Astronomers announced that the moon will make a close approach to Venus and Jupiter in Earth’s night sky on early Wednesday (Feb.22). This conjunction will be so visible that the two planets and the moon will become the three brightest objects in the night sky. During the astronomical event, the moon will be expected to visit Venus before moving closer to Jupiter. How can you watch the event online and offline? Continue reading to find out.
How to watch the moon visit Venus and Jupiter on Feb. 22 in real-time
Astronomers reveal that the February 22 conjunction will begin at 07:57 GMT (02:57 a.m. EST) when Venus (magnitude -4.0) will be in conjunction with the Moon (magnitude -7.8) in the constellation Pisces. the distance that will exist between these two celestial bodies will be 2°05′. This will be extremely far away for you to spot them via a single observation from a telescope.
However, you can use binoculars or naked eyes to spot the conjunction without stress. Later in the day, at 09:41 GMT (04:41 a.m. EST), the Moon and Venus will the closest approach each other and close the apparent distance between them to 1°50′. If you are observing from the Southern Hemisphere, keep in mind that this is the best time to watch the conjunction as the Moon will be 4.3% illuminated.
At 21:58 GMT (4:58 p.m. EST), the crescent Moon (magnitude -10.2) will be in conjunction with shiny Jupiter (magnitude -2.1). At this period, our moon will be in the constellation Cetus. Jupiter will be joining our natural satellite in the neighboring constellation Pisces for the night show. The apparent distance between Jupiter and the moon will be 1.2°.
This distance will be extremely wide to fit the field of view of a telescope. This implies that you can observe them individually using a telescope or watch the conjunction with binoculars or the naked eye. Venus (magnitude -3.9) will also be joining the conjunction and it will shine less bright than others on the horizon.
At 22:57 (5:57 p.m. EST), the Moon and Jupiter will come within1°03′ from each other. At this period, both objects will be making their closest approach to each other for this month. Skywatchers observing from the Southern Hemisphere will have the best view of the celestial show at this time.
Astronomers reveal observers watching from South America and Antarctica will stand the chance of getting a clearer view of the Moon passing in front of Jupiter in the constellation Pisces during the celestial show.
If you live in New York City, keep in mind that the moon will make its closest approach to Venus on Feb. 22 at 7:52 a.m. EST (1252 GMT). The conjunction between the moon and Venus will disappear at 7:59 p.m. EST (0059 GMT). Astronomers reveal that Jupiter will rise during a close approach with the moon at 8:12 a.m. EST (1312 GMT). The conjunction between the moon and Jupiter will remain visible until 8:38 p.m. EST (0138 GMT) when it will disappear.
How to watch the Moon meet Venus and Jupiter on Feb. 22 Virtually
Observers that cannot watch the conjunction with a telescope or binoculars can opt to watch it virtually online. The Virtual Telescope Project will be live-streaming the astronomical event on its website and Youtube channel. This implies that you can watch it completely for free from your home. The live stream is scheduled to commence on Wednesday (Feb.22) at 2:00 p.m. EST (1900 GMT).
The live feed is scheduled for Wednesday (Feb. 22) starting at 2:00 p.m. EST (1900 GMT). Hence, you should prepare yourself to get the best view of this astronomical event from the Virtual Telescope Project.
“On Feb. 22, 2023, soon after sunset, the moon, Venus, and Jupiter will be in the same spot of the sky, within eight degrees, offering an outstanding show,” Gianluca Masi, who heads The Virtual Telescope Project wrote in a statement. “The Virtual Telescope Project is ready to share the vision with you, with those cosmic gems hanging above the legendary skyline of Rome, the Eternal City.”
Conclusion
As you prepare to watch this astronomical event, you should endeavor to capture the best view of each celestial body using your telescope or binoculars. We at Future Space World is wishing you the best skywatching experience tomorrow.
