5 planets will align in the sky this month

Publish date: 2024-05-15

WASHINGTON (TND) — If they are lucky, some stargazers in America will reportedly be able to see a rare treat: Five planets in Earth's solar system will be aligned in the night sky this month.

Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will align, in that order, all in a row, in the predawn skies of the southeastern United States beginning on June 3, according to Sky & Telescope.

The planets will be located starting in the low eastern sky and then stretch to the upper southern sky, according to materials provided by the publication. This applies to stargazers who are in the Northern Hemisphere.

It's a rare occurrence that reportedly hasn't been seen since Dec. 2004 and it isn't set to happen again until 2040.

Diana Hannikainen, observing editor of Sky & Telescope, says hopeful stargazers should be able to see the planets with their naked eyes.

Binoculars are still encouraged, however, especially if stargazers desire a clearer view of Earth's neighbors.

Just keep looking throughout the month of June and as soon as you have a clear morning, go out and enjoy that view," Hannikainen reportedly says.

To get a good view, stargazers should be searching the eastern horizon about 30 minutes before sunrise, according to Sky & Telescope.

Checking local sunrise times before planning a stargazing adventure for the five planets is recommended. Travel is also not required, but weather may affect viewing.

The event isn't "incredibly rare," Hannikainen admits to NPR, but she adds "it's rare enough that if we get the opportunity to step outside in the morning and check it out, it's worth it."

On June 24, another celestial body will reportedly join the lineup and stargazers will be able to see the moon between Venus and Mars. This special guest appearance will apparently only last a day before the moon continues onward in its journey around Earth.

Mercury may be the hardest to spot initially, but as the month goes on the planet will appear higher and brighter in the sky, making it easier to spot.

Don't be disappointed if you don't catch Mercury early on," Hannikainen says in her NPR interview. "Some people might be able to catch the five planets out early in the month, but not to be too disappointed. Four planets already is a beautiful, beautiful sight.

If the weather does ruin the view, it's suggested that stargazers try again another day, as they have a whole month of opportunity.

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