Venus, Jupiter to converge on Feb. 2

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines can save up to $3.6 billion through the use of its renewable energy resources, an official from the multi-sectoral Renewable Energy Coalition (REC) said.

Two of the brightest planets in the solar system, Venus and Jupiter, will converge for a spectacular close encounter on Feb. 2, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said yesterday.

In a phone interview, weather specialist Jose Mendoza said Filipino astronomy enthusiasts will surely enjoy this “very rare” encounter of the two planets.

“Based on data, this is the closest encounter of Venus and Jupiter from 2004 to 2014,” Mendoza told The STAR, adding Venus will be shining brighter at -4 magnitude as compared to Jupiter’s –1.9.

Mendoza said the best time to witness this encounter will be at 5:30 a.m. or before sunrise. The astronomical event is visible all over the country, he said.

Mendoza said skywatchers will have a nice view of the phenomenon as the weather bureau forecasts clear skies all over the Philippines in the next few days.

Although it can be seen by the naked eye, Mendoza advised observers to use a telescope.

“It’s worth the effort because Venus and Jupiter will be less than one degree apart, like twin headlights piercing the rosy glow of sunrise. It’s a beautiful scene. In fact, you may not be able to take your eyes off of it. Venus and Jupiter are literally spellbinding,” the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said in its website.