Jupiter, Venus and Mercury
are within a 3-degree circle on the sky’s dome on May 25-27, 2013. May 26 is
the closest grouping of these three planets until the year 2021
The planetary trio has
begun! That’s when three planets fit within a circle with a 5-degree, or
smaller, diameter. Jupiter, Venus and Mercury meet that definition of a
planetary trio from May 24-29, 2013. And they’ll be even closer – all be about
3 degrees apart – as evening dusk falls on May 25, 26 and 27. May 26 is the
closest grouping of these three planets until the year 2021. If your sky is
clear – and your horizon unobstructed – look for the planets in the west as
soon as the sun sets on these May 2013 evenings. You’ll easily find the two
brightest planets there: Venus and Jupiter. The innermost planet Mercury is
fainter, but you’ll see it. Some are calling this late May 2013 event a triple
conjunction, but a more fitting and descriptive name is planetary
trio.
When and how do I look for the three planets? Start looking just after the sun goes
down, about 30 minutes after sunset. Jupiter and Venus are now easily visible –
both very bright – but they are low in the western twilight. Trees or tall
buildings will block them from view. Mercury is also visible to the eye now.
They are a very noticeable grouping, low in the twilight sky. Just be sure to
look soon after the sun sets, because they’ll soon follow the sun below the
western horizon.
Note that all three planets should be close enough together now
for simultaneous binocular viewing. You can see them with the eye alone.
Binoculars will enhance your enjoyment of the twilight scene.
Jupiter,
Venus Mercury daily viewing guide
On May 24, Mercury passes Venus less than 2 degrees from Venus
in right ascension. Around this time, the three planets will begin to look like
a triangle in the twilight. Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury now all fit within a
5-degree circle and will stay that close together until May 29.
On May 26, the triangle of Venus, Jupiter and Mercury will be
most compact, closer than you’ll see them again until 2021. Your thumb at arm’s
length will almost cover them.
By May 27, the triangle is beginning to disperse, but wait …
keep watching.
On May 28, Venus passes Jupiter in right ascension, at a
distance of 1 degree. The two brightest worlds 1 degree apart! It’ll be an
awesome sight
No comments:
Post a Comment