Let your kids witness a spectacular event between Venus, Jupiter and the moon tonight

An amazing celestial event that you can see with the naked eye        [Source]

Tonight, take a moment with your kids to look up.  In the night sky on December 1st there will be a lunar-planetary spectacle sure to generate lots of "oooohs" and "aaahhs."  It will also be a prime moment for a simple lesson in astrology for kids as young as toddlers.

Looking to the southwest, observers will see Venus, Jupiter and the moon in very close proximity. 

The moon, which will be visible as a slender crescent, will be so close to Venus and Jupiter it will illuminate them to appear brighter and larger.

The lesson for your children can be about the following:

1. Venus and Jupiter are big, brilliant stars in the sky, but they are also known as planets because of their size and proximity to Earth.
2. The Earth and planets are always moving, and sometimes they move close enough together for the moon to cast its light on the planets so they shine like big stars.
3. Many countries have considered this celestial scene to be so magnificent, they have a juxtaposed version of it on their nation's flags, ie: Turkey, Pakistan, Malaysia, Algeria, Tunisia and Mauritania.
4. Tonight's event will not be able to be viewed by the naked eye again for many years, when your toddler is a grown adult.

For more information and facts to share with your kids about tonight's astrological event, visit HERE.

Whether viewing by telescope, binoculars or just the naked eye, you and your children are sure to be awe-struck at seeing such a wondrous sight in the night sky.   

Subscribe to Darby Herrington’s column by clicking on the "subscribe" button below.

Questions? Want to see a certain topic addressed?  

Add a comment here or email me with "Examiner" in the subject line at:  edarby11@aol.com

Copyright ©2008 by E. Darby Herrington.  All rights reserved.