Jupiter and the Moon meet tonight

Greg Redfern, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Tonight is round two of our skywatching weekend. Jupiter and the Moon dance tonight after sunset high in the west with Venus and Mercury looking on. This will be a pretty sight to see and enjoy.

Find a clear view of the western horizon and abut a half hour after sunset look for golden-yellow Mercury about a fist- width above the horizon. The planet closest to the Sun will be to the lower left of Venus several fist-widths.

Venus will be beautiful and brilliant to the lower left of the crescent Moon and Jupiter.

As an extra bonus, Mars is now gracing the eastern sky during the early evening hours. Look for orangish Mars at 8 p.m. It is the brightest object in that portion of the sky.

Enjoy the view tonight!

See what else is in the sky this week here.

Follow my daily blog at here to keep up with the latest news in astronomy and space exploration. You can email me at skyguyinva@gmail.com.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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