On May 26, 2013 a rare planetary event will take place at around sunset. It is then that a triple conjunction of planets will happen, however, leading up to this pivotal point viewers of the sky can begin watching the planets and our Moon begin their movement across the evening heavens starting on Saturday May 11.
The planets in question as they relate to Earth are Mercury, Venus and the gas giant Jupiter. They will form a near perfect triangle in the fading twilight with Venus showing brightest. On that date look to the western horizon about one hour after sunset to get the clearest view.
This kind of triple conjunction event won’t be visible again until October 2015. What makes this one so unique is the brightness of the planets, something not usually seen from Earth’s vantage point. Also what will make this so spectacular is watchers won’t need to invest in expensive astronomy equipment to view it. The stupendous site can be seen in some areas of the planet with the naked eye and a regular pair of binoculars will be of great aid in other locations.
Two days later, May 28 another spectacular site will be Venus passing just one degree distance from Jupiter creating a shinning pair.
It is just these kinds of events in the heavens that make us realize why our ancient ancestors thought these bright lights in the distance were dancing or warring gods.
Space.com: Stargazing Events for May 2013 (Sky Maps)
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