Abstract
CONJUNCTION OF MARS WITH SPICA.—Interesting, though not extremely close approaches of Mars to the bright star Spica Virginis will occur on May 22, when Mars will be situated 2½ degrees north of the star. On that night the planet will pass the meridian at 9.21 G.M.T. at an altitude of about 30 degrees. On succeeding nights Mars will be observed to the N.N.W. of the star, but on June 2 will become stationary, and thereafter move slowly eastwards. On June 12 he will again be in conjunction with Spica Virginis, and about 1°37′ N. of the star. Mars will cross the S. meridian 10 minutes before sunset on the latter night, and a good view will not be obtainable of the planet and star until 9 p.m. G.M.T. and afterwards. Mars will be much the brighter of the pair, and visible at an earlier time than the star. The two conjunctions will form attractive and striking configurations.
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Our Astronomical Column. Nature 105, 340 (1920). https://doi.org/10.1038/105340a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/105340a0