Brightest planets Jupiter and Venus to convene in south-west sky

Two jewel-like planets will reach a close conjunction on 2 March before beginning to separate

As promised last week, the two brightest planets in the night sky, Jupiter and Venus, have been closing in on each another. This week, the two jewel-like planets will meet in a close conjunction on 2 March.

The chart shows the view looking west-south-west from London at 6pm GMT on 2 March. Venus will be the brighter of the two, becoming visible first as the sunlight drains from the sky. Jupiter's light will cut through the twilight next, gradually rising in brightness as the night gathers and the pair dip inexorably towards the horizon.