This week, seven planets will align in what is called a planetary parade. This planetary parade will see Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury, and Saturn lining up within the night sky. 4 will most likely be seen to the bare eye simply after sundown.
We chatted to astronomer Dr. Megan Argo, Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics on the College of Central Lancashire, to learn how to see the planets tonight.
What’s a planetary parade?
Type of what it feels like. When the planets occur to line up of their respective orbits across the solar, it is what astronomers name a “planetary parade”—as a result of it form of appears just like the planets are all marching in a line, get it?
“Planetary alignment is an astronomical occasion and a visible spectacle,” says Argo. “It is likely to be extra appropriately referred to as planetary grouping, when it’s attainable to see a couple of planet within the sky on the identical time, not a straight line of them as is presumed.”
This occasion is fairly uncommon—actually, seven planets will not align once more till 2040. “It is because planets orbit the Solar at completely different speeds, they usually seem to maneuver throughout the sky in comparison with the remainder of the celebs,” Argo says. “Often, their orbits imply that planets seem in the identical a part of the sky from our perspective on Earth. That is what we’re seeing proper now. 4 or 5 planets directly is frequent, however it’s a rarity to have all seven seen on the identical time.”
see the planets align this week
“On February 28, and for a number of days both aspect, this alignment will embrace seven planets: Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury and Saturn,” says Argo.
The most effective time to try to spot the planets tonight is simply after sundown, however be warned: Catching all the planets with the bare eye will probably be virtually inconceivable. Saturn and Mercury are additionally as a result of set because the solar units, so that they’ll be lingering close to the horizon, and you may have to preserve your eyes peeled.
“To see the planetary alignment, head exterior as soon as the Solar units. Discover a spot with a transparent view to the west, up a hill with no obstructions is finest,” she says. “Binoculars and an astronomy app will enhance the expertise, monitoring fainter planets if you wish to see the complete line-up. Mercury and Saturn set not lengthy after the Solar, so head out early to see these.”
Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will most likely be a lot simpler to identify. In the meantime, you may most likely want a telescope to catch a glimpse of Uranus and Neptune.
Argo provides: “Very importantly, by no means take a look at the Solar by binoculars or a telescope. This may trigger everlasting harm to your eyes. At all times wait till the Solar has set earlier than wanting within the course with any kind of optical assist.”
So, what must you search for?
“The planetary alignment will appear to be a string of stars scattered throughout the sky,” she says. “Venus would be the brightest, shining within the Western sky after sundown. Mercury and Saturn will probably be shut collectively simply above the horizon, whereas Neptune lies faintly between Mercury and Venus, although you’ll want a telescope to see it clearly.”
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