This evening, the sky has a stunning celestial spectacle in store for all astronomy enthusiasts. After sunset, just as night falls, a rapprochement between our natural satellite, the Moon and the nicknamed “Shepherd’s Star”, Venus, will captivate those curious about the sky.
On its Facebook page, the astronomy, astrophysics and geophysics research center (CRAAG) invited astronomy enthusiasts not to miss this conjunction, which will occur today, Wednesday December 4, 2024, at dusk.
Tonight, around 10:40 p.m. GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), the Moon and Venus will enter an astronomical conjunction visible to the naked eye. The Moon, only 10% illuminated by the Sun, will appear in the shape of a crescent. Venus, for her part, will shine with an impressive magnitude of -4.2. The two stars will then appear to be hanging next to each other in the sky. Offering an admirable light show.
The Moon and Venus united in the sky this November 20, 2024: a celestial spectacle not to be missed
The Moon and Venus will reach the closest conjunction around 11:34 p.m. GMTwith an apparent distance of only 2°12′ center to center. A near-perfect alignment will be observable from Earth, although the two stars are separated by millions of kilometers in space. This rapprochement, towards the southwest horizon, will occur in the constellation Sagittarius.
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Indeed, Venus is the planet the brightest in our solar systemin particular thanks to the high density of its atmosphere which strongly reflects light from the Sun. By pairing up with the Moon, which will reveal a thin crescent to us this evening, the duo will offer a dazzling celestial spectacle.
This astronomical phenomenon is relatively common in the sky, however, it always remains fascinating to observe and brings happiness astrophotographers and sky-curious people. This evening at 10:40 p.m. GMT will mark a privileged moment to admire this astronomical phenomenon with the naked eye. However, a pair of binoculars could provide an even more stunning view.
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In short, for optimal observation of this celestial duo, go to a clear location, far from artificial lights, and look towards the southwest after dark.
