Jupiter-Saturn conjunction

[brian livesey]

On Dec.21st a spectacular conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn will occur. The two planets will be just 0.1 degree apart The closest they've been since 1623: www.spaceweather.com .

[nigeljoslin]

Thanks for the tip-off, Brian; it should be good.

I'm in the midst of moving house just now, so I'm not managing any astronomy.

Clear skies to all, Nigel

[jeff.stevens]

I’m looking forward to this too.

Funnily enough, Nigel, we’re in the middle of moving house, and my observing opportunities have been severely curtailed. Good luck with your move.

Best wishes, Jeff.

[nigeljoslin]

Ha! Yes, I hope your move goes well, Jeff.

It'll be the 4 inch refractor for me, for the rest of the season. I am mothballing the 14 inch until I've built an outdoor enclosure for it!

Best wishes,

Nigel

[michael feist]

As a lead-up to this. 25th Nov MMXX. Jupiter and Saturn seen yesterday evening separated by just about/or very nearly, by the diameter of the 15x65 spotter fov; and by just less than half the fov of 8x42 monocular. regards mike feist.

[brian livesey]

Any idea Mike of what the current angular separation is between the two planets?

[stella]

Currently 2°.8 apart.

Though your "currently" when you read this, may not be my "currently".

[brian livesey]

Thanks Stella. Still some way to go to that 0.1 distance.

[michael feist]

Stella's information is very useful as it tells me that the fov of the 15x65 spotter is about 2.8 degrees and that of the 8x42 monocular is 2 x 2.8 plus a bit or roughly 6 degrees. regards mike [the watcher]

[michael feist]

Indeed some time to go yet till closest - 3 weeks. However did catch these two planets again last evening 28th November [after days of days of gloomy weather]. Closer than the last observation as now easily fitted the fov of the 15x65 Acuter, and follows until they set from the upper west window. JUPITER disappeared behind Southwick Hill at 1855 GMT and SATURN set at 1909 GMT. On the 1st December they will be 2.1 degrees apart [according to one of the magazines ]. This gives some idea just how near the horizon the conjunction [at best] will be on the 20th/21st December. No doubt, I shall need to venture 'up the hill'. regards mike f.

[jeff.stevens]

I think from my current location I may just get away (weather permitting) with viewing the conjunction on the 21st, and leading up to it. I have a gap in between houses where I think they will fall just right. The screenshot shown below (taken from Stellarium) is for 4:30pm on the 21st, with the pair approx 11 degrees above the horizon. Something to look forward to.

Best wishes, Jeff.