Jupiter and Venus will be seen close together in the sky, as seen from Earth, in the middle of the night, between 17 and 18 August.
Venus and Jupiter will seem to form a "double star" low on the northeastern horizon, just around midnight, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The two planets will be separated by 0.2 degrees, roughly 40 percent the diameter of a full Moon.
This conjunction of the two planets will be one of the closest seen since the year 2000. A number of less-dramatic conjunctions occurred in 2012, but nothing as close as this upcoming event.
Jupiter and Venus are among the brightest objects in the night sky. Positioned close together, low on the horizon, these objects may cause skygazers to file numerous UFO reports.
Viewing the conjunction is easy, and the sight can be enjoyed by almost anyone, regardless of whether or not they possess astronomical equipment. Skygazers should find a dark area, with a clear horizon to the east and north east. Just beneath and to the left of the crescent Moon, the pair of planets will begin to rise over the horizon.
Amateur astronomers should bring a comfortable chair to view the conjunction, as well as snacks and drinks. Binoculars or a small telescope can reveal details of the alien worlds. Venus, eternally shrouded in clouds, can be seen exhibiting phases, much like the Moon. Jupiter, the largest planet in the Solar System, possesses an atmosphere detailed in stripes, and the Great Red Spot, currently becoming fainter and less pronounced over the last few years. Each of these features are visible using amateur astronomical equipment, especially under dark skies.
Pictures may be taking of the event, particularly using a single lens reflex (SLR) camera. Imaging devices should be set up on a tripod or other steady surface. Setting off the trigger for a photo will cause vibrations, which can result in blurry images. A self-timer on the camera should be used so the frame has time to settle before exposure. Optimal exposure times and settings will vary greatly, depending on background light and other factors. Therefore, numerous photos should be taken using a number of settings, in order to capture at least one great shot.
The Beehive Cluster will also be visible to skywatchers making use of binoculars or telescopes. The open cluster of stars, also known as M44, will be found just above and to the left of the planetary conjunction. Amateur astronomers using telescopes should remember images they see in the instruments are often displayed upside.
NASA researchers developed and released a video about the conjunctions, available on the ScienceAtNASA YouTube channel.
This conjunction could be one of the most dazzling displays of its type seen in several years.
