Beginning 21 January, stargazers can witness a uncommon celestial occasion as six planets – Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune – align within the evening sky.
The alignment, generally known as a “planetary parade,” might be seen to the bare eye for Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, whereas Uranus and Neptune require a telescope for statement. One of the best viewing time is simply after sundown, with the occasion lasting till the final week of February.
By late February, Mercury will briefly be a part of the alignment, making seven planets seen from Earth.
Nevertheless, recognizing all seven concurrently might be difficult as Saturn, Mercury, and Neptune will stay near the horizon throughout sundown.
Astronomers suggest heading to darkish, cloud-free areas away from metropolis lights for optimum viewing.
Jennifer Millard, an astronomy professional, described the expertise of seeing planets straight as extraordinary. “The sunshine you see has travelled hundreds of thousands and even billions of miles to succeed in your eyes,” she defined.
This planetary alignment gives a novel alternative for stargazers to discover the vastness of the cosmos, with Venus, Saturn, and Neptune anticipated to vanish from the evening sky by early March.