How and Where to See Planetary Alignments in June
Between the recent solar eclipse and geomagnetic storms that have made the northern lights visible as far south as Florida , the skies have been quite a spectacle lately. In the next act, groups of five or six planets will line up in the morning sky during June.
Much of the coverage of the upcoming astrological event is focused on the so-called “parade of planets” that will take place on June 3, when six planets will appear in a straight line in the night sky. However, as many astronomy experts have noted, this report is missing some important pieces of information, including the fact that the planetary alignment is not limited to June 3.
What is a “parade of planets”?
“Parade of Planets” is an informal term used by some to describe the arrangement of several planets. Because the planets in our solar system orbit the sun, there are times when, from our vantage point on Earth, multiple planets appear in the sky in a straight line. While it is not unusual to see several planets in the same row, sightings of five or more are less common.
When, where and how to see the planetary alignment this June
According to most media reports, six planets – Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus – will line up on the night of June 3. , this is only part of the story.
Beginning of the month
Let’s start with the fact that this is not a rare phenomenon that occurs only for one night. According to Scott Sutherland , a meteorologist with more than 20 years of experience, the six planets mentioned above, along with the waning crescent Moon, will appear in the predawn sky between May 28 and June 5.
But don’t expect to see all six planets lined up like an elementary school science poster, partly because Mercury, Jupiter and Uranus won’t rise above the horizon until sunrise, Sutherland says. Mars, Saturn, Neptune and the Moon will form before dawn, although you’ll need a telescope or powerful binoculars to see Neptune.
The orientation will be visible from most places on Earth in the eastern predawn sky , provided it is not cloudy and light pollution is minimal. The exact times of planetary rises vary depending on your location, so you can use an online tool like the Time & Date tool to find out when to expect them in your area.
June 15
Instead of pinning hopes on June 3, Sutherland suggests marking the calendar for June 15, when Jupiter will rise before the Sun. Mercury won’t be in line with the other five planets, and Neptune and Uranus still won’t be visible to the naked eye, but you’ll have the chance to catch Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon.
June 29
Meanwhile, according to Preston Dyches of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the “real parade” will take place on June 29 . As on June 15, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon will be visible in the early morning.
After that, you’ll have other chances to see six planets in alignment on August 28 and January 18, 2025, and a seven-planet lineup on February 28, 2025.