The Star of the Magi?
Some historians think that a similar conjunction between Jupiter and Venus in 2 B.C. may be the source of the "star of Bethlehem" story related in the Bible. According to scholars, the stellar pair would have appeared so close together that they might have seemed to meld into one brilliant beacon of light. A one night show so to speak. Could this have been the Star of the Magi? We will never know.

Venus and Jupiter
The two planets have been visible in the West after sunset for a while now. Venus, twin or Earth, is much closer than Jupiter but in reality Jupiter is the biggest. If they were at the same distance we would hardly notice Venus.

Where are they?
Look in the southwestern sky around twilight. The two planets are already visible and the moon will join them on Monday. It is really a lucky coincidence that the moon will join them at the moment they appear to meet up in the sky.

How do you see them?
No telescope or binoculars needed as they are naked eye objects. You only need one eye. The show will even be visible in cities if it is a clear night. Only the clouds can stop you from seeing the bright objects in the west after sunset. It will be a crescent moon and the two planets will look like bright stars close to the moon. Venus, the brighter of the two, will be slightly lower left of Jupiter, and when the crescent moon joins the show, it will sit to the upper left of Venus.

Which are the brightest?
The moon is the brightest of the three. Only around 252,000 miles away now. Venus, the second brightest, is 94 million miles away. Jupiter a staggering 540 million miles away.

Why do they shine while the rest of the sky is black?
They reflect sunlight but if the sun would die you will not see any of them at night. It would obviously be one cold long night as there would not be any day on Earth.

Can I take a picture of them?
Sure you can take a picture of a rare group shot. It would be better to put the camera on a tripod and keep it very still. Even better if you have a good zoom lens.

What if I miss it?
You will have to wait some time The next time the three will be as close and visible as this week will be Nov. 18, 2052. On New Years Eve the moon and Venus will meet again, but without Jupiter.

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