The rare occurrence known as a “planet parade,” where six planets align in a striking formation visible across the Northern Hemisphere, will peak with Mercury expected to join the parade by the end of February.
The captivating celestial display, featuring the alignment of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, was visible from January 21.
According to the Director of the Astronomy and Space Sciences Unit at the University of Colombo’s Department of Physics, Professor Chandana Jayaratne, the planet parade has been visible to the naked eye for approximately 90 minutes after sunset on clear evenings.
During the planetary parade, all the planets meet up on the same side of the Sun forming an expansive arc above the Earth, making it visible to the naked eye if the night sky is clear.
- Viewing Schedule and Best Times
The optimal viewing days for this planetary alignment began on January 21 and will peak around January 29.
During this period, four planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter—will be particularly visible to the naked eye. Venus, prominently known as the Morning Star, will stand out with its dazzling brightness, drawing the attention of anyone gazing skyward.
The alignment is expected to culminate in late February when Mercury joins the other planets. While they may not be arranged in a perfectly straight line, their proximity to one another will ensure an awe-inspiring sight.
- How to Prepare for the Planet Parade
Location: Find a spot with minimal light pollution for the best viewing experience.
Timing: Look towards the western horizon shortly after sunset when the planets will be most visible.
Equipment: While many planets can be seen with the naked eye, using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience, allowing you to view more detail. (Newswire)