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‘Planet Parade’ Best This Weekend Until 2036, Scientists Say
This weekend marks the peak of the extraordinary “planet parade,” a rare phenomenon that will not be seen again for over a decade. According to scientists at Timeanddate.com, this spectacular display of celestial bodies will cease to exist after Wednesday, February 26.
The event, which has been calculated as a few-times-a-century occurrence by experts, is currently underway and will continue until the end of the week. The opportunity to see all seven planets, including Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, simultaneously in the night sky is a rare treat that should not be missed.
For those looking to make the most of this extraordinary event, the scientists at Timeanddate.com have revealed that the best time to view the “parade” will be on Monday, February 24, and Tuesday, February 25. However, it’s essential to note that Mercury and Saturn will be difficult to see due to the western sunset glow.
For those willing to wait, Mercury will become increasingly easier to spot as it emerges from the sun’s glare while Saturn retreats into it. A bonus sight is also possible on Friday, February 28, when a crescent moon appears between Mercury and Saturn. However, this requires a clear view low to the western horizon.
It’s important to note that this phenomenon should not be referred to as a “planetary alignment.” According to experts, planets do not align, but rather all orbit the sun in the same plane, known as the ecliptic. This unique configuration allows them to appear simultaneously in our night sky.
Once the planet parade comes to an end on Wednesday, February 26, it will not be seen again until 2036 and then again in 2060.
Source: http://www.forbes.com
