In the early morning of 15th August, stargazers are treated to a close approach of the planets Jupiter and Mercury as they make a conjunction in the pre-dawn sky. A conjunction is where two astronomical objects, likes planets, appear close together in the sky.
Mercury, the closest planet to our Sun, will be complemented by Jupiter which will appear brighter. The proximity to sunrise will make it difficult though. The Sun will rise at 6.53am (AWST) which means the morning sky will be quite light when you’re trying to see Jupiter and Mercury. The planets rise just after 6.15am, so a straight view to the eastern horizon will be essential.
Use the above image as a guide. Astronomical images provided by SkySafari, a Simulation Curriculum Company, All rights reserved www.simulationcurriculum.com.
When and where to look:
From 6.15am, 15th August. Look very low on the eastern horizon.
Something Interesting
Jupiter is easily the largest planet in the solar system – the king of the planets is more than twice as massive as all the other planets combined, and even Jupiter’s great red spot is bigger than Earth.
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There’s always something interesting happening in the night sky and country WA is the best place to catch all the action