Incredible 5-Planet Parade is happening in the sky from TONIGHT
This won't be seen again until 2040 👀
Last updated 23rd Jun 2022
A super spectacle (Five-Planet Parade) is happening in the night sky from this evening and won’t be seen again until 2040.
The five planets — known as “naked eye planets” because they can be seen without the use of binoculars or telescopes — are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
They will be aligned in their natural order from the Sun, with the partial Moon joining them before sunrise.
This fascinating display peaks tomorrow morning (Friday 24 June) during the waning crescent Moon and will be the best day to witness this marvel, weather permitting.
What makes this event even more unique is the planets are visible in their natural order from the Sun.
Not since December 2004 has this occurred, two or three planets strung across the sky is common but getting the fab five together at once happens much less often.
From today (June 23rd) to Saturday (June 25th), Earth's Moon will also join the planetary parade, creating an exceptionally rare procession of celestial bodies.
In the next few months, the planets will appear to spread out farther and farther each morning. By September, Venus and Saturn will exit the stage. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will not appear in this order again from the perspective of the Earth until August of 2040.
Dr Rok Nežič, Tours & Outreach Officer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium said,
“The best morning to view it is June 24th, because the Moon will be in its waning crescent phase. The Moon will also join the alignment and will be perfectly placed between Mars and Venus. This is the morning to shoot for! The next time this planet parade will occur won’t be until 2040, so fingers crossed for clear skies and cooperating weather.”
“Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus will be the brightest and will stand out clearly amongst the stars. They will be vibrant and very bright, even in the pre-dawn sky! Mars will be to the left of Jupiter and Mercury will be to the left of Venus. Use these planets to find the others. Once you do, your eyes will be adjusted, and you will be able to see the entire alignment. They will form a nearly perfect arc from the East to the South. On the morning of the 24th, the Moon will join the alignment and be perfectly positioned between Mars and Venus.”
Saturn will be first planet to appear, making its way into the sky in the middle of the night followed by Jupiter and Mars, which will come into view around 1:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. respectively. Next is Venus at 3:30 a.m. and Mercury (the smallest and hardest to spot of the five planets) will complete the alignment about 30 to 40 minutes before sunrise.
How to watch the ‘five planet parade’ 👇
If you want to catch the rare phenomenon for yourself, an evening with low humidity and little cloud cover is the optimal set up for perfect star gazing. Dr Rok also suggests choosing a spot with a clear view of the east and southeast horizon, as well as an area with little artificial light pollution, if possible.
Check out Northern Ireland’s best spots for stargazing:
Darvagh Forest, Cookstown
Davagh Forest Park is the first place in Northern Ireland to be accredited as an IDA International Dark Sky Park. It is one of only 85 places around the globe to hold this distinction.
Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge site is classified as one of the best places in Northern Ireland for stargazing. Periodically Carrick-a-Rede hosts special star gazing evenings for astronomy fans.
The entire The Antrim coast road offers points where the aurora sometimes makes an impactful show at night.
Mourne Mountains, Newcastle
There's no need to worry about finding a decent spot for your car or struggling with crowds to see the stars. The Mournes offer miles and miles of stunning scenery, hiking trails and nocturnal skies.
This is truly the perfect spot, void of any light pollution, so pitch up a tent and fall asleep staring at the twinkling sky above.
Oxford Island, Craigavon
Nestled on the banks of Lough Neagh sits Oxford Island! Fun fact: the area has hosted BBC Stargazing Live and has been named a top Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Delamont Country Park, Downpatrick
Another tranquil spot, this time situated on the shores of Strangford Lough.
This beautiful 200-acre park hosts monthly events here with the Irish Astro Association. These sessions cater for everyone no matter their experience, and all ages are welcome.
Divis Mountain, Belfast
The closest stargazing spot to Belfast has to be Divis Mountain, that towers over the city 478m high. The views overlooking the capital city are spectacular but cast your eyes to the skies and you'll still have plenty to see.
Th elevation is so high here, towards the top of the mountain sees very little light pollution from the city below.
Benone Beach, Limavady
Stretching from Lough Foyle and Magilligan Point to Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, enjoy seven miles of golden sands and unparalleled views across to Donegal. There's something so special gazing at the night sky with the sound of waves in the distance.
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