Tomorrow, Jupiter and Saturn, the two largest planets in our solar system will reach a geometric configuration that will make them appear nearly aligned as seen from Earth. The spectacular sight will have the two planets only 6 minutes of arc from each other. That is a distance of roughly 1/5 of the Moons apparent diameter. Both today and tomorrow were forecast to be 100% overcast. But after a text from my friend Tim Bresnahan concerning the celestial event, I noticed a break in the clouds which had the possibility revealing the two gas giants. It took me about 5 minutes to gather and set up camera, lens, lens plate and tripod. The strip of clear sky exposed the planets for a total of 3 minutes during which I snapped off 34 photos at various exposures.
In the photo Jupiter being larger and closer appears brighter, while dimmer Saturn's rings give it an elongated shape. Today the planets were seperated by 8 minutes of arc.
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