Venus and Jupiter Conjunction 2012

[Ne-yo]

For anyone in the northern hemisphere who has been looking up into the night sky for the past month you would notice the amazing luminous of Jupiter and Venus dominating the western skies after sunset. Mid-March marks a very nice conjunction for these two lords of the night sky as Venus transitions its way pass Jupiter on March 15, 2012. Although this is not really a rare event, previously posted by Oneironaut Zero back in 2008 and the next conjunction to occur in May 2013. However, what makes this conjunction quite special are a set of conditions that transpires this month for Venus. This month Venus is at it's greatest evening elongation which is it's furthermost angler distance from the dawning of the sun. Second, the angle of the ecliptic for Jupiter and Venus is at it's steepest for this month putting the planets 3 degrees from each other on the 15th of March. Mix these conditions together and you're in for a pretty nice visual treat as Venus and Jupiter's conjunction extends 5 hours after sunset. You can't miss it! Five planets are actually visible this month. Now get outside and look up! Here's a nice article on the event. Mars, moon cut in on Venus-Jupiter dance - The Washington Post EDIT: - I was on Stellarium and thought I'd just add these images for a little perspective.