Venus, Regulus and moon create conjunction. What to know

Venus loomed vibrant within the sky early Friday morning, however should you missed it, you may get one other likelihood should you’re an early riser tomorrow.

Venus appeared in a conjunction with the moon and the star Regulus within the early morning hours of Sept. 19, USA TODAY reported. The planet will appear close to Regulus within the early morning of Sept. 20 as properly, EarthSky says, although the three will not be as shut.

Regulus is the brightest star within the constellation Leo the Lion, and is named a harbinger of spring within the northern hemisphere, Star Walk says.

Venus is named the morning star, and often will be noticed close to the horizon within the early morning hours.

If you’d wish to get a better take a look at planets and stars overhead, plan to go to Michigan’s darkish sky areas on clear nights, although clouds and rain might get in the best way this weekend, in response to NWS forecasts.

Here’s what to find out about Venus views.

How did Venus seem in a celestial conjunction?

In a conjunction in a single day Sept. 18-19, the moon, Venus and the star Regulus appeared close to one another within the evening sky, USA TODAY reported.

In some areas throughout Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, the moon will move instantly in entrance of Venus — a uncommon occasion known as a lunar occultation, Star Walk mentioned in a Facebook post. Venus will briefly vanish behind the Moon’s vibrant edge, solely to reappear later.

The three will seem collectively one to 2 hours earlier than dawn.

See the conjunction

The NWS workplace in Northern Indiana captured the pure phenomenon in gorgeous images.

What is Venus?

Venus is the second planet from the solar in our photo voltaic system, the closest planet to Earth, in response to NASA. The hottest and sixth-largest planet within the photo voltaic system, Venus has no moons or rings.

Will Venus be seen once more tonight?

Yes, Venus will appear in the sky close to the star Regulus in a single day within the early morning hours of Sept. 20, in response to EarthSky. The moon, at the moment in its waning crescent section, will seem decrease on the horizon.

Where are you able to get pleasure from stargazing in Michigan?

Head to a darkish, open space on a transparent evening to absorb prime stargazing throughout the state. Michigan is house to 6 darkish sky state parks, three worldwide darkish sky parks and a global darkish sky sanctuary.

• The Alpena space has three Dark Sky Preserves: Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson’s Harbor State Park and Negwegon State Park.
• In Mackinaw City, Headlands International Dark Sky Park, 15675 Headlands Road.
• In Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front St.
• In Munising, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
• In Paradise, the Great Lakes Museum and Whitefish Point Light Station, 18335 N. Whitefish Point Road, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park at 41382 W. M-123.
• In Port Austin, Port Crescent State Park, 1775 Port Austin Road.
• In Clayton, Lake Hudson Recreation Area, 5505 Morey Hwy.
• In Carp Lake, Wilderness State Park, 903 Wilderness Park Drive.
• Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. T.Okay. Lawless Park in Cass County are worldwide spots. And, lastly, the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area is a global sanctuary.

What else can be in fall skies?

The Harvest Moon will peak at evening Oct. 6.

Four meteor showers can be energetic in Michigan skies come October.

USA TODAY contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.