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Established
16/3/2000 |
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 Mythical Ireland - Photo of the Month |
NOVEMBER 2008 - CONJUNCTION OF VENUS, JUPITER AND THE MOON |
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The rare evening conjunction of Venus and Jupiter is joined by the first slender crescent of the Moon as it begins its month. This photo was taken on November 30th, 2008, not long after sunset. Jupiter up to this point had been an evening object in the south for a good few months but was lately joined by Venus (The Evening Star) as it emerged from the dusk over previous weeks. There is no doubt that conjunctions such as this were observed in ancient times and held special significance. The planets are described in some of the Irish folklore as dancing cattle. Indeed they do seem to perform a merry dance among the stars watched over a period of time. In this image, taken near Drogheda, Co. Louth, the Moon appears to do a little high-wire act, watched on by its companions. The cold spell meant temperatures of zero and below and conditions were ideal for viewing this beautiful cconjunction. |
PREVIOUS PHOTOS OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER 2008: Cairn T, Loughcrew, in the mist at the Autumn Equinox. AUGUST 2008: Roadside motte near Oldcastle, County Meath. JULY 2008: Bocan Stone Circle, Co. Donegal . JUNE 2008: Croagh Patrick - Cruachan Aigle - sacred mountain in County Mayo associated with Saint Patrick. MAY 2008: Passage stones at Cairn S, Loughcrew, Co. Meath. APRIL 2008: Newgrange under stars: iconic photograph by astrophotographer Declan McCormack showing the entrance of Newgrange under a starlit night. MARCH 2008: Offerings for St. Brigid, at her shrine in Faughart, Co. Louth, which claims to be the birthplace of this uniquely Irish saint. FEBRUARY 2008: Can you guess what this mystery photo shows? JANUARY 2008: Solstice moongazers at Dowth at the time of Winter Solstice. DECEMBER 2007: The intricately decorated kerbstone 13, Knowth, Co. Meath. JULY 2007: The view from Slieve Gullion, Co. Armagh. JUNE 2007: Moon and Venus over Turlough Round Tower, Co. Mayo. MAY 2007: The Holy Thorn, Wearyall Hill, Glastonbury, UK. This is the place where St. Joseph of Arimathea brought Christianity to Britain. APRIL 2007: The moat of king Slaine sits on the summit of the Hill of Slane, famous as the place where St. Patrick lit the first Paschal Fire in Ireland, but which lies at the centre of an ancient alignment system. MARCH 2007: On a bright March evening, the new lambs of 2007 graze atop the megalithic cairn at Dowth, under the watchful eye of mother, who is aware of the presence of the photographer. In the distance is Newgrange. If you want to send a contribution for Photo of the Month, send me an e-mail to mythicalireland AT eircom DOT net |
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