Feb 1, 2008: A Grand Conjunction

[saberscorpx]

Feb 1, 2008: A Grand Conjunction

Venus cruises past Jupiter in the predawn hours, coming
within 35' of the King at the beginning of nautical twilight
low in the SE sky (40n90w).
The mornings before and after will also find the two bright beacons
just over a degree apart. Globular M22 adds its flair to the event,
only 2° east of the encounter.

Jupiter is currently passing just north of M22 and will stay within a
degree's distance through the 27th.

Preview:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q152/Sabertime/020108vj.jpg

*check local listings*


SJS

[saberscorpx]

Our waning crescent moon joins the party before sunrise on
the 3rd and 4th.

Preview (40n90w):
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q152/Sabertime/vjl020408.jpg

*check local listings*


SJS

[Dave Mitsky]

Yes, this is an event not to be missed. Here's an excerpt from my February 2008 AstroCalendar (http://www.bautforum.com/astronomical-observing-equipment-accessories/69741-february-2008-astrocalendar.html):

The month begins with the closest conjunction of the two normally brightest planets until 2014. Venus is just 35' to the upper left of Jupiter on the morning of February 1, which means that they can be both seen in the same telescopic field of view at moderate magnifications. The bright globular cluster M22 lies two degrees southeast of Jupiter. The two planets are a bit more than one degree apart the next morning. As the month progresses, Jupiter and Venus separate by almost a degree per day, with Jupiter climbing higher in the sky and Venus sliding sunward. On February 4, the waning crescent Moon is four degrees south of Venus.

Dave Mitsky

[NEOWatcher]

Feb 1, 2008: A Grand Conjunction

Venus cruises past Jupiter in the predawn hours from Chicagoland,

Only near Chicago? :whistle::lol:

[Kaptain K]

Thanks for this thread!

My brother and I were talking on the phone this morning and he asked what he had seen near the Moon. I probably would have guessed correctly, but I didn't have to guess!

[Veeger]

Only near Chicago? :whistle::lol:

I would be willing to bet the north coast will miss the party.
:cry:

(Even people in Seattle must pity a north coast astronomer.)

[saberscorpx]

re: Feb 4th Trio

I knew the upcoming 'wink and a smile' configuration looked familiar.
Caught this one in April 1998:

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q152/Sabertime/vjl042398.jpg


SJS