New York: Sky gazers can view a rare astronomical phenomenon known as ‘parade of planets’ this month.
During this rare phenomenon, all seven planets except the Earth will be appearing in a line across the night sky.
“Each evening this month, enjoy a sweeping view of four bright planets at once. Also look for a close approach of Venus and Saturn, Mars occulted by the Moon, and meteors!” National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) wrote on its website.
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, ‘parade of planets’ is expected to begin after sunset on Friday (January 17).
‘Planetary parade’ refers to a celestial event where four or more planets appear to line up in the night sky at once.
On January 13, sky watchers in the continental US and Eastern Canada can see the moon ‘passing’ in front of Mars at different timings based on the location.
On January 17 and 18, Venus and Saturn will also come close and be positioned at ‘a couple of finger widths’ distance apart.’
According to US space agency NASA, this rare phenomenon will be visible throughout the month.
“In the first couple of hours after dark, you’ll find Venus and Saturn in the southwest, Jupiter high overhead, and Mars in the east,” NASA said.
Sky gazers need a telescope to catch a glimpse of ‘parade of planets’.
“Four or five bright planets at once will be visible along a line in the sky, even though planets always appear along a line. Notably, this astronomical event doesn’t happen every year,” NASA said, pointing to the rarity of this phenomenon.
