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Another planetary parade is in store this month, and it’s coming up this weekend.
If you missed the last one or want a second chance to flex your telescope skills and snap some photos, here are the details.
Planetary alignment on June 29, 2024
Planetary alignment, also known as a planetary parade, is when several planets gather closely on one side of the sun at the same time, according to Starwalk.space.
NASA reports that June’s second planetary alignment, a few weeks after the first one on June 3, will occur on Saturday, June 29.
Before dawn on June 29, Saturn, the moon, Mars and Jupiter will be aligned in the sky. Sources like USA Today and SkySafari Pro share that Uranus and Neptune will also be visible during the event. While some planets will be visible to the naked eye, others like Neptune will need the aid of high-powered binoculars or a telescope to be seen.
How does planetary alignment work?
All planets revolve around the sun along the same orbital plane, known as the ecliptic on Earth, and all of them travel along it and eventually catch up with one another over time. Once the planets meet, it looks as though they are aligned as they path Earth, but the line will not be perfectly straight, according to Space.com.
With each planet moving at different speeds, the alignment will only last for a brief time, depending on each planet’s distance from the sun. This is also why planetary alignments do not always feature the same number of planets.
- A conjunction is when two or more planets come close together in the sky.
- A mini planetary alignment includes three planets.
- A small planetary alignment includes four planets.
- A large planetary alignment includes five or six planets.
- A great or full planetary alignment features all solar system planets, and sometimes Pluto.
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Where to see the planetary alignment on June 29
The planetary alignment will be visible almost everywhere in the U.S. on June 29, according to NASA, but the ideal time for tuning in may vary depending on your specific location. High mountains and tall buildings in your area could also hide the planets from view, according to Starwalk.space.
The best spot for viewing will be a portion of dark sky without light pollution and a clear view of the horizon.
When will the next planetary alignment be visible?
If you end up missing out completely, planetary alignment is not as rare as it sounds, and there will be chances to witness the parade again.
From Space.com‘s perspective, it is quite common to see planets lined up along the ecliptic from our perspective on Earth, and it occurs a few times a year.
In case the celestial event on June 29 doesn’t pan out for you, the next planetary parades to make note of will occur on Aug. 28 and Jan. 18, 2025, both featuring Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, according to Starwalk.space.
Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys’tal Griffin at [email protected].
Daisy Hips is a science communicator who brings the wonders of the natural world to readers. Her articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to environmental conservation. Daisy is also an advocate for science education and enjoys stargazing in her spare time.
