* Astronomy

Blobrana · L

RE: Venus and Pleiades

Blobrana · L

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Date: 10:30 UT, 3rd April, 2012

Blobrana · L

This week the second planet from the sun will pass directly in front of the Pleiades star cluster. It's a rare sunset conjunction that's easy to find with the unaided eye, but best seen through binoculars or a small telescope.
The action begins on Monday evening, April 2nd, when Venus enters the outskirts of the little dipper-shaped asterism. Look west at sunset for Venus--it's the brightest thing around--then scan the area using binoculars. The conjunction will be immediately clear. The best evening to look is Tuesday, April 3rd, when the brilliant planet glides just south of the dipper's bowl. Venus exits by the handle on Wednesday, April 4th. Venus passes through the Pleiades in this way about once every 8 years.
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Blobrana · L

Sunset, Venus and Pleiades

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nySlS0z8BYM
Credit puma2019

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg7V94L2eAs
Credit nolimetangere67

Venus is near to the Pleiades star cluster on the 2-3 April, 2012.

Venus passes close to the Pleiades every 8 years. This year, it passes just half a degree from Alcyone; in 2020 it will pass even closer.