Yahoo News Photographers capture moon flanked by Jupiter and Venus in icy morning sky
Early risers were treated to an incredible celestial display this morning – as the crescent moon appeared flanked by two bright planets.
This morning’s crisp, clear air gave sky-watchers in Britain a perfect view of the moon flanked by Jupiter and Venus, looking like two stars.
The planet to the left of the moon is Venus, and to the right is Jupiter – the brightest objects in the night sky.
Across Britain and around the world, Twitter and Instagram users captured spectacular images of the ‘celestial parade’ early this morning.
A post shared by Snow Maiden (@flying_snow_girl) on Jan 30, 2019 at 9:55pm PST
A post shared by Phil (@philverney) on Jan 30, 2019 at 10:14pm PST
Venus, Jupiter and the moon looking amazing in the north of England this cold morning! #astronomy #space #yorkshire #york pic.twitter.com/lJMYWBPtVT
— Aidan Hutchinson (@AidanHutch) January 30, 2019
The moon is in its waning gibbous phase, after a super blood wolf moon eclipse on Monday 21st January with the total eclipse giving the dawn sky a reddish tinge.
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The slightly alarming name is due to the combination of several different celestial phenomena.
Cold one. Plus Jupiter, moon and Venus. pic.twitter.com/LTe5DCVHNt
— Jonathan Adams (@jonboy274) January 31, 2019
Braving the snowdrifts in my pyjamas and wellies to take a rubbish photo of the #Jupiter, #moon and #venus conjunction. You’re welcome. Get outside, it’s stunning. pic.twitter.com/2z7tJXCdTj
— Deb Allen (@debdragonfly1) January 31, 2019
#venus #jupiter #moon #nolightpollution #kent #astronomy taken from my bedroom window with just my phone pic.twitter.com/DHaseIoz4n
— Jen (@jen_y_li) January 31, 2019
First, it was wolf moon, a traditional name for full moons in winter.
But it was also a supermoon, where the moon is at its closest point to Earth. NASA says, ‘The full moon will also be at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, called perigee.
And it was a lunar eclipse, with the moon covered by Earth’s shadow and taking on a red glow – hence the name blood moon.
