The two brightest planets in the solar system, Jupiter and Venus, will make a rare view this weekend. These two planets are normally millions of miles apart. However, for stargazers on Earth, there will be a planetary conjunction occurring.
Although this event occurs every year, scientists say that the Venus and Jupiter meeting will take place at a closer point this year. It is also stated that it will be possible to observe it clearly without the help of a telescope.
The conjunction will be on the morning of the night connecting April 30 to May 1
Venus and Jupiter, millions of miles apart and completing their orbits around the sun at different times, will be in the same line in the sky. This event, called the ‘conjunction of the planets’, will take place on the night that connects April 30 to May 1, when viewed from the earth towards the morning.
This convergence won’t happen again until 2039. In addition, Saturn and Mars will be in line with Jupiter and Venus. Brad Tucker, an astrophysicist at the Australian National University, said the planets have come close to each other over the past few weeks. “Although Venus and Jupiter have converged in a few years, this time there are also extremely rare Mars and Saturn in the mix.”
Although the planets are in close view, the planets will actually be 430m miles away in orbit. Lead star observer Lucie Green stated in a statement that the brightness of the planets will be different.
Venus is brighter than Jupiter, so it will appear dazzlingly bright when you see it. Jupiter will remain slightly fainter, at one-sixth the brightness of Venus.
Venus, Jupiter, Mercury and Mars last met at the sunrise on May 13, 2011. This situation was seen as an occurrence that is unlikely to be seen again until 2040.
So what do you think about this planetary conjunction event? You can share your views with us in the comments section or on the SDN Forum.
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