Treat for skygazers tonight as Saturn, Venus align with Moon

22nd January 2023

Skygazers got a treat today evening as they witnessed Saturn Venus align with Moon – a conjunction that appeared a little above the sunset point followed by a planetary alignment. Venus and Saturn have been getting closer to one another as observed in the last few nights. The two will be at their closest passing within a mere 0.4 degrees from each other today. Venus is seen as the brighter planet at a magnitude of -3.9 and Saturn is seen fainter at a magnitude 0.7. Both objects lie in the constellation of Capricornus. This event where Saturn Venus align with Moon is called an ‘appulse’ or ‘conjunction’ which is clearly visible on the western horizon a little above the sunset point between 6.30pm to 8pm.

“They came close enough to fit within the field of view of a telescope or through a pair of binoculars,” said association of friends of astronomy (AFA) president, Satish Nayak. On the next day, on January 23, Venus will move above Saturn and the crescent Moon will join the phenomena in line with the planets. AFA conducted multiple programs to give people a chance to view the cosmic event in the night sky.

Today, the public observation events between 6.30pm to 7.30pm were held at the public astronomical observatory at Junta House, Panaji opposite Bodgeshwar Temple, Mapusa and at Baina Beach, Vasco. On January 23 programs will be held from 6.30pm to 8.00pm at Miramar beach – Panaji, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao and at Harmal Panchkroshi Higher Secondary School, Arambol. Participation at all these venues is free and open to all.

Planet Goa Team

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