According to National Geographic, Venus and Jupiter are closer this week than they’ve been in more than 10 years; last night and tonight they will be at their closest, separated by less than half a degree.
The conjunction of the two planets may be an explanation for a Biblical phenomenon:
While limited in their scientific interest, historically Venus and Jupiter conjunctions may be a possible answer to the Star of Bethlehem legend. In the years 2 and 3 B.C. there was a similar series of three stunningly close pairings between the planets that would have caught the eye of ancient astronomers.
No word whether the planets will be shining over Salt Lake City this time around.
Other links:
Sky and Telescope
NASA
Posted by Cara Ellen Modisett