The moon-Jupiter conjunction lights up the sky

CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Observatory received numerous calls Wednesday night regarding the spectacular image of the moon and the mysterious, bright object next to it.

Astronomer Dean Regas, who works at the Cincinnati Observatory, says the object in question was the planet Jupiter. The moon-Jupiter conjunction was an especially close one Wednesday night and as both rose after dark, they made a dramatic pair.

According to Regas, the moon was approximately 250,000 miles away while much larger Jupiter was over 375 million miles from earth. Three of Jupiter's moons were also visible Wednesday.

Both the moon and Jupiter will be visible again Thursday night, although they will be much farther apart by then.

This moon-Jupiter conjunction will be next repeated on Christmas night. Keep a look out for the pair as your awaiting Santa's arrival!