Rare Celestial Triple Conjunction: Hyderabad stargazers are presently privy to a breathtaking celestial sight, the triple conjunction of the Moon, Saturn, and Venus. The uncommon planetary conjunction with the Moon can be witnessed in the Hyderabadi skies until Saturday, giving amateur astronomers and stargazers a spectacular treat.
A triple conjunction is the close approach of three bodies in the Earth’s sky. In this case, Venus and Saturn are approaching the Moon even when they are millions of kilometers apart. While the Moon is only 384,000 kilometers from the Earth, Venus and Saturn are millions to billions of kilometers apart. Yet as observed from the Earth, their paths create an illusion of closeness in this brief astronomical event.
Interestingly, Venus and Saturn trace very different courses around the Sun. While Venus remains near the Earth and on the inner plane of the solar system, Saturn’s course lies far beyond Mars and Jupiter. Such alignments lie behind the intricate and intriguing workings of celestial objects. The triple conjunction of Friday to Saturday is a breathtaking sight, enhanced still by clear weather in Hyderabad this week.
Social media platforms were full of sightings of a ‘smiley face’ configuration of Venus, Saturn, and the Moon at the time of the conjunction. But specialists like N Sri Raghunandan Kumar, director of the Planetary Society of India (PSI), have clarified that Saturn is too distant to be observed due to its distance and pollution in cities. While Venus will still be a bright presence, Saturn will grow more apparent in the coming weeks as its distance from our planet decreases.
Also Read: Hyderabad Metro Rail management embroiled in controversy
Early risers in Hyderabad also get to observe Venus and Saturn in the east before dawn during the next few weeks. PSI members have keenly observed this event and taken stunning photographs and videos of Venus and Saturn dancing with the Moon. Do not miss this one-time view, a reminder of the universe’s unbridled beauty and intricacy.
Share
Malayalam OTT: 5 Fahadh Faasil movies that you shouldn't miss
Hyderabad Metro Launches TUTEM for Women’s Safety
