Science!

Stargazers are in with a chance of a celestial treat on Monday with six planets appearing in alignment.

Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus will take part in the parade – which occurs when planets gather on the same side of the sun.

Prof Danny Steeghs, of the University of Warwick said the event, which should be visible around the world, was due to occur around sunrise and would be rather low in the east, meaning the alignment would need some equipment to see properly.


“Uranus and Neptune will be faint, so viewers will require good binoculars to see them,” he said, adding that the proximity of Jupiter and Mercury to the sun would restrict their view.

Some of the planets may be visible to the naked eye, although scattered light might still cause difficulties. “Mars and Saturn are the more accessible ones to view, you can see them ahead of the other planets rising and a bit higher in the sky,” Steeghs said, adding that mobile apps could help show where and when to look up.

The planets will appear in a diagonal arrangement across the sky, with Saturn highest, followed by Neptune, then Mars, Uranus and Mercury. Jupiter will appear closest to the horizon.……

https://www.theguardian.com/science...-rare-celestial-parade?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other