Sky-watchers are in store for a spectacular display in the early hours of tomorrow when a rare mini planetary parade of six planets – Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn – appears above the horizon shortly before dawn. It may even be visible from London in areas with minimal light pollution.
While Uranus may be difficult to see with the naked eye, keen astronomers across the UK will have the chance to catch a glimpse of the other planets – some without the need for binoculars.
Discussing this spectacular show of celestial activity, Dr Shyam Balaji, an expert in astroparticle physics and cosmology at King’s College London, told the Mirror: “The planets will appear clustered along the ecliptic – the Sun’s path across the sky.
“Though they won’t form a straight line, they’ll span a patch of sky roughly 70° wide, a striking sight with binoculars or even your naked eye – except for faint Uranus.”
Dr Balaji said that when planets align through Earth’s viewpoint, planetary parades occur. And even though planets generally travel in their respective orbits around the Sun within one ecliptic plane, seeing multiple planets simultaneously is a rare occurrence.
Tomorrow’s spectacle (May 23) is set to put all six planets above the horizon at the same time, shortly before dawn, about 4 am.
Nonetheless, Dr Balaji suggests that the peak observation time will take place from May 29 to June 2, when certain planets will be higher in the sky, reports Wales Online.
Stargazers are in for a treat as an expert has revealed the prime time to witness a celestial spectacle.
“The best chance to catch the parade is just before sunrise, during the early hours around 3.30 to 4.30 am BST, with the optimal window falling on Thursday, May 29, to Monday, June 2,” he explained.
“Saturn and Mars will be the easiest to spot higher up in the south-eastern sky, while Jupiter and Mercury will be low on the horizon, requiring a clear, unobstructed view to the east.
“Uranus may be too faint for the naked eye, but it’s worth scanning the area with binoculars or a telescope if you have one.
“May 23 marks a moment when six planets (Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Neptune, Saturn) are technically all above the horizon at the same time just before dawn.
“However, Neptune and Uranus will not be visible without a telescope, Mercury will be extremely low and faint, the planets will also be widely spaced and not visually ‘lined up’. Hence, it’s not really a six-planet parade, most people will only be able to see three to four at best.”
How to see the mini planetary parade
To maximise your chances of a successful viewing, it’s important to consider the weather and light pollution. Brits are advised to check the forecast beforehand and choose a spot with a clear view of the horizon, preferably away from bright city lights.
For those keen to pinpoint the best spots, apps like Stellarium or SkySafari can provide location-specific advice. However, Dr. Balaji offers some general pointers for where to direct your gaze.
Stargazers can tell planets and stars apart by the way they shine; stars twinkle, whereas planets usually glow steadily, often with a subtle hue.
Dr Balaji advised: “Find a clear eastern horizon (hilltops or open fields are ideal). Use apps like Stellarium or SkySafari to locate planets in real time. Check the weather and try multiple mornings if needed. Arrive early to let your eyes adjust to the dark.”
For more astronomical insights and tips on planet-spotting, Starwalk’s website is a handy resource.
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