Venus and Jupiter to Converge Above Kansas on March 1
Written by Reananda Hidayat PermonoCompleted Master of Science - MS, Petroleum Geology from Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
This week, Venus and Jupiter will create a rare planetary conjunction, and there is no need to leave your backyard to witness this historical moment.
Two planets will appear to come closer and closer together, even though they are more than six billion miles apart.
A solar system ambassador for NASA, Brenda Culbertson, explained people could easily photograph this celestial event since the planets are very bright.
However, seeing the planet's conjunction would help if you still had a clear evening and western horizon.
According to NASA’s website, a conjunction is a celestial event where two planets (or a star or the Moon) appear close together in the night sky.
Conjunctions have no astronomical significance, but they are pleasant to view.
Culbertson encourages people to walk outside during sunset and look for Venus and Jupiter planets above the western horizon.
A clear sky is essential, so it would be best if you observe the convergence on March 1.
Binoculars will give a better view, but you can still see it with the naked eye.
Culbertson said that astronomers and stargazers have already taken photos of the progress.
If you want a more structured event, you can go to the Banner Creek Science Center and Observatory on Wednesday, starting at 6:30 pm.
Brenda Culbertson and other astronomers will be there during the event.