Venus and Jupiter conjunction visible tonight, CRAAG also monitors seismic activity

According to the Research Center in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics CRAAG, these two bright planets will appear close together, with an angular separation of approximately 1.6 degrees, positioned about 25 degrees above the western horizon. Mercury will also be visible, though less bright, at about 15 degrees above the horizon, completing a remarkable planetary alignment. Beyond astronomical observations, the CRAAG plays a crucial role in monitoring seismic activity.

The center manages the national seismic surveillance network, which has been particularly active recently. On June 4, 2026, the CRAAG recorded the strongest earthquake of the year, a magnitude 4.9 tremor near Aïn Djasser in Batna wilaya. This followed a 3.8 magnitude quake the previous day and other tremors during the Eid El-Adha celebrations in Médéa, Tlemcen, and Béjaïa.

Despite these events, CRAAG scientists assure the public that this seismic activity is normal and routine. Northern Algeria is located on the edge of the African tectonic plate, which collides with the Eurasian plate, moving approximately 5 mm per year. This movement causes energy to accumulate and release as tremors.

The national network records an average of 80 tremors per month in Algeria, with nearly 90% being too weak to be noticed by the population.