Skygazers are in for a treat on June 3 as a rare planetary alignment is set to take place. During the phenomenon, known as "planet parade", six planets will reportedly appear to align in a near-straight line, promising a stunning celestial display.
What Is A Planetary Alignment?
A planetary alignment occurs when several planets in the solar system appear to line up along a path in the sky, viewed from Earth. Although they are not perfectly aligned in space, the illusion from our vantage point creates a breathtaking spectacle.
Kate Pattle, a lecturer at University College London's Physics & Astronomy Department, told Glamour UK that "a planetary alignment is an astronomical event that happens when, by coincidence, the orbits of several of the planets of the solar system bring them to roughly the same side of the Sun at the same time."
Which Planets Will Align?
During this alignment, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will form this cosmic configuration.
Visibility And Challenges
While witnessing six planets align is remarkable, not all will be easily visible to the naked eye due to their distance from Earth and the interference from the Moon.
A report in Forbes has labelled the claims of a "planet parade" as "misinformation".
"You'll only actually see two planets—and neither of them will be particularly bright or impressive," the report said. These planets are Mars and Venus.
It will be "tricky" to view Jupiter and Mercury as they will be very close to the sun while to watch Uranus and Neptune, a huge telescope and "lots of patience" will be required.
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