Astronomy fans will have the opportunity to observe an amazing celestial event, since five planets, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus, they will line up in the night sky next Tuesday.
How to see the astronomical phenomenon?
The planetary conjunction will be visible just below the crescent moon. California Institute of Technology astrophysicist Cameron Hummels recommended observers to position their eyes toward the western horizon just after sunset, when the sky begins to darken.
Sky & Telescope magazine editor Rick Fienberg, commented that the planetary alignment can be seen from anywhere on Earth, although those who live in the northern hemisphere will have a better view of the phenomenon.
On the other hand, Hummels explained that viewers in the northern hemisphere should look slightly to the southwest of the sky, while those residing in the southern hemisphere should do so to the northwest.
Although all the planets will be visible to the naked eye, even in areas with considerable light pollution, some will be easier to spot than others.
Where will the planets be?
Venus will be the brightest object in the set, while the closest Uranus it can be difficult to distinguish without binoculars. Both celestial bodies will be in the constellation of Aries.
Beneath these two planets it will be possible to observe Jupiter and Mercury, which will be located in the constellation of Pisces. Because Mercury is dimmer than Jupiter, special equipment will be required to view it, as glare from the sun can obstruct its presence in the sky.
Finally, Mars, which can be located in the constellation of Gemini, will lead the planetary parade. The red planet will be visible in the sky because it will shine brightly near the moon.
Conjunctions involving five planets are quite rare. The alignment that had venue in June of last year was the first of its kind in more than 18 years. On that occasion, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn could be observed with the naked eye. According to the StarWalk app portal, September 8, 2040 will be possible see again in the night sky this alignment of five planets.
The entrance When and how to see the next alignment of 5 planets? was first published on newspaper TODAY.
