Udupi: Mercury-Moon Rendezvous Evokes 'Astronomical' Excitement

Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 24: With the nightfall on Thursday February 23 came an exhilarating experience for those interested in astronomy, with the innermost planet Mercury lying close to the moon.

At the facility provided by Poorna Prajna Amateur Astronomers Club of Poorna Prajna College (PPC) to gaze the sky at Malpe beach from 6 to 7.30 pm on Thursday, a number of enthusiasts had an experience of a lifetime.

Dr A P Bhat, physics professor of PPC, was ably assisted by Kishore Hande of government junior college, Hebri, at the demonstration arranged at the said venue.

People watched in excitement as they sighted Venus, Jupiter and Mars too along with Venus.

In the western sky Mercury lay at 21 degree from the horizon, Venus at 40 degree, Jupiter at 60 degree and Mars in the eastern sky.

On February 25 cresent Moon passes 3 degree to Venus and it will make a lovely pair to the sight.

Sri Vishwaprasannashateertha Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt graced the occasion, and he too happened to be one the curious sky-gazers on Thursday.