Tulsa World: Planets, moon set rare date

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Planets, moon set rare date

By DENVER NICKS World Staff Writer
Published: 11/29/2008 2:24 AM
Last Modified: 11/29/2008 2:56 AM

Mixer won't be as bright for 44 years

While Americans across the country gather this weekend to give thanks for fellowship and family, another group will be just beginning to get together for the holidays.

Two of the brightest objects in the night sky, Venus and Jupiter, will, from our vantage point here on Earth, appear to be moving closer together. The movement will culminate with a rare event Monday, when the planets will appear closest and be joined by a nearby crescent moon.

At their closest, the celestial bodies will appear separated by just 2 degrees, or roughly the width of the index and middle fingers held out at arm's length, said Chris Pagan, planetarium director at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum.

Pagan suggested the event might make a good opportunity for photography buffs to catch an unusual image of the night sky's brightest objects.

It might also be a fitting occasion to make a commitment to your sweetheart. The next time Venus, Jupiter and the moon get together for a night out they will be joining millions of lovers on the town for Valentine's Day in 2010. The celestial objects won't be as clearly visible for as long as they will be this year, however. The next time the three will be as close and as visible as they are on Monday will be Nov. 18, 2052, according to the Associated Press.

If it is a clear evening Monday, the rarity should be easily visible with the naked eye, Pagan said. Viewers need only walk outside at about 6 p.m. and look toward the southwest sky. By 7:30, the planets will have passed below the horizon, Pagan said.

Planets frequently appear to move closer together in the night sky, he said. What makes this occurrence special is the fact that the three brightest objects typically in the night sky — Venus, Jupiter and the moon — will be involved and will be sufficiently far from the sun to be clearly visible to the human eye, he said.

Heavenly bodies

What: The three brightest objects in the night sky, Venus, Jupiter and the moon, will be close together and easily visible.

When: The planets can be observed nearing at a rate of about 1 degree per day until Monday, when they will be joined by the moon.

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Denver Nicks 581-8475
denver.nicks@tulsaworld.com By DENVER NICKS World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment Tony G, Tulsa (11/29/2008 3:39:37 AM) I can only hope it clears up tonight or tomorrow night. I own 3 telescopes.
	Report Comment Proud Muslim, Tulsa: Coolest place in the world (almost) (11/30/2008 9:11:29 PM) I can't wait.
	Report Comment Popeye, Tulsa (11/30/2008 9:24:21 PM) I've been watching Venus and Jupiter dance around each other for over a week. I don't pay particularly close attention to the planets and stars as a rule, but enjoy these things immensely! Good hunting, Tony! Proud Muslim: I enjoyed reading your verses of the Qu'ran (at your profile page). I'm re-watching Lawrence of Arabia as well. In this world, there are many mysteries and much to learn.
	Report Comment Proud Muslim, Tulsa: Coolest place in the world (almost) (12/1/2008 10:39:26 AM) Thanks, Popeye. I couldn't agree more with you. So many mysteries and so little time. Lawrence of Arabia, huh? Never seen it, maybe I'll watch it.

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