Jupiter, Venus and the Moon

There is a pretty sight awaiting us in the skies tonight - the crescent Moon will appear close to the planet Venus as soon as the Sun sets. You will be able to see the Pleiades in Taurus the Bull above the Moon as well!

Click image to enlarge. Look for Venus and the Moon in the west as soon as the Sun sets. Image Credit: Stellarium.

Look to the west as soon as the Sun sets. Venus will be the incredibly bright object, with the crescent Moon a little to the South and above. The Pleiades are above the Moon in the west - a star cluster that rides on the back of Taurus the Bull. 

Click on image to enlarge. The Pleiades are above the Moon in the West, riding on the back, or forming the shoulder of the Bull. Image Credit: Stellarium

Venus is the second planet from the Sun, and covered in thick clouds. Those clouds (made of carbon dioxide, mostly) reflect a great deal of sunlight back to Earth, making Venus the 3rd brightest object one can see in the sky (the Sun is the brightest, and the Full Moon comes in second). Venus is so bright that it can cast shadows. 

Check out lots of great images of the conjunction at EarthSky.org

It is a great time for planet watchers, because the 4th brightest object we can see in the sky is visible as well - the gas giant Jupiter! Look toward the southeast after sunset for the brightest object you can find, and you have found Jupiter. Don't be confused with Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, which is below Orion. Jupiter is brighter and higher than Sirius. See image below. 

Click on image to enlarge. Jupiter will appear to move through Leo the Lion this year. Image credit: Stellarium.

Venus and the Moon will set about an hour after sunset, but Jupiter will be visible most of the night. From our perspective on Earth, Jupiter looks like it is moving into the constellation of Leo the Lion, the first of the spring constellations to rise. Jupiter will be moving through Leo all year. 

Speaking of Jupiter, Juno is still on its way... it will get there in July of 2016. See previous posts about Jupiter and the Juno mission here and here.

Both Venus and Jupiter are SO BRIGHT that they are impossible to miss on clear nights. Next time you are out, look up! I am sure you will be able to find them. 

Learn more of the latest news from space at Wine and Cheese Under the Stars on April 10!