If we were to play cosmic charades, Venus and the moon would be killing “A Beatles Song” at the moment, as they meet on the morning of August 15 in the night sky.
Just a few days after Venus hit its highest point in the morning sky for 2020, it will have a close encounter with the moon, as they share the same straight rise, per In the Sky. The exact moment of conjunction takes place at 9:01 a.m. EDT. Most stargazers will not see it at the exact moment of convergence, as the sun will wash the planet out of sight. However, the dynamic duo will be a lot closer together, while being visible earlier in the morning.
The timing of when you can see their close approach will vary slightly depending on your location, but will be in the same general environment. As evidenced by New York City, In The Sky reports, the duo will rise to minutes just after 2.30pm and will rise to 34 degrees above the horizon by the time the sun rises and makes them disappear from sight.
The event is one of a series of close encounters with the moon that planets have had this month. It may seem like this is going to happen all the time, but that’s not really the case. Stargazers were just happy in August (and also in July). This is the last close call between planets and the moon until Jupiter, Saturn, and the moon all come together later in the month.
If you want a closer look, you can see the orbs through a few binoculars. However, they will not be close enough together to be seen through a telescope at the same time. Of course, you can also see them with the naked eye. That should be easily done, because Venus is the brightest object in the sky next to the sun and moon.
