6 Planets Will Be Seen within the Sky This Week—Here is The best way to See the Planetary Parade

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• A planetary parade of six planets is seen within the morning sky by August 20, with Mercury becoming a member of Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

• August 18 to 19 provides the perfect viewing, when the crescent Moon aligns with Jupiter and Venus earlier than shifting right into a triangle formation later within the month.

• The planets will be seen by wanting east earlier than dawn, with Venus and Jupiter best to identify by eye, whereas Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope.

From northern lights sightings to the Perseid meteor bathe, this summer time has dazzled stargazers throughout the nation. While the top of the season is close to, the celestial occasions aren’t slowing down any time quickly. This month, do not miss a formidable planetary parade within the sky.

From now till Wednesday, August 20, you possibly can spot six planets within the morning sky in what is named a planetary parade. These occasions happen when the planets seem to line up within the sky concurrently. According to NASA, planetary parades should not uncommon, however they provide stargazers the chance to “appreciate our place in our solar system.”

What makes this month’s “parade” particular is that it is a chance to see a number of planets with the bare eye. This week, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and a dim Mercury will probably be seen with the unaided eye, whereas Uranus and Neptune will be seen with binoculars or a telescope. Although most of those planets have been seen within the morning sky for weeks now, Mercury will be part of the group, bringing the planet rely from 5 to 6.

The finest time to identify the alignment is August 18 to 19, when the skinny crescent Moon kinds a line with Jupiter and Venus. According to BBC Sky at Night Magazine, the Moon will break the alignment by August 20 to 21, forming a triangle with Venus and Jupiter. As the month progresses, Mercury will turn out to be troublesome to see as a result of solar’s glare.

To spot the planets, head out within the morning earlier than dawn and look east. Jupiter and Venus will probably be clustered collectively and best to identify since they’re the brightest planets. Saturn will probably be off to the facet, and Mercury will probably be near the horizon. Find a spot with a transparent, unobstructed view, away from tall buildings and timber. And keep away from mild air pollution.

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