Planetary Alignment 2024: 6 Planets in Alignment on August 28, 2024
Planetary alignment is an astronomical term that refers to the event in which several planets are grouped together on one side of the Sun at the same time. This phenomenon is also colloquially known as a "planetary parade," which describes when several planets are visible in the sky during a single night.
The next planetary alignment will occur on August 28, 2024. In the early morning hours of that day, six planets — Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, and Saturn — will line up in the sky. Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, although Mercury will be closer to the horizon and more difficult to observe. To see Neptune and Uranus, you will need to use a high-powered telescope or binoculars.
Saturn, with its characteristic yellowish hue (magnitude 0.6), will be visible from early evening in the constellation Aquarius. Neptune (magnitude 7.8) will be located in the neighboring constellation Pisces, but you'll need strong binoculars to see it. In the early morning, when the other planets appear in the sky, Saturn and Neptune will move toward the western horizon.
Later in the evening, Uranus (magnitude 5.7) will rise in the constellation Taurus, visible also with strong binoculars . Then Jupiter (magnitude -2.3) and Mars (magnitude 0.8) will appear, both visible to the naked eye in the constellation Taurus. The waning Moon will also be present, making the sight even more spectacular.
Finally, at dawn, Mercury (magnitude 1.7) will appear in the constellation Leo. Although it will be visible to the naked eye, you will have to hurry to observe it before the Sun rises and hides it.
Where and When to See the Alignment of 6 Planets in 2024?
The planetary alignment will be visible almost everywhere in the world during the early morning hours. However, August 28, 2024 is just a general date when it will be visible in most places. The ideal date to observe it may vary depending on your location.
Keep in mind that tall buildings or nearby mountains may obscure the planets from your view. To see what the planets will look like from your location on a specific date, you can use the Sky Tonight app, which allows you to identify any celestial object in the sky. Simply select the desired date and time, and view the sky map in the app.
The alignment is not limited to just one day, but can extend over several days before and after that date. So if you miss August 28, try to observe the planets on the following days.
Tips for Watching the Next Planetary Alignment in 2024
To observe this alignment, it is essential to choose the right time. Make sure you know the sunrise time in your location and start your observations at least an hour before. Apps like Sky Tonight or Stellarium can also help you find this information.
Remember that planets don't twinkle like stars, and if you observe the night sky throughout the year, you'll notice that planets "visit" different constellations, while stars remain in "fixed" positions relative to each other. This will help you distinguish between planets and stars when observing the night sky.
Enjoy this wonderful celestial spectacle that awaits us in August 2024.