Jupiter

• Researchers at the Southwest Research Institute discovered that a massive asteroid shattered near Jupiter's gravitational gateway approximately 800 million years ago. • The fragmentation event released a vast amount of rocky debris that likely bombarded Earth, the Moon, and Mars for an estimated 150 million years. • This finding is significant as it helps scientists understand the historical distribution of asteroids and the frequency of impact events in the inner solar system.

• A new 30-day photographic collage documents the gradual approach of Venus and Jupiter in the western sky. • The visual sequence captures the planets appearing to move closer together from Earth's perspective, despite actually drifting further apart in space. • This celestial alignment serves as a buildup to a climactic close conjunction scheduled for June 9.

• Jupiter and Venus will appear in a dazzling conjunction on June 9, glowing just a few degrees apart in the western sunset sky. • Observers can also spot Mercury lurking nearby, positioned close to the horizon during the event. • This celestial alignment offers a rare opportunity for stargazers to view three prominent planets in close proximity.

Solar system’s two brightest planets appear close together low above the western horizon after sunset this weekThe two brightest planets meet this week in the western twilight sky. The chart shows the view looking west-northwest at 21:45 BST. No stars will yet be visible, but Venus and Jupiter will be brilliant against the darkening sky.The planets will be separated by about 1.5 degrees – about the width of three full moons. They will be low to the horizon, so you will need a clear sightline in their direction. If you can find a hill, that will help too. Continue reading...