In the early morning of 15th August, stargazers are treated to a close approach of the planets Jupiter and Mars as they make a conjunction in the night sky. A conjunction is where two astronomical objects, likes planets, appear close together in the sky.
Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, will be complemented by the faintly reddish hue of Mars. This cosmic conjunction offers an opportunity for both seasoned astronomers and casual stargazers to observe a captivating dance of the planetary pair, reminding us of the vastness and wonder of the universe.
When and where to look:
The pair will be visible low on the eastern horizon in the dawn sky on 15th August. They rise at 2:40am and the best time to view will be after 3am, until they are lost to dawn around 6:30am. The converging planets will be together above the northern horizon in the constellation of Taurus.
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