2018, January 5: Jupiter, Mars, and Moon

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Bright Morning Star Jupiter shines from the southeast this morning with Mars close by.  Mars is 0.7 degrees from Jupiter and two days from its close conjunction the Giant Planet.

Jupiter is 2.3 degrees from Zubenelgenubi, in Libra.  Jupiter passed the star a week ago.  Jupiter passes it again in June during its retrograde.

Spica is 23 degrees to the upper right of Mars.  The Red Planet passed the star over a month ago.  Jupiter had a triple conjunction with Spica during its last apparition.

Meanwhile the 18-day-old moon shines high in the western sky.

The articles that follow provide details about the planets visible without optical assistance (binoculars or telescope):

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