Fig (1)

Venus and Jupiter over the Pyramids and the Sphinx (2 September 2005)

Photo by Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem, PSC, Senior Astronomy Specialist

 

In late August 2005, Jupiter, the largest planet, and Venus, the brightest planet, were approaching each other in the evening sky. On 2 September 2005, the apparent distance between Jupiter and Venus was the smallest in 2005. The view was spectacular! The two planets appeared as two brilliant white stars, shining above the western horizon.

 

There was no fear of collision between Jupiter and Venus; each planet was moving in its orbit around the Sun, but they just happened to be near our line of sight. This phenomenon is termed a planetary conjunction.

 

Fig (2)

The Moon, Venus, Jupiter over Alexandria, Egypt

Photo by Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem, PSC, Senior Astronomy Specialist

 

Mr Aymen Ibrahem, PSC, Senior Astronomy Specialist, photographed this dazzling conjunction on several occasions in late August and early September. He took the pictures in Alexandria, Giza and Luxor, and named the collection of pictures "The King and Queen of Planets". Several of these pictures were published by American and European publishers.

 

 

Fig (3)

Two Planets and Pharaoh

The photo shows the Venus-Jupiter conjunction over the Luxor Temple, Luxor, Egypt. The colossal statue in the foreground is of King Ramesses the Great (1279-1213 BCE).

The photo is unique as it is the first publication of an image of Venus and Jupiter over the great temple.

Photo by Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem, PSC, Senior Astronomy Specialist 

 

Further reading

The King and the Messenger

http://www.bibalex.org/Eclipse2006/News_Details.aspx?id=74

Mars photos

http://www.bibalex.org/Eclipse2006/News_Details.aspx?id=70

Planets dazzle Alexandria

http://www.bibalex.org/Eclipse2006/News_Details.aspx?id=61

 

 

Aymen Mohamed Ibrahem

PSC, Senior Astronomy Specialist