In pictures: Crescent moon, Jupiter and Venus seen in alignment over Singapore
The crescent moon, Jupiter and Venus are seen in alignment from Woodlands, Singapore on Feb 23, 2023. Causeway Point shopping mall and Woodlands MRT can be seen in the background. (Photo: A Kannan)
SINGAPORE: Skygazers in Singapore were treated to a clear view of the crescent moon, Jupiter and Venus on Thursday (Feb 23) evening – with all three celestial bodies seen in alignment.
According to Facebook group Stargazing Singapore, the phenomenon was visible from about sunset to 9pm in the direction of the western sky.
CNA reader A Kannan captured the sight from an open field in Woodlands. The image, framed by Housing Board blocks and the nearby Causeway Point mall, showed the moon and two planets clearly lit.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) skywatching tips for February 2023 show that the crescent moon sits just one degree apart from Jupiter in the western sky on Thursday, with "Venus hanging between them".
Jupiter and Venus, known as the two brightest planets in the sky, will appear closer together each evening in February.
CONJUNCTION OF JUPITER AND VENUS
Both planets will then be in conjunction on Mar 2 - meaning that they will appear very close together.
A conjunction is when two planets, a planet and the moon, or a planet and a star appear close together in Earth's night sky. Although conjunctions occur frequently and have "no profound astronomical significance", NASA added that they are "nice to view".
Weather permitting, Jupiter and Venus will be visible in the western sky from about 7.30pm until 9pm, said Stargazing Singapore.
The Facebook group added that planets remain constant in their brightness and their overall appearance in our night sky, while stars will appear to twinkle and shimmer.
JUPITER'S MOONS
Mr Kannan shared zoomed-in photographs of the waxing crescent moon as well as Jupiter with four of its moons visible.
Jupiter, known as the giant planet, has a total of 79 moons, according to NASA. It is also known as the planet with a large red spot.
Many in Singapore also took to social media to share their photos of the rare event. It was observed in a variety of locations including Harbourfront, Bedok, Paya Lebar, Marina Bay and River Valley.
