How to Watch the Six-Planet Parade, Including When and Where to Spot It
Six planets will align at the end of August, of which many will be visible with the naked eye from earth
Get ready for another celestial spectacle!
The cosmos are dazzling this summer, between the Northern Lights that were visible in July and the upcoming planetary alignment at the end of August.
Also known as a planet parade, the alignment comes just days after the rare double meteor shower lit up the month's night sky, featuring the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids. The event gave stargazers ample opportunities to catch a glimpse of meteors whizzing across the night.
Furthermore, the upcoming planetary alignment forms shortly after the spectacular full super blue moon peaked on Aug. 19. Nicknamed the Sturgeon Moon, the lunation boasted both astronomical and astrological significance.
The arrival of August's planet parade marks the first planetary alignment since June 2024 which saw Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune in a row. The event took place on different days depending on how it was being viewed in the world.
It's important to note, though, that not all planetary alignments qualify as planetary parades. A celestial event is considered a parade when several planets are involved in the lineup — like June's alignment and August's upcoming alignment, which will include all but two planets.
Here's how to watch August's planet parade, including where and when to spot it!
Related: All About August's Rare Super Blue Moon and What It Means for Your Zodiac Sign
What is a planet parade?
A planetary alignment is when two or more planets line up in the sky, also known as a planetary conjunction. The amount of planets in the alignment dictates if the celestial event is considered a planet parade or not.
There are different size parades, too, depending on the arrangement of the planets. For example, a mini-planetary alignment includes three planets, while a large planetary alignment includes five or six.
According to NASA, a planetary alignment forms based on the time each planet takes to complete one orbit around the sun. The duration for each orbit differs per planet, which explains why these events are considered rare — especially larger size ones like August's upcoming alignment.
When is August's six-planet parade?
The six-planet parade will take place on Aug. 28, 2024. The planetary alignment will be visible in the early morning, just before sunrise.
Which planets will be aligned during August's six-planet parade?
August's upcoming planet parade will include Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn, according to Star Walk. The moon, too, will be visible depending on the sky's conditions (ex. no clouds, fog or haze).
Related: What Is North and South Node in Your Birth Chart? Here's What It Means for Your Destiny
How to spot August's six-planet parade in the sky?
Although the six planets will be aligned, there are specific spots in the night sky to direct your attention to help pinpoint each respective planet. Most of the planets will be visible with the naked high, but a telescope or high-powered binoculars will be needed to spot Neptune and Uranus.
Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn can be spotted without any equipment, though Mercury will be located closer to the horizon making it more challenging to see. The planets will also become visible at different times and appear in different colors which will help to differentiate them, per Star Walk.
Saturn will have a yellowish hue, become visible in the late evening and appear in the constellation Aquarius. Neptune (not visible to the naked eye) will appear next and will be located near the constellation Pisces. Uranus will follow, though a high-powered binocular will be needed to spot it in the constellation Taurus. At this time, Saturn and Neptune will drift downward to the western horizon for viewing. Jupiter and Mars, both visible with the naked eye, will rise in the constellation Taurus and be located near the waning crescent moon. Mercury is the last planet to rise at dawn, as it will be situated in the constellation Leo and visible to the naked eye just before sunrise.
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