There’s a planetary parade tonight, and here’s how you can see it

Stargazers are in for a treat this week as a planetary parade takes center stage in the night sky. This rare event will showcase six planets – Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn – aligning closely to each other, creating a spectacular celestial display that will be visible after sunset on Tuesday.

According to astrophysicist and science communicator Parshati Patel from Stellar Dreams, the planetary parade will unfold as follows: Mars will be seen in the east, Jupiter will move towards the south and overhead, while Saturn and Venus will be visible towards the west, appearing quite close to each other. While the alignment may not be as perfectly straight as one might imagine, the sight of these planets coming together in the night sky is sure to be a breathtaking experience.

For those looking to catch a glimpse of Neptune and Uranus, which are positioned between Saturn and Venus in the parade, Patel recommends using binoculars or a telescope for a better view. Alternatively, there are also handy phone apps like Stellarium or Sky Tonight that can assist in locating the planets if you’re having trouble spotting them.

While planetary alignments are relatively rare occurrences, Patel notes that this year has been quite special with multiple alignments involving four or more planets. The last alignment took place in April last year around the time of a solar eclipse, and the next one is not expected until 2040. Patel expresses her excitement and joy at being able to witness such celestial events, emphasizing the wonder of being able to observe distant planets like Saturn with its rings or Jupiter with its moons using basic tools like binoculars.

As Patel reflects on the long tradition of sky observation that humans have been a part of for thousands of years, she finds it incredibly exciting to continue this legacy as an astronomer. The beauty and accessibility of the planets in our solar system serve as a reminder of our connection to the vast universe that surrounds us.

For more updates on celestial events and stargazing tips, be sure to stay tuned to Stellar Dreams and keep your eyes on the night sky for this week’s planetary parade.