When observing the Moon, you have probably frequently noticed bright spots adjacent to it. These bright objects can be planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Mars. Using the Sky Tonight app, you can consistently identify the specific bright object located near the Moon.
In this article we are going to explore What planets are near the Moon? and how you can identify them.
Which planets are close to the Moon?
From October 21 to 27, the constellations of Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and Leo will be graced by the presence of the Moon. During this period, the brightest bodies near our natural satellite will be Jupiter (magnitude -2,6) and Mars (magnitude 0,2). Notable stars close to the Moon include Pollux (magnitude 1,2) in Gemini and Regulus (magnitude 1,4) in Leo. In addition, The Moon will encounter the star cluster known as The Manger.
As the New Moon approaches next week on November 1, the Moon will exhibit a waning phase each day. To identify the celestial object you are observing, you must use the Sky Tonight app. Now let's examine the planets that are located near the Moon this month.
What term do astronomers use to refer to the Moon's proximity to the planet?
We are talking about several categories of celestial events, all related to the positional relationships between the Moon and other celestial bodies, which occur in close temporal proximity. However, the details of each event vary. Let's explain the meaning of each type of closeness of a planet to the Moon.
Closest Encounter
The term closest approximation, also known as appulse, refers to the moment when two celestial bodies exhibit the smallest apparent distance between each other as perceived from Earth. This phenomenon frequently occurs in the context of the Moon and the planets during a conjunction.
Conjunction
The conjunction occurs when Two celestial bodies share the same right ascension or apparent ecliptic longitude in the skyWhile the phrases "conjunction" and "closest approximation" are frequently used interchangeably in common speech, the term conjunction has a more precise definition and does not invariably coincide with every appulse.
Conjunctions between the Moon and planets are common. Every 27,3 days, our natural satellite passes through a narrow section of the sky aligned with the ecliptic, where it interacts with several planets. However, planetary conjunctions occur less regularly.
Concealment
A concealment occurs when A celestial entity with a larger apparent diameter obscures a body with a smaller apparent diameter. This can be illustrated by the Moon passing in front of a star or planet. A solar eclipse refers specifically to the occultation of the Sun by the Moon. It is important to note that each lunar occultation is observable only from certain regions of the Earth, as the Moon's precise position in the sky can vary by up to 2° depending on the observer's location.
What methods can be used to identify planets near the Moon?
In order to identify planets close to the Moon, the following considerations must be taken into account. Even if the exact moment of conjunction or closest approach cannot be observed, there is no need to worry. Even before or after the exact moment of the event, the objects will still be relatively close to each other, and this aspect is also worth observing.
The choice of optical instruments to observe the events depends on the angular distance separating the objects. Generally, High quality 10x50 binoculars provide a field of view ranging from 6 to 7 degrees, while the field of view of telescopes can vary significantly, sometimes measuring less than 1 degree. It is possible to calculate the field of view of your optical equipment independently. In addition, one can also choose to observe an event without the aid of any instrument.
As the Moon approaches its full phase, it obscures less luminous celestial bodies. For example, Mercury's visibility decreases near the full moon due to the planet's lack of brightness. Only the brightest objects, such as Venus and Jupiter, remain discernible.
A luminous entity located near the Moon can be either a star or a planet. To determine which one it is, one can observe whether the object exhibits flickering. If it does, it is classified as a star, while a steady light indicates a planet. Also, among celestial bodies, Jupiter and Venus, along with Mars and Saturn on occasion, are significantly brighter than most stars. Identification of planets can also be made based on their distinctive colors:
- Mercury has shades of gray or brown
- Venus has a pale yellow hue
- Mars displays shades of pale pink or vibrant red
- Jupiter is characterized by an orange coloration
- Saturn is distinguished by its golden color
To determine the proximity of objects or identify them based on their precise location, use the free stargazing apps: Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2.
Application for sky observation
To determine the identity of an object in the sky using sky tonight, follow the steps below:
- Step 1. Launch the Sky Tonight app and point your device at the sky or press the highlighted blue button. A real-time representation of the previous celestial view will be displayed on the screen and the app will begin tracking its movements.
- Step 2. Point your device towards the section of the sky where the object can be found. For added convenience, it is possible to restrict the visual magnitude so that only celestial bodies visible to the naked eye are displayed on the screen. To achieve this, tap the panel located at the bottom of the screen and move the top slider to the left, approaching the eye icon. In addition, from this panel, you can also enable night mode, modify the representation of the constellations and access other functions.
- Step 3. At this stage, you will be able to recognize the luminous object and obtain information about it by selecting its name.
Star Walk 2 App
To recognize an object in the sky using Star Walk 2, follow the next steps:
- Step 1. Launch Star Walk 2 and point your device toward the sky or select the compass icon located in the upper left corner of the screen. A real-time representation of the previous celestial view will appear on the screen and the app will begin tracking your movements.
- Step 2. Point your device at the section of sky where the object is located. To make this process easier, adjust the slider on the left down until only visible celestial objects are displayed on the screen.
- Step 3. By tapping on the name located at the bottom of the screen, you can now recognize the luminous object and get information about it.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about which planets are close to the Moon and how to identify them.