25 Jun 2005
Three Planets from Mt. Hamilton
Explanation:
Venus, Mercury, and Saturn wandered close together in western
evening skies last week. On Saturnday, June 25, astronomer R. Jay
GaBany recorded this snapshot of their eye-catching planetary
conjunction, from historic Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton,
California, USA. The view looks toward the Pacific shortly after
sunset with the lights of San Jose and the southern San Francisco
Bay area in the foreground. Of course, Venus is the brightest of
the trio. Mercury is nearby on the right and Saturn is below and
left, closest to the horizon. Farther to the right of the planetary
triangle are Pollux and Castor, twin stars of Gemini, with Regulus,
bright star of the constellation Leo, at the very upper left corner
of the picture. In the coming days, Venus and Mercury remain close,
while Saturn continues to drop below them, toward the
horizon.
Credit &
Copyright: R. Jay GaBany
