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Best photos: Venus and Saturn January 9

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January 9, 2016

The sky’s brightest planet, Venus, and what’s often its faintest and least noticeable bright planet, Saturn, are close together in Saturday morning’s predawn sky – January 9, 2016. They are closer than any two planets since 2013 … only about 1/6 of a full moon diameter apart. Thanks to all who posted their photo at EarthSky Facebook, or G+, or submitted directly to EarthSky. We posted just a few of our favs here.

Venus and Saturn on January 9, 2016 by Stephen Marceau in eastern Australia.

Venus and Saturn on January 9, 2016 from Eran Shacham in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Venus and Saturn on January 9, 2016 from Abhinav Singhai in Delhi, India.

Venus and Saturn on January 9, 2016 from Fernando Roquel Torres in Caguas, Puerto Rico. The telescope inverts the image ... — Venus and Saturn on January 9, 2016 from Fernando Roquel Torres in Caguas, Puerto Rico. The telescope inverts the image …

Venus and Saturn on January 9, 2016 from Mohamed Laaifat Photographies in Normandy, France.

Venus and Saturn on January 9, 2016 from Dave Wrigglesworth in Scotland.

By the way, the moon passed by the planets earlier this week, but most of you probably didn't see the very slim waning crescent moon below the planets on Saturday morning. Here's a catch of Saturday's morning's moon by Matthew Chin in Hong Kong. Thanks, Matthew! — By the way, the moon passed by the planets earlier this week, but most of you probably didn’t see the very slim waning crescent moon below the planets on Saturday morning. Here’s a catch of Saturday’s morning’s moon by Matthew Chin in Hong Kong. Thanks, Matthew!

Bottom line: Photos of the bright planets Venus and Saturn on January 9, 2016.

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January 9, 2016

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.