The five bright planets are scattered widely around the circle, so that we are in an arid period for conjunctions between them. The last was when Venus passed Mars on February 2; the next will be when Mercury comes around in front of Mars on June 28. At present, Mars is the only planet in the sunset scene. Jupiter is higher, not long past its opposition. Saturn is in the high morning sky, rising before midnight. Venus and Mercury – to the “right” (west) of the sun – are in the morning twilight.
Bottom line: A view of our solar system, as seen from earthly north, for May 2017. Illustration by Guy Ottewell.
Like what you read?
Subscribe and receive daily news delivered to your inbox.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
More from
Guy Ottewell
View All
Penumbral lunar eclipse to pass quietly March 24-25, 2024
March 24, 2024
Jupiter and Uranus meet in the sky
March 14, 2024
Observable comets in 2024, from Guy Ottewell
January 18, 2024
Sky trio for you, Southern Hemisphere friends
November 14, 2023