Mercury Joins the Moon on 23 and Venus joins the Moon on 25th February 2012

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 22 Febraury 2012: Inner most planet is visible  in the evening sky after sun set on 23rd February 2012. A good night to look for mercury is on that day because   a waxing crescent moon lies 5o to its right. Poornaprajna Amateur Astronomers club (PAAC) of Poornaprajna college Udupi has arranged a sky watch programme at Malpe Beach on 23rd from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.   Dr. A.P. Bhat, Prof. of Physics P.P.C. demonstrates sky watch and K. Kishore Hande Teacher, Govt. Junior College Hebri shows planets through his Telescope. On that day in the western sky mercury is at 21o from horizon, Venus 40 degree, Jupiter 60 degree and Mars in the eastern sky.

 

 
On 25th Feb. cresent Moon passes 3o degree to venus and it makes a lovely pair to see. Along these planets orion constellation is the major constellation in the mid sky. Red gaint Betelguese (350ly)  white gaint Regal (750ly), orion nebula (1600ly), and Serius 8.6ly are major  stars in the sky.