Sky gazers will be into rare treat this month with a number of planets coming closer to the Moon. These events help astronomers and others interested in the subject compare and study the planets, according to an expert.
People in Qatar along with other countries in the region would be able to see and observe many planets of the solar system near to the Moon.
“These astronomical events are important to validate astronomical calculations that we do. It can also guide amateur astronomers to know the sky map during the month as to where the planet can be found and identify them. Planets being closer to the Moon aids to capture both the celestial bodies in a single frame there by helping compare different aspects,” Dr Bashir Marzouk, an astronomer with the Qatar Calendar house old The Peninsula.
Planet Mars is visible currently, some four degrees northern Moon's centre. Qatar's residents can see the planet and Moon together over western horizon till moon set time, where moon will be set at 8:28pm.
On March 14, the biggest planet Jupiter will be nearest to full moon by only two degrees south to the Moon's centre, at 11pm. People here can see the planet on the eastern horizon after Jupiter rise time at 7:36pm. The planet will can be observed until early morning of next daysaid a statement issued yesterday by Dr Marzouk and Dr Mohammed Al Ansari of Qatar Calendar House.
Saturn with its rings will come close to Moon on March 20, and it will be at three degrees South to Moon's centre, at 2pm. But, people here cannot see the planet at this time as sunlight will cover all planets during day time. However, 00:30 of March 21 the planet with its rings near to the Moon can be seen over the eastern horizon of Doha sky.
Finally, Mars will become near to new crescent of on March 30, where Mars will be near Moon by five degrees north to the Moon's centre. Qatar residents can observe Mars and Moon together over western horizon of Doha sky after sunset, until moon set at 8:20pm .
