Jupiter and Venus Converge over Germany.

This was a sky to show the kids. Early this month the two brightest planets in the night sky, Jupiter and Venus , appeared to converge . At their closest, the two planets were separated by only about the angular width of the full moon . The spectacle occurred just after sunset and was seen and photographed all across planet Earth . The displayed image was taken near to the time of closest approach from Wiltingen , Germany , and features the astrophotographer, spouse, and their two children. Of course, Venus remains much closer to both the Sun and the Earth than Jupiter -- the apparent closeness between the planets in the sky of Earth was only angular . Jupiter and Venus have passed and now appear increasingly far apart. Similar planetary convergence opportunities will eventually arise . In a few months, for example, Mars and Venus will appear to congregate just as the Sun sets.

Jupiter & Venus Conjunction Gallery: Notable Submissions to APOD