The encounter is an out-of-this-world example of right place, right time — as Mars zips past Jupiter, Earth will be in the perfect spot to see the two planets look as if they are within arm's reach.
The encounter is an out-of-this-world example of right place, right time — as Mars zips past Jupiter, Earth will be in the perfect spot to see the two planets look as if they are within arm's reach.This combination image, created from two photos provided by NASA, shows Jupiter in 2017 and Mars in 2003. From Earth, the two planets will appear to be almost touching later this week.Look up at the sky this week and you'll see Mars and Jupiter in a tight lineup not seen for years.
It's a celestial optical illusion that will be visible to the naked eye — thanks to the brightness of both planets. The event between Mars and Jupiter will not happen again for another couple of years.The two planets will appear the closest on Wednesday, and the best time to view the pair is a few hours before sunrise.
"You'll be able to see how these two kind of dance through the sky," she said, recommending that spectators observe the sky in the morning, ideally before sunrise, throughout the week. In this image taken on Aug. 11, Mars and Jupiter can be seen on the right. Jupiter is the brighter of the two planets and situated below Mars.After Wednesday, the red planet Mars will start to pull away from the gas giant Jupiter. But there will still be reasons to look up. On Aug. 27, the two planets will be accompanied by the crescent moon, creating a dazzling pack in the sky, according to
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