THEThe June sky is preparing to offer one of those evenings in which looking up at the starry ceiling becomes almost an obligation, especially for lovers of evocative atmospheres. In the evenings between 8 and 9 Junetwo of the brightest planets in our solar system, Jupiter and Venuswill be the protagonists of a close encounter so spectacular that it has already been named as the “cosmic kiss” of the year. A perfect event to slow down, spread a blanket in the garden and enjoy the show.
Cosmic kiss: a game of mirrors in space
From a purely astronomical point of view, experts talk about conjunction, but in simple words, it is a bizarre and fascinating optical effect. In the real world of the galaxy, Jupiter and Venus are hundreds of millions of kilometers away from each other, but these days their orbits align perfectly with Earth’s line of sight. The result? Looking up, the two celestial bodies will almost seem to touch each otherfloating very close in the darkness. Venus will shine like a very bright white diamond, while Jupiter, not far away, will be slightly less intense but equally magnetic.
When to enjoy the show
The the calendar marks the evening of tomorrow 9 June as the highlightalthough as early as tonight the two planets will begin to appear unusually close. To avoid missing the appointment, the ideal time is between 9.30pm and 10pm. Furthermore, for fans of the celestial vault, the following days will reserve another surprise: between 9 and 10 JuneaMars, Saturn and the Moon will also align in a decidedly chic night parade.
The June sky offers an extraordinary optical effect: two giants of the solar system get so close that they seem to be embracing. (Getty Images)
The show with the naked eye
You won’t need professional telescopes or scientists’ equipment. The beauty of this phenomenon lies in its accessibility, given that it will be clearly visible to the naked eye or, at most, with simple opera glasses. Just direct your gaze towards the west-northwest, capturing that magical moment in which the twilight light goes out and leaves room for the vivid colors of the two planets.
The cosmic kiss from the most evocative natural stages in Italy
Although the show can be seen from any city balcony, to fully experience the magic of the event the advice isas always, that of moving away from the artificial lights of urban centres. Light pollution, in fact, risks fading the contours of this planetary embrace. Italy offers several natural frames that seem made especially for the occasion. For example, among the vineyards of the Langhe and Monferratoor in Val d’Orcia, in Tuscany.
From Salento and Sicily the kiss overlooking the sea
Also the Sibillini Mountains National Park, between Marche and Umbriaoffers one of the darkest and most pristine skies on the peninsula. Going down again, in Salento and Sicily you can wait for the phenomenon by looking at the sea. For those who remain in the city, in any case, no waivers: a city park or a condominium terrace they will however be enough to see this romantic greeting among the giants of space.