British Astrophotographer Captures Rare Mars-Jupiter Conjunction In Glastonbury

In the early hours of Thursday, 15 August, at 2 a.m. in Glastonbury, astrophotography enthusiast Josh Dury took an image of a rare celestial event — the Mars and Jupiter conjunction in the night sky.

The Planets’ Conjunction

The planets’ conjunction is a term that describes their alignment in close proximity as viewed from Earth. In this astrophoto, Jupiter shineі brightly above Mars despite Mars being closer to Earth.

As Somersetlive reports, Josh Dury was astounded by the celestial phenomenon he captured on camera.

He explained that the stunning photo was taken in a single shot, perfectly timed as the two planets rose above the horizon. Dury captured this incredible photograph from the summit of Glastonbury Tor, overlooking the Mendips in Somerset, U.K. 

“Last night, a rare astronomical event took place. A “conjunction” between Mars and Jupiter,” the photographer said.

A Rare Celestial Event

Josh Dury noted that this phenomenon is rare in the night sky. It is a unique spectacle that although the two planets appear close together in the sky, they are more than 350 million miles apart.

“It was a close approach as the two planets appear “close” to each other from our perspective in the solar system. This will not happen again until the year 2033.”

This highlights the incredible wonders visible from Earth. As Mars passed by Jupiter, Earth’s vantage point made them appear exceptionally close to each other, creating a breathtaking view of the Mars-Jupiter conjunction, reports the Express.