Astronomy lovers are on a date to follow a unique event that witnesses the alignment of five planets of the solar system, before sunrise next Saturday. It is expected that the planets Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, Uranus and Mercury will appear together, if the weather permits.
When and where to see the planets?
- For the best viewing of this rare astronomical event, look for a location with little light pollution and a clear view of the horizon.
- Mercury will be last seen about an hour before sunrise. If you go outside at that time, you'll be able to see the five planets stretching across the sky - from Mercury lower on the horizon to Saturn higher in the sky - until the sun comes up.
Do you need a telescope?
- Some planets will be easier to spot than others.
- Jupiter and Saturn will be very bright and easier to see.
- To get a view of Neptune and Uranus, you'll likely need a telescope.
Has this stacking happened before?
- Planetary alignment occurs when multiple planets appear in Earth's sky on the same side of the sun at the same time.
- During this event, the planets of our solar system do not actually line up, but, otherwise, it is an optical phenomenon that allows seeing the planets close to each other in a small part of the sky.
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