‘Parade of Planets’: Six planets to align together in June, with some visible to the naked eye.
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Rare Planetary Alignment in June
In early June, stargazers will witness a rare alignment of six planets in the early morning skies, weeks after the total solar eclipse.
Planetary Alignment Explained
This phenomenon, where planets appear in a near-straight line from Earth’s perspective, is an illusion of perspective rather than an actual straight line in space.
Participating Planets
The alignment will include Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, creating a unique visual spectacle.
Visibility Challenges
Not all planets will be visible to the naked eye due to their distance from Earth, and the Moon’s brightness may also affect visibility.
Planets Visible to the Naked Eye
Mars and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, albeit dimly, while Mercury and Jupiter will be harder to spot due to their proximity to the Sun.
Use of Telescopes for Distant Planets
Telescopes or high-powered binoculars will be needed to observe Uranus and Neptune, which are too faint to be seen unaided.
Detailed Visibility
Saturn, shining at magnitude 1.1, will appear first in Aquarius, followed by Neptune in Pisces at magnitude 7.9, requiring binoculars. Mars, with a red tint at magnitude 1.0, will rise next, visible without optical aid.
Dawn Appearances
At dawn, Uranus (magnitude 5.8), Jupiter (magnitude -2.0), and Mercury (magnitude -1.4) will appear in Taurus. Jupiter will be bright, but Mercury may be challenging to spot.
Viewing Tips
To observe the alignment, research the date and time in advance, choose a clear, unobstructed viewing spot away from city lights, and check the weather forecast for clear skies. Various astronomy websites and apps, as well as organizations like NASA, provide detailed information for optimal viewing.