Planets’ dance rare occurrence

The two brightest planets visible from Earth drew close Monday night in a dance that won’t be replicated for decades.

Jupiter and Venus aligned in the southwestern sky with a crescent moon, completing an approach that began last summer, said Hartnell planetarium educator Andy Kreyche – although fog obscured the view for much of the Salinas region.

“You don’t need much except a clear sky to see (the show),” Kreyche said.

The planets have appeared as brilliant lights hanging above the horizon at sunset for the past few nights. They’ve begun to migrate away from each other, but Kreyche said the planets will remain visible until Jupiter dips below the horizon, moving closer to Mercury.

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