Step outside this evening at nightfall. Look to the west, just as the bats begin to flutter and the chimney swifts are turning in for bed, and you'll see an awesome sight: a young crescent moon, Jupiter, and Venus hanging low in the glow of the setting sun.

The moon will be nuzzling right up to Jupiter, with Venus standing just above. It will be quite a sight, since the moon, Venus and Jupiter are respectively, the brightest, second- and third-brightest celestial bodies of the night.

The three have been close together in the west for the last two nights, but tonight they will reach their maximal proximity. They will remain visible for only a short time after dark.

A close approach of planets is called a conjunction and is always a mysterious sight, but this one involves three heavenly bodies instead of two, and the brightest ones at that will be a poetic moment.

It's thought that a close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter that occurred in 2 B.C., fused them visually to produce what looked like a single dazzling star -- the Star of Bethlehem. Perhaps, tonight you, too, will want to wander westward.

Just don't forget to come back for work tomorrow.