Wilmington, Delaware – Skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting celestial event happening this weekend. A planetary parade, also known as a planetary alignment, is set to take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
During this rare event, several planets including Saturn, the moon, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune will align closely on one side of the sun in the early hours before dawn. While some planets will be visible to the naked eye, others like Neptune will require the use of high-powered binoculars or a telescope for viewing.
The alignment occurs as a result of all planets orbiting the sun on the same orbital plane, known as the ecliptic on Earth. Although the planets may appear aligned as they pass Earth, the alignment is not perfectly straight due to each planet’s unique speed and distance from the sun.
This phenomenon is not as uncommon as one might think, as planetary alignments happen a few times a year. For those who may miss out on the upcoming event on June 29, future opportunities to witness planetary parades are scheduled for August 28 and January 18, 2025.
To observe the planetary alignment on June 29, the best viewing locations are areas with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the horizon. High mountains and tall buildings may obstruct the view of the planets, so finding a spot with an unobstructed view of the sky is recommended.
As skywatchers prepare to witness this spectacular sight, the excitement builds for the chance to witness the rare alignment of multiple planets in the early hours of Saturday morning. So mark your calendars and set your alarms to catch this awe-inspiring celestial event unfolding in the skies above.