Already this year, skywatchers have been treated to a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse and dancing Northern Lights everywhere, thanks to a geomagnetic storm that ignited the night skies around the world. The “planetary parade” is expected to be visible on June 3, 2024, when six planets will line up. Six planets — Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Mercury and Uranus as well as Neptune — will be aligned to one side of the sun on Wednesday morning just before sunrise.
What Is the Planetary Parade?
When several planets appear to align in a nearly straight line, straddling the low eastern horizon one after another, it’s called a planetary parade While the planets are not going to line up exactly in a straight line due to their elliptical orbits, they will look aligned from certain perspectives on Earth. And for stargazers and astronomy fans around the world, this rare configuration makes a tasty visual feast.
How to Observe the Spectacle
Set your alarm on June 3 to watch this spectacular planetary parade. In this event, the Moon will also be visible during the alignment. So grab your telescopes and binoculars and keep your eyes on Eastern horizon just before the sunrise. The best view of this event will have on the East Coast of United States provided the sky remains clear.
Future Alignments
If you miss this alignment, don’t worry! There are more opportunities to observe the same six planets in the coming months. Mark your calendars for the following dates:
- August 28, 2024: The alignment will be visible in the pre-dawn hours.
- January 18, 2025: Another chance to witness the planetary parade.
- February 28, 2025: On this date, all seven planets will appear in the sky simultaneously.
So, whether you’re an amateur astronomer or simply curious about the wonders of the universe, make sure to catch the rare 6-planet alignment on June 3, 2024. It’s a celestial spectacle that reminds us of the beauty and harmony of our solar system.
Remember, the best views often come to those who wake up early and look up!
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