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[Centaur]

The planetary gods are always orchestrating a show for us. Jupiter may be the “star” right now while we anticipate the apparition of Mercury. But let’s not forget our old friends Mars and Saturn who have been inhabiting our evening sky for a while now. They will be performing a dance together and with the Beehive cluster (Praesepe, M44 in Cancer) over the coming weeks. I calculate that Saturn will complete its triple conjunction with the cluster on 2006 JUN 03 at 10:57 UT when it makes it closest approach for the cycle to Epsilon Cancri (Beehive’s brightest star) by passing 48’ south. Then Mars will pass 14’ south of the same star on JUN 15 at 19:43 UT. Finally, Mars will pass 33’ north of Saturn on JUN 18 at 06:25 UT.

I have created graphics demonstrating the movements of Mars and Saturn that can be seen by going to www.curtrenz.com/astronomical.html

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

To follow up on Curt's Heads up on the June Alignments:

An Alignment of Stars and Planets

Keep an eye on Saturn every night. Before long you'll notice a dim red star approaching the ringed planet. That "star" is Mars. Every night it creeps closer to Saturn.

Fans of Star Trek, make the Vulcan "Live Long and Prosper" sign with your right hand. Hold it at arm's length. By Wednesday, June 7th, both Mars and Saturn will fit inside the "V":

Thursday, June 15th, is a special night. En route to Saturn, Mars will pass directly in front of the Beehive. Scan the ensemble with binoculars or a small telescope. Red Mars is about 16 times brighter than the surrounding stars. It'll look like a red supernova has gone off inside the cluster--a wonderful photo-op for amateur astronomers:

In mid-June, Mercury leaps out of the glare of the Sun, soaring into the evening sky not far from Saturn and Mars. Greatest visibility occurs around June 15th, the same night Mars "explodes" in the Beehive. Mercury is easy to see even from over-lit cities.

Finally, the climax: On Saturday, June 17th, Mars and Saturn draw so close together you might think they're going to collide. Stick out your pinky and hold it at arm's length. The two planets will fit behind the tip with room to spare. Mercury, meanwhile, hovers just below: Wow!

Mark your calendar: June 7th, June 15th, June 17th. Three sunsets, three planets and a star cluster--not a bad way to end the day.

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Email notices will be sent out to the Chicago Astronomer members. These will make for great joint observational sessions and photographic opportunities... ;D