November 19, 2021: This evening Venus leaves the star pattern that is frequently referred to as the Teapot. It is part of the constellation Sagittarius. The planet stays within the formal constellation until March 7, 2022.
by Jeffrey L. Hunt
Chicago, Illinois: Sunrise, 6:45 a.m. CST; Sunset, 4:27 p.m. CST. Check local sources for sunrise and sunset times for your location.
Brilliant Venus is visible in the southwest after sunset. It is appearing closer to Jupiter and Saturn as the year edges toward its close.
Venus is moving eastward in Sagittarius. It is passing through the shape known today as the Teapot. This evening the planet passes 0.2° to the lower left of the star Nunki. Informally, it is in the pot’s handle. In the formal constellation, the star marks the vane of the arrow that the centaur is ready to launch from its bow.
Use a binocular to spot the planet, Nunki and the other three stars of the Teapot’s handle.
Notice that Venus continues stepping toward Saturn. This evening the gap is 25.5°. Jupiter is 15.9° to the upper left of the Ringed Wonder.
With your pointer finger, trace an imaginary line from Venus through Saturn to Jupiter. This figure represents part of the imaginary plane of the solar system, the ecliptic.
Watch Venus step away from Nunki and the pot’s handle and move toward Saturn. Meanwhile, Saturn and Jupiter are slowly moving eastward compared to the stars.
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