Starwatch: Jupiter, Saturn and Venus chart the moon’s movement

The moon can be seen in the evening sky this week, thanks to Jupiter and Saturn being in the same area. Venus has joined the party to provide more reference points along the way.

The view from London at 1630GMT on 6 December is shown in the chart. You should be able to see the planets easily, but the moon will be a challenge. Only 8% of its visible surface will be illuminated and you need a clear south-western horizon to see it.

Things get better the following night. The moon will be illuminated by Venus and Saturn. The illumination will be 25% on 7 December, when it will be between Jupiter and Saturn. The night after it will be near Jupiter. Venus will be the lowest planet, with Jupiter the highest. You might have to look a bit harder for fainter Saturn. The groupings are higher in the western sky from the southern hemisphere.

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