Definition of a Triple Grand Conjunction: When Jupiter and Saturn are in perfect alignment with the clouds in your sky.
Roger Powell, 20th December 2020
After fourteen successive overcast evenings, I was desperate to capture the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn through some predicted small gaps in the low level clouds. The separation between the two planets would be a mere 11 arc-minutes, which would easily fit into my telescope field of view.
I had the scope set up and ready to go. I wasn’t feeling very optimistic – just desperate.
The Five Stages of Desperation:
So I was thwarted yet again. Although there were gaps, they revealed only a thick high level haze beyond – and a very fuzzy crescent Moon. No planets. Not even a star.
🤬
That’s how fourteen consecutive cloudy nights became fifteen – and now as I write this a day later- sixteen.
Images © Roger Powell
I’m a founder member of Macarthur Astronomical Society
Sorry to hear about this string of bad luck. My view was serviceable last night through a haze, but only barely.
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It must be exciting and perhaps a little weird to see two planets in one FOV. Glad you got a look.
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Thanks. Though given the temperature and conditions, I did not try with the telescope.
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Hi, I still like looking at your photos even if it is frustrating for you. I do not think I will be able so see the conjunction either. It too overcast.
Thanks for your work. Fran
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Astronomy is so dependent on the weather, I’ve always known that, so I try not to let it beat me.
😬
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Yesterday was clear all day until 4 pm. Then, it clouded over. Today is clear again. I wonder what will happen.
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I’m seeing some small cloud gaps this afternoon. It can be a tease.
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We got lucky in the afternoon. Skies cleared. I set up with a friend behind his house out of the wind. Remarkable to see both planets and 4 Galilean moons all together in the same field. I hope you got a break.
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I spotted them tonight, very low, after a break in the clouds, just as they were dipping behind a tree. I got some video to process tomorrow but I’m not too hopeful of the quality.
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I feel for you!
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Thanks. I’ve given up and stopped stressing about it. One day the clouds will go away.
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This is hilariously presented, but I also sympathize. The night of the conjunction, I had a brief moment of hope that the clouds were breaking up and then it just poured. 😅🌧
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You have to laugh about it. 🙃
It’s time to move on and go photograph some other night sky objects.
Oh, wait…… 🌨🌩🌨🌩⛈
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