Saturn, Jupiter, the Moon and Mars Alignment and the ISS

March 30, 2020

Saturn Jupiter Moon Mars Alignment and ISS Passage 19 February 2020 Label EPOD

Photographer: Dario Giannobile
Summary Authors: Dario Giannobile; Jim Foster

Just before daybreak on the morning of February 19, 2020, it was possible to witness a very fascinating celestial show. Near the end of the astronomical night I observed Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and the Moon, all rising over this marine coast on the island of Sicily (Italy). Note that the ashen, waning moon is accented by a corona.

The International Space Station passed over almost exactly when the ambient light was changing. This is why this image shows the transition from night to dawn by means of multiple shots, allowing me to track the ISS across the sky. This crossing lasted 4 minutes, during which time the light changed considerably.

Early tomorrow morning, before dawn, Mars passes just south (0.9 degrees) of Saturn, and Jupiter is just 6.3 degrees west of this bright duo. If you’re up early, make sure to take a look.