and tie in to this spectacular planetary grouping of Venus and Jupiter. His presentation will start at 8 p.m. both nights, last about 45 minutes and costs $7.50 per person for adults.

Admission: Planetarium Theater Shows $7.50, viewing is free Audience: All, Large (101-500)

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Do look, absolutely spectacular. They did not mention that Monday evening, the conjunction will include the waxing crescent moon.

[acapesket]

Stop with the Moon already!!
I am a Cancer.. I cannot sleep during Full Moons or funky Moons!

The Moon makes me cuckoo!!

So long.. farewell.. Au viedersen

[Per-Ling]

Cancer bump!

[Marine_Uncle]

I figure I get a few more minutes in on FR before I retire. So let me at least post a response to your rather lonely post. Do have an upcoming safe Thanks Giving Day. And thanks for serving our country in uniform.
And yes for many there is a thrill on clear winter nights to see such events in the sky.
Strange. I just emailed a response to a long time friend, both Sea Scout friend, skier friend who I spent many years skiing in Vermont with, as well as a business associate who now resides outside the USA who lived many years in Mass., while working at DEC.
Must be in the stars. hehah.

[LiteKeeper]

I have been watching them over the last few days. What a spectacular sight!

[DannyTN]

"the conjunction will include the waxing crescent moon."

I wonder if that has signficance to the Islamists and is the primary reason that they chose now for terrorist attacks?

[Yadanuiat]

Very likely. There have been lots of attacks that are related to the position of Venus in the sky.

[Bellflower]

ping

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

The Moon makes me cuckoo!!

I'm sure that President-Elect-for-Life 0bama has a campaign promise to fix that. (At least he's not President-Erect, like the last Democrat.)

[SunkenCiv]

Bright Venus continues moving closer to bright Jupiter:
Both easily seen by eye just after sunset
Heavens-Above.com
Posted on 11/19/2008 7:59:03 AM PST by ETL
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2134631/posts

Dim but Visible: Seeking Out Uranus
Space.com | 03 October 2008 | Joe Rao
Posted on 10/06/2008 8:18:07 PM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2099269/posts