Venus and Jupiter have a close encounter

QMI Agency

First posted: | Updated:

Jupiter. (NASA/Damian Peach)

The stars will align Tuesday night to give Canadians a rare view of Venus and Jupiter together in the sky.

The two planets have been moving toward each other since December, culminating in this close encounter, called a "conjunction," when they will be just three degrees apart.

They are two of the brightest planets in the night sky, says, so they should be easy to see with the naked eye. Venus will appear slightly brighter and just above Jupiter on the right.

"They should appear much more luminous than any stars. If you have clear skies overhead, you should be able to spot these eye-catching worlds," the site says.

With a telescope, skywatchers should be able to distinguish the band of swirling clouds that make up Jupiter's atmosphere and its famous red spot.

The show begins shortly after dusk.

The distance between them will then begin to widen after they pass but still make for an impressive display all week, leading to call this the "best conjunction for several years to come."


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