Mars, Jupiter and Venus are mutually closer to the minimum distance – REGNUM

Moscow, October 18, 2015, 10:12 – REGNUM The whole second half of October “bluzhayuschie” heavenly bodies will demonstrate the appropriateness of their names, lining a variety of configurations in close proximity to each other. Behold three of the seven planets in the solar system to the observer on Earth will be in the morning sky just before sunrise.

At this time, the event will unfold against the backdrop of the constellation Leo. By continuing dweller morning sky Venus joining Mars and Jupiter. On the morning of October 18 inhabitants of the European part of Russia were able to observe how the apparent distance between the fourth and fifth planets of the solar system was reduced to the minimum distance and was about ¼ of a degree.

The most striking object among the planets will, of course, Venus. Recall, named after the goddess of love, the planet is the third brightest object in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. From its neighbors in the constellation Leo, Venus will be different not only bright, but also a yellowish tinge. Even a small increase can be seen on Venus similar to lunar phases, which first discovered the Russian scientist Lomonosov.

The second is slightly inferior to the brightness of the object to be Jupiter. Against the background of dark sky, the four largest satellites of the largest planet of the solar system can be seen not only in the telescope but binoculars with good optics. Callisto, Europa, Io and Ganymede – four satellites accompanying named after the head of the Roman pantheon, the gas-liquid giant. Small reddish-point brightness comparable with the stars of the Big Dipper, located between Jupiter and Venus Mars.

In the following weeks, the configuration of the planets will change rapidly. In just eight days, the morning of October 26 will be held conjunction of Venus and Jupiter. The distance between them will be approximately 1 degree. A few days will have a number of Venus and Mars.

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