Planetary Conjunction Shuts Down the Sydney Harbour Bridge in May 2011

[iceman]

On May 13th 2011, the closest alignment of the conjunction of Venus, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter got lots of media attention. I was even interviewed for the local paper! (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/2011/08/02/featured-in-the-local-paper-during-conjunction-month/) But noone expected the beautiful alignment of planets in the sky on that Friday morning to close down the Harbour Bridge for over 2 hours! But that’s what happened!

Ok maybe the conjunction wasn’t the cause, maybe it was the protester on the Sydney Harbour Bridge (http://smh.drive.com.au/roads-and-traffic/traffic-back-to-normal-as-sydney-harbour-bridge-reopens-after-protest-20110513-1ekyj.html) that morning, but I like to think that they shut down the bridge to give the busy people of Sydney a chance to look up at the stunning scene in the dawn sky over Sydney :)

Here's my images from the close approach on May 13th, from Observatory Hill.

There's some extra images and story on my blog:
Planetary Conjunction Shuts Down the Sydney Harbour Bridge in May 2011 (http://www.mikesalway.com.au/2011/08/02/planetary-conjunction-shuts-down-the-sydney-harbour-bridge-in-may-2011/)

Thanks for looking.

[leon]

Top Shots indeed Mike, it makes such a difference to have something in the foreground nice work.

Leon

[iceman]

Thanks Leon. I was hoping to get the bridge at more of a front on view with the planets behind, but I couldn't find a spot (using google maps and TPE) where it would be visible for me.

[SkyViking]

Some very nice photos of the conjunction Mike. I recall watching the planets shuffle around every clear morning during that period, it was spectacular. Thanks for the view.

[iceman]

Thanks Rolf. I can't believe it was 3 months ago already!