Jupiter And Venus To Line Up For Stellar Spectacle On Tuesday

Tuesday is set to serve sky-gazers one of the most anticipated optical illusions, a phenomenon which incidentally is a potential explanation for the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem.

Venus and Jupiter will appear as if they are hugging each other, giving the appearance of one big bright star. While they will appear tonight, separated by less than half a degree, they are in fact millions of miles away from each other. According to National Geographic, Tuesday's conjunction is the second in a series of three involving Jupiter and Venus. The next such event is expected to happen on October 26 at dawn.

A Venus - Jupiter conjunction is one of the astronomical and historical theories to explain the Star of Bethlehem. A conjunction series with both the planets was recorded to have happened between 2 and3 BC.

National Geographic further reports that the two worlds will separate on July 1 and get lost in the horizon. However, the crescent moon along with the planets, separated by less than four degrees, can be seen on July 18.

For those who miss out the planets' cuddle on Tuesday and Wednesday, the next opportunity awaits on August 27 next year. That conjunction may not be as good as the present one, termed the best series in the last 15 years.