Beautiful Conjunction

Over the course of the nights of March 12 and 13, Venus and Jupiter gracefully passed by each other in the night sky. Only a few degrees separated the two bright planets, and it was truly a blessing to view this conjunction in Oneonta under remarkably clear skies.

Seen hovering above the 16-inch dome at College Camp in the image above (Venus on the right, Jupiter on the left), these two planets are the first points of light to appear out of the fading sunset. If you know where to look, they can even be spotted while the sun is still up - though it is admittedly difficult. Venus is approaching its greatest eastern elongation as it traverses its orbit out from behind the Sun, so while it proceeds to increase its apparent distance from the Sun for the time being, Jupiter will gradually move closer and closer to the Sun as our own planet travels onward. Ultimately, Jupiter will be lost as it passes behind the Sun, only to eventually make a reappearance in the pre-dawn sky.

Look carefully and you'll spot the Pleiades star cluster above and nearby (above the telescope in this image). Look for the two planets to be joined by a slender crescent Moon on March 25 and 26. This will be a lovely grouping not to be missed.

In addition, Mars is making its presence known for the entire night these days. Looking to the east, its ruddy hue is unmistakeable in the constellation of Leo.

Here it can be seen rising above the 14-inch telescope dome, glimmering brightly in the east. If you wait until around 10:00 p.m., you'll even catch Saturn as it rises near Spica in the constellation Virgo. Need help finding Spica? Find the Big Dipper, then follow the curve of the handle to "Arc to Arcturus" - that other really bright star on the northeastern horizon at this time of night. Then "Speed on to Spica", following the horizon toward due east. Here is a chart facing east to help you.

Arcturus is the star on the left, Spica is the star on the right, and Saturn is in between, closer to Spica. Enjoy viewing our neighbors in the solar system!