On the evening of Tuesday 5 November the sky will be embellished with a splendid astral conjunction between the crescent moon and Venus. Here’s what time to see them and how to recognize the “planet of Love”.
November 5, 2024 between the Moon and Venus. Credit: Stellarium” width=”1200″ height=”675″/>
Simulation of today’s astral conjunction November 5, 2024 between the Moon and Venus. Credit: Stellarium
Immediately after sunset today, Tuesday November 5, 2024we will be able to see in cielo a beautiful one astral conjunction between the crescent moon e Venus. Lo astronomical spectacle will be visible from 5:00 pm (Rome time) until 7:00 pm, when the “Planet of Love” will set in the western sky, closely followed by Earth’s companion. Tonight’s one, how indicated in the column “The Sky of the Month” of the Italian Amateur Astronomers Union (UAI)is the first of the five celestial waltzes that await us between now and the end of November. The other predicted astral conjunctions are the meeting between the Moon and Saturn (Sunday 10th); Moon, Pleiades and Jupiter (Saturday 16th); Moon and Jupiter (Sunday 17th); and Moon and Mars (Wednesday 20th). Here’s everything you need to know so you don’t miss today’s celestial duet.
What time to see the kiss between the Moon and Venus
The astral conjunction between the Moon and Venus today 5 November 2024 will begin close to sunset, expected at 5pm Rome time. It is necessary to wait until the star has set before attempting observation, because the encounter will occur precisely in western skynot far from the point where the Sun disappears beyond the horizon. Because they take risks serious damage to vision – and even blindness – it is therefore necessary to wait until the star is no longer there, before turning your gaze west towards the sky. Sunset, as indicated, in the capital is expected at 5pm, in Naples a few minutes earlier and in Milan a few minutes later, while in Brindisi it will be around 4.40pm and in Cagliari around 5.20pm.
The planet Venus will already be perfectly visible at sunset, being the third object brighter than the celestial vault after the Sun and the Moon. Recognizing it will be very simple, not only because of the unmistakable nature brightness – which makes it shine in the sky like a sparkling diamond – but also due to its proximity to the Moon. Venus will appear to the right of Earth’s natural satellite. Both celestial bodies will be nestled between the constellation of Sagittarius and that of Ophiuchus, a portion very rich in fascinating objects of the deep sky.
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The Moon will be visible as a splendid crescent; in this regard we remember that the phase of First Quarter is expected at 06:56 on Saturday 9 November, while the full moon – the Full Beaver Super Moon – is expected at 10.28pm on November 15, as reported by the UAI. The planet and Moon will travel side by side for a couple of hours, very low on the western horizon. Higher up there is still the famous “comet of the century”, now visible only through optical instruments and long exposure photography.
How to see the astral conjunction between the Moon and Venus
The celestial duet between the crescent moon and the planet Venus will be perfect visible to the naked eyebut they will be low, therefore a western horizon free from natural and artificial obstacles will be needed. The only, fundamental precaution, as already underlined, is to wait for the sun to set in your locality before attempting observation. During the astral conjunction we recommend the use of optical instruments such as telescope e binoculars to admire the details of the two protagonists, even if the impenetrable and corrosive Venusian atmosphere it does not allow a clear view of the planetary surface. For anyone using a telescope, it is also recommended to point at the comet C/2023 A3present above and to the left of the two protagonists of the evening.
