This Weekend’s Guide: Discovering Where and When to Witness the Five-Planet Alignment

In the early hours of Saturday, skywatchers will have the opportunity to witness a unique celestial event. Saturn, Neptune, Jupiter, Uranus, and Mercury will be evenly spread out along the ecliptic, the plane on which all planets orbit within our solar system.

If you wish to witness this extraordinary alignment, make sure to be outside facing east around 5:00 a.m. At this time, you’ll be able to observe Jupiter shining brightly, with Saturn situated high in the southeast.

However, spotting Mercury may be more challenging due to its proximity to the sun. As it will only be just above the horizon and visible about an hour before sunrise, the brightening sky could hinder visibility. Professor Don Pollacco, an expert in exoplanets, advises soaking up the spectacle with your own eyes. “While Jupiter and Saturn will be easy to spot by eye, Mercury will be more challenging,” he explains.

Optimal Viewing Conditions

For the best chances of spotting Mercury, it’s recommended to find a location with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon. Avoid areas with trees or buildings that could obstruct your line of sight. An ideal position would be on the second or third floor of a building facing the east coast.

To keep track of the exact time Mercury will rise in your specific location, make use of stargazing apps or visit the Stellarium Web Online Star Map and access the “Planets Tonight” feature. This will mark the final phase of your observation.

Enhance Your Experience with Binoculars

Prior to the rising of Mercury, take advantage of the opportunity to locate Jupiter and Saturn. Once you have found these bright objects, you can use the extra time to search for Neptune and Uranus. Professor Pollacco suggests utilizing binoculars to ensure a clear view. “Neptune and Uranus need binoculars to be sure of seeing them, although some keen-sighted people can see Uranus unaided,” he notes.

Each planet presents its own unique color. Jupiter and Saturn have a yellowish hue, Mercury often appears pink, while Uranus and Neptune display pale white or green tones.

Understanding Planetary Alignments

The alignment of the five planets is the outcome of their varying speeds as they travel through the solar system. From Earth’s perspective, this creates visually impressive clusters of planets. “Planetary alignments have always occurred,” explains Professor Pollacco. “Given our understanding of planetary orbits, we can predict when these alignments will happen.”

Although the planets may appear close together in the sky, they are actually separated by millions of miles.

Upcoming Alignments

From sunset on July 19, 2023, and several evenings thereafter, skywatchers will have the chance to witness Mercury, Venus, and Mars in the western sky. These three rocky planets will grace the night sky with their presence.

The next remarkable conjunction will occur on September 8, 2040. Mars, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter will all be visible within a 10º area of the night sky just after sunset in the west.

With clear skies and wide eyes, may you enjoy this celestial spectacle.

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