A gathering involving celestial bodies, most predominantly planets, is classified as a conjunction and represents a very dramatic sight when looking overhead. Planets by their nature are generally the brightest specks of light in the overhead sky and, therefore, easily stand out on their own. This is especially true when two or more planets are in proximity to each other ranging from less than a degree to tens of degrees spanning the eastern or western sky.

Strange as it may sound, Mercury is the least observed planet using the naked-eye and this includes professional astronomers and which is attributed to the planet's close proximity to the Sun. As a result, conjunctions involving Mercury and one of the other planets is a great means to catching this elusive planet once the sun has yet to rise in the east or has already set in the west.

Conjunctions are particularly impressive when they involve the most dominant celestial body of the night sky, namely the moon, and where one can observe a variable juxtaposition between the moon and one or more planets from evening to evening.

Note: The effort below involving the very young crescent moon was taken from the seaside resort area of Oropos northeast of Athens and whose history dates to the time of the golden age of ancient Greece. Oropos is best known for the sacred sanctuary Amphiareion (5th century BC) lying in the immediate hills and which was visited by pilgrims in their desire to consult the oracle Amphiaraus for advice and healing. To the southeast of the crescent moon is the brightest planet of the evening sky, namely Venus, and which is characterized with an apparent diameter of only 11.01" and a phase of 91.1%. Jupiter is further southeast of Venus basking in the orange glow above the horizon and not visible at the resolution below (but clearly discernible at higher resolutions). The ferry boat Anna Maria is visible in the distant foreground during one of its many daily trips between mainland Greece at Oropos and Eretria (Euvoia).

Note: For additional conjunction results involving the Moon and other celestial bodies from around the world, please click here.