Mars and Jupiter: How to see both planets up close before dawn

Getting up before dawn this Wednesday will pay off big for the astrologers.

A couple of hours before sunrise, orbits Tuesday and Thursday will carry these planets A personal approach From Earth's point of view.

They are so close that if you extend your hand towards their position, they will be less than the size of your pinky finger.

Although this happens every once in a while, on average once every three years, it will be a unique spectacle this decade when Mars and Jupiter are conjunct.

This phenomenon is known Planet combination. “They are separated by about a third the width of the full moon,” notes NASA.

The US space agency offered some recommendations for watching the show.

This program is known from this America, Europe and Africa, and a close approximation is given Two hours in the morning of August 14.

On the horizon, Mars and Jupiter will be in the constellation Taurus. To get the best view, you must see A place without buildings or trees and look eastThe place where the sun rises.

Jupiter is the brightest planet there and the red planet is closest to it. Because of its size, the gas giant is 20 times more luminous than Mars, so it's easy to spot first.

In fact the distance between the two is more than 570 million kilometers. But Earth's alignment with the orbits of these neighboring planets makes them appear very close.

“During August, Mars, the Red Planet, passes Jupiter, our Solar System's largest planet, in the early morning sky,” explains NASA.

But the conjunction occurs on Wednesday, August 14. then, Both planets move further and further apartStill a good sight to behold.

Another reward will be given to those who follow these events August 27When the Moon joins Mars and Jupiter in its waxing phase”Make a mesmerizing trio in the morning sky”NASA explains.

Although this happens from time to time, the largest conjunction of Mars and Jupiter in recent years occurred in 1761. In that year They looked like a single star, Very bright.

A few more centuries will pass until the year 2348 to see them like this again.

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