Planetary tango - Venus and Jupiter

When all the news talk is of global conflict and climate gloom, it's wonderful to look up into the great celestial and simply observe the magnificent beauty of our stars and planets.

These past weeks have seen the close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in brightest 'dancing' motion across the night sky.

Some of the pictures are truly inspiring, as is this interactive positioning of both planets.

Look forward also to the transit of Venus across the Sun on 6 June, one of the astronomical calendar's rarest and most exciting events.

Happy night-gazing and future planetary pleasures.

John