The pairing of Jupiter and Venus in the sky is set to reach its closest point in the coming days. BBC News website readers have been sharing their images of the two planets. Grant Ritchie used a long exposure to capture this view of Venus and Jupiter from Silverknows Beach in Edinburgh, Scotland. The picture was taken just as a plane passed on its final approach to Edinburgh Airport.

Grant also caught this image of the Forth Road Bridge in Scotland with Venus and Jupiter suspended in the night sky above.

Martin Hanson took this image at Llnagwiwg Church on a hillside over Pontardawe near Swansea, Wales during an evening with a local stargazing group on 11 March.

The view of Jupiter and Venus over Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia. Taken by Phil Reid shortly after sunset from his balcony on 11 March.

Venus and Jupiter over the Cotswolds Water Park, South Cerney, Gloucestershire, England. Taken on 11 March by Mark Philpott.

Pete Collins took this photo showing Jupiter and Venus over moor land at Windy Hill in the South Pennines, looking towards Rochdale, England. Low cloud has been lit up by the lights of the town below.

Michael Ward-Sale used a dining table at his home in Lewes, England, as a platform to photograph this rare alignment of Jupiter, Venus and the new crescent Moon in an early evening sky.