Conjunction Junction

Every so often, we get to view a nice arrangement of the planets with each other, or with each other and the moon.  These events are called conjunctions.  Although the planets themselves are still millions of miles apart, the appear to sit right next to each other in the night sky.

Conjunction Over Suburbia

Tonights show is provided by the Venus and Jupiter, about as far apart as one can get in the real world.  Jupiter has stayed fairly still, with the planet Venus rising up in the night sky to meet it.  As the days progress, Venus will rise higher, while Jupiter will sink towards the horizon to end it's current night time apparition.  The two do make for a nice pair.  In a couple of weeks, the separated pair will be joined by a waxing crescent moon.