The Moon Meets Venus and Jupiter

This week the moon will wax fuller while it flees the sun, and will pay a visit to the brightest planets of the evening sky, Venus and Jupiter.

Venus and Jupiter are both in the southwestern sky after sunset this week. On Thursday, November 28, after sunset, the young crescent moon, Venus, and Jupiter will make a close approach. The moon’s orbital motion will bring it a small distance to Venus’ upper right. Very bright Venus will be positioned below (to the celestial southwest) the moon, while Jupiter, somewhat less bright than Venus, will be positioned to the lower right (to the celestial west) of the moon. Hours earlier, observers in northern Africa, most of Europe, the Middle East, and western Asia can see the moon occult Jupiter.

You can find the Moon, Venus and Jupiter in the constellation of Sagittarius. The Moon will be at magnitude -9.6, Venus at magnitude -3.9, and Jupiter at magnitude -1.8. The moon and planets will be visible to the naked eye or through a pair of binoculars.

Check the stargazing app Star Walk 2 for the rise and set times for celestial objects and their position in the sky above you.