Venus and Saturn will make a close approach, passing within a mere 0.4 degrees from each other on Sunday, January 22, 2023.
Venus will be brighter at magnitude -3.9, and Saturn will be fainter at magnitude 0.7. Both objects will lie in the constellation Capricornus.
This event called an appulse or conjunction will be clearly visible on the western horizon, a little above the sunset point between 6.30 pm to 8 pm.
They will be close enough to fit within the field of view of a telescope or through a pair of binoculars.
On the next day, Monday, January 23, Venus will move above Saturn and the crescent Moon will join the phenomenon in line with the planets and a beautiful alignment will occur.
The Association of Friends of Astronomy (Goa) will be conducting multiple programmes to give people a chance to view the events.
On Sunday, January 22, public observation events between 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm will be held at the Public Astronomical Observatory at Junta House, Panaji, Opp Bodgeshwar Temple, Mapusa and at Baina Beach, Vasco.
On Monday, January 23, the programmes will be held from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm at Miramar Beach, Panjim, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, and Harmal Panchakroshi Higher Secondary School, Arambol.
Participation at all these venues is free and open to all.
WHEN: January 22 (6.30 pm-7.30 pm) and 23 (6.30 pm-8 pm), 2023
WHERE:
Public Astronomical Observatory at Junta House, Panaji, Opp Bodgeshwar Temple, Mapusa and at Baina Beach, Vasco (January 22)
Miramar Beach, Panjim, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, and Harmal Panchakroshi Higher Secondary School, Arambol (on January 23)
FEE: Participation is free at all these venues and open to all
