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Jupiter Shines Brightest This Weekend: Don't Miss the 'Christmas Star'
1 year ago•Source: Forbes
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3.625 min•1 year ago
Crescent Moon and Venus Illuminate the Night Sky This Week
On Wednesday evening, skywatchers can enjoy a celestial event as the crescent moon and Venus, the two brightest objects in the night sky, appear close together. This alignment, visible in the south-southwest sky about 45 minutes after sunset, offers a striking view, with Venus appearing about 3 degrees above the moon. As Venus continues to climb higher in the sky through December and January, it will remain a prominent evening object, reaching its greatest eastern elongation on January 10.
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"Rare Star Explosion to Illuminate Skies Worldwide"
The star T Coronae Borealis, located in the constellation of the northern crown, is expected to erupt in a rare nova event, becoming visible in the night sky for a brief period. This recurrent nova, which erupts approximately every 80 years, will shine 1,500 times brighter than usual before quickly fading. Astronomers have predicted this event based on historical patterns and recent observations, making it a unique opportunity for stargazers.
"Rare Lunar Standstill to Illuminate Stonehenge This Week"
A rare "major lunar standstill," occurring once every 18.6 years, will be visible tonight, offering stunning lunar views as the moon rises and sets at its most extreme points. This phenomenon, influenced by the moon's orbital tilt, will last around two years, peaking in late 2024 to early 2025. Researchers are particularly interested in observing the moon's alignment with Stonehenge during this period.
"How to Witness the 'Once in a Lifetime' Blaze Star Nova"
The Blaze Star, or T Coronae Borealis, a recurrent nova located 3,000 light-years away, is expected to brighten significantly and become visible to the naked eye between now and September 2024. This binary star system, consisting of a red giant and a white dwarf, follows an 80-year cycle of explosions, with the last visible outburst occurring in 1946. The star can be found in the Corona Borealis constellation, and its brightness will peak for several days, making it observable without telescopes.
"Stunning Planetary Parade Captured in Rare Alignment"
Astrophotographer Josh Dury captured a rare "parade of planets" on June 1, showing six planets—Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—aligned in the predawn sky over The Mendip Hills in the U.K. The stunning image, created using composite long exposures, also features a crescent moon and highlights the vast distances between the planets despite their apparent proximity from Earth's perspective.
Six-Planet Parade to Grace Morning Sky on June 3
NASA and Astronomers Without Borders advise stargazers to wait until June 29 for a better view of the planetary parade, as the alignment on June 3 will be obscured by the sun's light. Jupiter, Mercury, and Uranus will be too close to the horizon and difficult to see. The end of June will offer a clearer view of six planets, including Jupiter, Uranus, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn, along with the moon.
"Rare Six-Planet Alignment to Grace Morning Sky on June 3rd"
On June 3, a rare alignment of six planets—Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will be visible shortly before sunrise from dark, elevated locations with minimal light pollution. While Mars and Saturn can be seen with the naked eye, optical aids like telescopes or high-powered binoculars are needed to view Uranus and Neptune. This uncommon event offers a captivating sight for stargazers, weather permitting.
Rare Six-Planet Parade to Grace Morning Sky on June 3
A planetary alignment involving six planets will occur on June 3, 2024, but NASA states that only Mars and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye in the U.S. due to the positions of the other planets. Experts suggest waiting until June 29 for a better view of a similar alignment.
"Six-Planet Alignment to Dazzle Skywatchers on June 3rd"
In June 2024, early morning skywatchers can observe Saturn, Mars, and later Jupiter, with notable events including Mars beneath the crescent Moon on June 2-3, and a close pairing of the Moon and Saturn on June 27. The "planet parade" on June 29 will feature Saturn, the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter lined up across the sky. Tips are provided for distinguishing planets from stars, satellites, and aircraft.
"Six-Planet Alignment to Grace Night Sky on June 3rd"
A "planetary parade" will see six planets align in the morning sky, with Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter visible to the naked eye. The best viewing time in Europe and North America is Sunday, half an hour before sunrise. Binoculars or a telescope can help spot Uranus and Neptune. This alignment is a common occurrence and not a true spatial alignment of planets.
Rare Nova in Corona Borealis to Light Up the Sky Soon
Astronomers are eagerly awaiting a nova in the T Coronae Borealis star system, expected to occur between now and the end of 2024. This rare event, visible even from urban areas, will be exceptionally bright and offers a unique opportunity for both sky watchers and scientific observation.