A rare alignment of six planets is taking place in the sky, starting Sunday and lasting through Wednesday. The planets, which include Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus, will be visible to the naked eye, although binoculars or a telescope may be needed for some.
The best time to view the planets is between 5-5:30 a.m., just before sunrise. Looking towards the eastern sky, viewers can see Mercury on the horizon as the sun rises, followed by Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn. This alignment is rare because each planet orbits the sun at different distances and rates.
The Earth’s position in its orbit affects what we see in the sky. The inner planets like Mercury and Venus orbit faster than the outer planets like Jupiter and Saturn. This means that their positions change frequently, making them visible only during specific times. In contrast, the outer planets remain relatively stable over time, allowing for consistent viewing.
The Black Canyon Astronomical Society (BCAS) has designated this period as a “dark moon period,” which coincides with these rare planetary events. The BCAS has listed several notable events throughout the week, including the shadow of Saturn’s moon Titan crossing the planet and the formation of a triangle between Venus, Jupiter, and the crescent moon.
Viewers can catch these celestial events by gazing towards the eastern sky in the early morning hours. Be sure to dress warmly and find a comfortable viewing spot to fully appreciate this rare planetary parade.
Source: https://www.gjsentinel.com/news/western_colorado/six-planet-parade-visible-in-the-sky-through-thursday/article_febb65e8-441b-4f5c-88e6-0df98bb24cb3.html