Sky Sky observers may have already seen a striking planet line over the night sky in January. This week Mercury joins the order. Now every other world in our solar system will be visible at the same time among the stars – if you know where to look for.
According to Gerard Van Belle, director of science at Lowell Observatory in Arizona, the alignment of seven planets is neither mystical nor is it especially rare.
“On the ladder Superiority to Asteroid death, This is more supermon, “said Dr. Van Belle. However, the planetary parade, as the event was colloquially called,” makes a very nice pronunciation that you go out at night, maybe with a glass of wine and enjoy the night sky. “
Why were the planets aligned?
Whenever planets are visible in the night sky, they always appear approximately the same line. This path, known as ecliptic, is the same one that the sun goes through during the day.
This happens because the planets are orbit around the sun in the same plane. Dr. Van Belle compared a configuration with a vinyl record: the sun is in the middle, and the grooves are the orbit of the planets around it.
Our view from the ground, then one of these grooves, is “watching a tray,” he said. This week planets are configured in such a way that everyone will be present in the sky at dusk from mostly anywhere on earth.
About the end of the month, Saturn will slide under the horizon and in the day of the sky, ending the parade with seven planets. But Stargazers will get another opportunity to see planetary alignment in August, when several of our heavenly neighbors will be visible in the morning sky.
How can I see a parade?
Only a few planets can be seen with an eye without help, and the best evening to catch them can differ depending on the location. Astronomers recommend using a software program such as Starry To understand when and where to look for.
To see the parade, find a dark place with a clear view of the western horizon at night. Mercury and Saturn will be a little in the sky, brushing side by side in the pale splendor of the evening sun, which will make the couple make it difficult to see.
Follow the visible line to find Venus, the most brilliant planet in the sky.
“Venus, you can’t miss,” said Thomas Willmitch, the director of the planetaria at the Illinois State University. “You could be in a shot under street lamps, and there is Venus, shining like a lighthouse in the West.”
Even higher, almost directly overhead, will be Jupiter, sparkling about tenths of Venus brightness.
A series of planets ends up in the eastern sky with Mars, easily visible because of its pink tone. The planet has passed a few weeks A close encounter with the earthdoing it bigger than usual. According to Mr. Willmitch, this proximity also threw a red planet in a slightly golden shade.
The other two planets are too far away to see without a double or telescope. Uranus is about two hands west of Jupiter, said Mr. Willmitch, while Neptune hides between Venus and Western horizon.
But even if you can’t catch them, Mr. Willmitch advised the layers and looked at it anyway. “The sky is really nice in the winter,” he said. “It’s a great time to get out and make some star.”
