Entering February 2024, there are many celestial phenomena that astronomy lovers are looking forward to. One of the phenomena that will welcome the beginning of February 2024 is the conjunction of the Moon with the star Spica. As is known, conjunction is an astronomical phenomenon when two or more celestial bodies meet each other in the sky.
However, two or more celestial bodies do not actually meet real. The terms “meet” or “pass” are used because when a conjunction occurs, two or more celestial bodies appear to be close together when observed from Earth. So, in early February 2024, there will be a conjunction of the Moon and Spica. Are you curious about more details? Come on, look at the facts below!
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1. Start close together early Thursday morning
illustration of the conjunction of the Moon with Spica. (screenshot/Sky Map)
Quoting from Earthsky, The moon will cross paths with Spica on Thursday, February 1 2024, early morning. The phenomenon of the conjunction between Earth’s natural satellite and one of the brightest stars in the night sky began to occur at 01.04 local time, as reported Starlust. When the conjunction occurs, the Moon will appear close to Spica.
For its distance, Spica will appear at 1.7 degrees south of the Moon. Observers can see this spectacular conjunction with the naked eye if the sky is clear. The meeting between the Moon and Spica will create a beautiful view of the sky for stargazers or stargazer.
2. The moon is in its final convex phase
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illustration of the Moon in its final convex phase. (stellarium.org)
When the conjunction takes place, the Moon is in the final or convex phase waning gibbous. Quoting from Kopernik Obervatory & Science Center, the final convex phase is the phase where the Moon looks like a “hunchback”. This phase occurs on the 17th day, namely when the Moon is at a position of 225 degrees.
As previously explained, the Moon in the convex phase will pass through Spica. Even though it started early Thursday morning, observers can still witness the closeness of the Moon and Spica on Thursday evening while they are not too far apart. The late convex moon and the blue star Spica will be a stunning combination to observe in the night sky.
Also read: List of rare astronomical phenomena occurring in 2024, don’t miss it!
2024-01-31 09:12:59
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