Five Planets Aligning This Week – Here’s How to See Them

A rare astronomical event will occur this week as 5 planets align in the night sky.

This event, known as a planetary alignment, happens when planets in our solar system appear to line up in a straight line from our vantage point on Earth.

Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are the 5 planets in this alignment. The last time these five planets aligned in such a way was in 2005.

In addition, the next alignment won’t happen until 2040. So if you want to witness this rare event, now is the time.

According to CNN’s Jackie Wattles, even though Tuesday will offer the clearest view of the array, a few planets will still be visible over the next few weeks.

CBS News‘s Christopher Brito reports that according to the head of NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office, Bill Cooke, the simultaneous appearance of all five planets will be “very pretty” and should be visible from any location on Earth with clear skies in the western direction.

Furthermore, as UCLA astronomer Rory Bentley points out to Briley Lewis of Popular Science, it will be an opportunity to view nearly the entire solar system in a single night.

5 planets will align on March 27 and you won't want to miss it. Here's where to look. https://t.co/LAoSdEGnQn pic.twitter.com/o8aycK4UHo

— SPACE.com (@SPACEdotcom) March 22, 2023

How to See the Planets’ Alignment

To increase their chances of observing this “planetary parade,” experts advise viewers to seek an unobstructed view of the western sky with minimal light pollution.

A possible site could be over a body of water. Avoiding structures and trees that may obstruct the horizon is vital, mainly because some planets will be visible close to the horizon.

Timing is crucial for observing this arrangement of celestial bodies. After sunset, Venus, the brightest planet, will be the first to appear.

Following this, there will be a short period, roughly 20 to 25 minutes after sunset, during which observers can catch sight of Jupiter and Mercury.

Jupiter will be significantly brighter and located on the left. With binoculars, viewers can scan the horizon to find them before they disappear beneath the horizon within 25 to 30 minutes.

Mars, appearing as a reddish-orange dot, can be located near the moon to complete the planetary lineup.

Planetary Parade Post!✨ Look up Tuesday night for an out-of-this-world sight. Five planets – Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Uranus & Mars – will be marching across the sky this week. The best time to observe this astronomical phenomenon is just after sunset on 3/28.🌌  📸: starwalkapp pic.twitter.com/sF3HSxjLqU

— Frost Science (@FrostScience) March 27, 2023

Although Venus, Jupiter, and Mars can be visible with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope may be required to spot Uranus and Mercury.

Cooke from CBS News suggests that Venus, Jupiter, and Mars are the most visible planets in this lineup. Here are a few tips to aid you:

Find a dark location

The first step in observing the alignment is seeking a location with minimal light pollution. The best place to watch the night sky is in a rural area far from city lights.

If you can’t travel to a dark location, try to find a spot with as little light pollution as possible, such as a park or a beach.

Check the weather

Ensure the weather forecast is clear for the night you plan to observe the alignment. Cloudy skies can ruin your chances of seeing the planets.

Look to the east

The planets will appear low on the horizon in the east just before sunrise. Look for a clear view of the horizon to see them.

Use binoculars or a telescope

While you can see the planets with the naked eye, they will allow you to see them in more detail. If you don’t have a telescope, try to borrow one from a friend or join an astronomy club.

It is vital to note that the planets won’t appear in a perfectly straight line, but they will be close enough to create a spectacular display.