The Moon has been aligned with Jupiter and Venus in the night sky this week, delighting sky watchers around the world, from the UK to Ukraine - where it has been hailed as a good omen.
On Wednesday, (February 22) the planets met up with our moon when it was a tiny sliver of a crescent. Similar scenes were repeated in the sky last tonight (Thursday, February 22) - and should also be visible tonight and for the next week or two.
However, as the month goes on, the moon will pass further from the planets. But Jupiter and Venus will move more closely into alignment.
The alignment has been noticeable in early evening. It has been hailed as "beautiful" and a "once in life time experience," by some people who witnessed it, reports Wales Online.
Astronomy website EarthSky says that Venus, the brightest planet is climbing higher in the west after sunset each night. And that it’s moving closer to the second brightest planet, Jupiter, which is now descending towards the sunset.
EarthSky says: "By February’s end, they’ll be super noticeable … ready to dazzle you! Their conjunction will come in early March."
Astrologist Patric Arundell says the "fabulous Venus/Jupiter tie can make this a special week, when something amazing comes your way".
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People around the UK and the wider world have been sharing photos of the eye catching alignment on social media. And the alignment has also been noted in war torn Ukraine. @rinegati tweeted: "Many cities of Ukraine, you can now see how the Moon, Jupiter and Venus are lined up in one row. This is the strongest sign."
On Twitter @In_The_Pix said: "Tonight’s crescent moon, in line with Jupiter and Venus, beautiful!"
In Belfast, @weerthepeople: "Belfast sky looking stunning this evening with the sights of Jupiter and Venus closely aligning the moon. Get out there, have a look!"
In Wales, @IamRikaSmith, tweeted: "Jupiter, The Moon and Venus, from the valleys of Wales."
Still in Wales, Alan Rees Thomas captured some stunning shots of the alignment over Cowbridge.
Further north, Ian Brookes tweeted: "Lucky to have a clear sky in north Wales just now, a bright Moon and aligned to the centre point are Jupiter & Venus bright in the sky."
And Mike J captured this stunning shot of the spectacle over Llanelli town centre:
Meanwhile in England, Esther Gill in Sussex tweeted: "Amazing alignment of a tiny crescent moon with Venus & Jupiter above Brighton. Stunning."
