Venus and Moon conjunction of March 24, 2023 was observed in the skies at different places in India and many other countries. Before this event, it was also observed at the end of month of Feb-2023. In this post you will see what are basic astronomical terminology and about to the Moon and venus, and definitely Venus and moon conjunction.
Introduction of Basic Astronomical Terminology for Conjunction
For better understanding to this phenomenon, we have to make clear some technical terms, that we use for our universe to understand it. These are given below;
Solar System:
Along with the Sun there are eight more planets exist in our solar system. Where after the Mercury, venus is the second nearest planet to the sun. The order of planets is as,
- Mercury
- Venus
- Earth
- Mars
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Uranus
- Neptune
There is Pluto also but not considered as a planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union.
Celestial Body:
When we look towards sky in the night, it appears twinkling of the objects. It has been noticed that some of them doesn’t twinkle as many others do.
Moon is familiar example from one of them, they just shine by itself or with other one. The sun, the moon and all those objects shining in the sky are called celestial bodies.
Stars:
The Sun is a star, why, because it glows with their own heat and light, that is a result of fusion reactions. In such reactions a large amount of energy produces that makes them hot. Also, other gases contributes to form the star. So where such events takes place and object emits their own light and energy is called star. Hope now you can understand, that Earth is not a star.
Planet:
Those celestial bodies having no capacity to produce the heat and light by its own are known as planets. Here, on earth we get the energy and light from the Sun, which is a star.
Satellite:
Now a question may come in your mind, Does Moon is a planet? No, Moon is a satellite of the earth, it is not a planet of our solar system. I have mentioned at no.1 point the 8 planets in order to their distances from the Sun. There are two types of the satellites one is natural and the other artificials. Moon is natural satellite of the earth.
Constellations:
You may have notice various patterns formed by different groups of stars during night time in sky. These are called constellations. In the below picture you can see a pattern of stars, that make a sense, world had defined it as per their own culture and systems to study it. In India it is a popular subject in many ways, specially for the astrologers who predict events regularly, by observe the Nakshatra and Transition of planets in different rashies. You might heard about Ursa Major or Big Bear that is one such constellation. One of the most easily recognisable constellation is the Saptarishi. Earlier people were using Pole Star (Dhruv Tara) to determine the directions as a reference point. Because it remains fix at their own position in North direction.
Waxing Crescent Moon:
As you know the Moon shines by the Sun light. When the face of moon which remains towards the Sun, shines but looks other side dark from the Earth. So, in case of waxing crescent moon, which is just the second stage after the new moon, we are able to see a small part of the moon which shines. Rest remain dark towards the Earth. It is called waxing crescent moon stage or face of the moon.
Who remains interested in this area? Man remain always curious to know all about to these stars and galaxies from the existence. Some wants to know about the existence of the earth and our own relationship with other planets. Astronomers, sky-watchers, space enthusiasts and astrologers mainly remain interested to know and study such rare events as per their interests.
Overview of the Venus and Moon Conjunction Event
In this latest Venus and Moon conjunction event, which held second time this year, in the evening of 24th March 2023, both these celestial bodies aligned in a direction again. It appear both very close to each other from the reference to the Earth’s Observer. Venus which is many hundreds times brighter than the moon disappeared behind the dark side of the waxing crescent Moon.
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Banglore, shows it lively and experts had discussed this events features in terms of exploring the future possibilities and understanding of the planetary system.
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Importance of Explaining the Conjunction Event to the Children
It is must to introduce such events to the children for the understanding of celestial bodies and our solar system. By capturing its photo or showing them through telescope, may help them to understand it. Further to create their interests also in astronomy, a branch of physics.
WATCH VENUS AND MOON TOGETHER IN THE SKY
The Moon
The Moon is Earth’s only one natural satellite. It moves around the Earth at a distance of about 385,000 kilometers. In addition to it there are many other things that had attracted the attention of human beings (Chanda Mama, in India) since ancient time. The full Moon shining makes happy people, also the gravitational force of it impact on earth in various ways significantly.
“That’s one small step for a man. One giant leap for mankind.”
– Neil Armstrong
The diameter of the moon is only one-quarter that of the earth. It is nearest to the earth then any other celestial bodies, because of that reason appear big in size.
The Venus
Venus is the second brightest star of our solar system and remain an attraction from the ancient times. It was understood two objects that appears in the sky, morning and evening time separately, and because of it called morning and evening stars that time. Venus almost have same size and shape very much similar to that of the earth, and called ‘Earth’s-twin’.
Because of its size, environment and future possibility of life there it is a most interested planet subject to the various studies by astronomers. “Our nearness to Venus is a matter of perspective. The planet is nearly as big around as Earth – 7,521 miles (12,104 kilometers) across, versus 7,926 miles (12,756 kilometers) for Earth. From Earth, Venus is the brightest object in the night sky after our own Moon.” A detailed information available at NASA website of Solar System [https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/venus/in-depth/].
Importance of Venus in Conjunction Events
It is evident and a subject of interest as I mentioned earlier that at Venus, scientists looks a possibility for the human life. So, this event data will help the astronomers to get more information about the Venus surface and such possibilities.
Look westward to find the Moon as a beautiful slim crescent this evening after sunset, hanging just below blazing-bright Venus. Tomorrow evening, look west again to spot the Moon once more, this time shining from above Venus.
Spot the duo? Share your pictures. pic.twitter.com/svHdZToovq
— NASA (@NASA) March 23, 2023
The Venus and Moon conjunction of March 24, 2023
This conjunction formed in the evening of March 24, 2023 in many countries. it was rare celestial event in the skies where waxing crescent moon came very close to the venus planet and venus disappeared behind the moon.
FAQ
#1Q. Explanation of what happened during the conjunction?
Ans. Both venus and moon came very close to each other, they were aligned and can be seen by naked eye from the surface of the earth.
#2Q. Why the conjunction was significant?
Ans: This conjunction of Venus and Moon is significant in terms of studies the planets in terms of their structure, overview and possibilities for life.
#3Q. How to observe a conjunction?
Ans: This conjunction with the Moon was observed by naked eye, also telescope can give a clear insight about the conjunction. A space laboratory can help to observe the event in significant way.
#4Q. Tips for observing conjunction events?
Ans: One have to be curious to know the impact of any conjunction. We have to notice upcoming events and be ready with our telescopes to capture the photos and videos.
#5Q. Best times and locations for viewing?
Ans: In the evening and morning time venus appears so there are two possibility with venus if this event occurred with Moon and Venus.
#6Q. What Equipment needed for observing the conjunction event?
Ans. Good resolution telescope with night vision.
#7Q. What does conjunction of venus and moon means?
Ans. Both venus and moon comes very close to each other, and aligned, can be seen by naked eye from the surface of the earth.
#8Q. When Venus is conjunct with the moon?
Ans. Venus and Moon conjunction was on March 24, 2023
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that when venus come very close to the moon and aligned in a direction, which appears from the earth’s reference called the venus and moon conjunction. The moon was called waxing crescent moon, that black part hide the venus a bright, shining star. This event is useful to signify the celestial bodies structure, properties and possibilities of minerals, radiation and obviously sustainability of life.
NOTE: If this article was helpful to understand this celestial event comment and let me know what part you liked most here and what nest I have to include.
Other conjunctions
Mercury, venus and moon conjunction
Saturn, venus and moon conjunction
Rahu, venus and moon conjunction
Mars, venus and moon conjunction
Venus, Jupiter and Moon Conjunction
Venus, Mars and Moon Conjunction
Reference:
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/venus/in-depth/
