23/05/2024
When All the Stars Align
Talon Abraxas
Next month, on June 3, there will be a planetary alignment that may actually allow you to witness six planets align in the sky. This is a rare astronomical phenomenon. So, if you were not present for the breathtaking show of the northern lights a few weeks ago, you may have another opportunity to see something really unique in the night sky.
It is the best opportunity to see Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all at once in the sky due to the planetary alignment.
Upcoming conjunctions
May 31, 2024: Mercury-Uranus
On May 31, at 01:24 GMT (May 30, 9:24 p.m. ET), Mercury will pass 1°21' from Uranus in the constellation Ta**us. The planets will be above the eastern horizon in the morning. This conjunction will be difficult to see from either hemisphere, as the planets will be obscured by sunlight. Also, Uranus isn't visible to the naked eye and requires optics.
June 4, 2024: Jupiter-Mercury
On June 4, at 10:04 GMT (06:04 a.m. ET), Jupiter will pass 7'04" from Mercury in the constellation Ta**us. Unfortunately, the conjunction will be difficult to see from most locations because the planets will be too close to the Sun. You can try your luck and look for them low over the northeastern horizon in the morning. Use the Sky Tonight app to find the planets in the sky.
July 15, 2024: Mars-Uranus
On July 15 at 09:22 GMT (05:22 a.m. ET), Mars will pass very close (0°33') to Uranus in the constellation Ta**us. From the Northern Hemisphere, the planets will be visible high above the eastern horizon in the morning, about an hour before sunrise. From the Southern Hemisphere, they will be a little lower, in the northeastern direction. You'll need at least a pair of binoculars to see Uranus.
August 7, 2024: Mercury-Venus
On August 7, at 17:23 GMT (1:23 p.m. ET), Mercury will pass 5°42' from Venus. Venus will be in the constellation Leo, while Mercury will be on the border of Leo and the small constellation Sextans. Because the planets will be close to the Sun, they will be difficult to observe. You can try to see them in the evening, low in the west.
August 14, 2024: Mars-Jupiter
On August 14, at 14:45 GMT (10:45 a.m. ET), reddish Mars will pass just 0°18' from bright Jupiter. This beautiful duo will be visible to the naked eye in the constellation Ta**us. Considering the brightness of both planets, the distance between them, and their visibility, this conjunction can be considered the best of the year. From the Northern Hemisphere, Mars and Jupiter will be visible from about midnight until morning, rising high above the eastern horizon. In the Southern Hemisphere, the planets will rise in the northeast in the morning, a few hours before sunrise.
