A rare cosmic event that witnesses the alignment of 5 planets in the sky. Here's how to watch. : ScienceAlert

Don’t miss the Planet Parade, which will take place at the end of March.

Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Uranus and Mars set to align in an arc on the nights of March 25th to 30th, along with the Moon.

Jupiter may sink into sunset and get lost in the sunlight after the 28th, so try to see this relatively A rare cosmic event at that time.

If you want to spot All five planets On one night, timing, dark skies, and a clear view of the horizon are key.

How to prepare for the planetary parade

Maybe you can see some of these planets from the city. Venus would be easiest to see with the naked eye, as it is the third brightest object in the sky, after the Sun and Moon.

However, some other planets, such as Uranus and Mercury, may be difficult to see. Give yourself the best odds by moving away from the city lights, to a place with dark skies, before the sun goes down. Be sure to check the weather and plan for a clear evening.

Stay where you have a clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon – no mountains or buildings blocking the sunset! You’ll need to look low on the horizon to spot Jupiter and Mercury.

While most of the planets should be visible to the naked eye, you’ll probably need binoculars or even a telescope to see Uranus and get a full parade of five planets.

An easy way to learn about planets is to download an astronomy app like Sky Tonight or SkySafari, which will show you exactly where each planet is in the night sky.

The most prominent objects in the night sky on March 25, 2023 (NASA)

Where to look and what to expect in the hours after sunset

Soon after the sun dips below the horizon, look to the west. Low in the sky, where the sun has just set, Jupiter and Mercury will appear side by side.

The dwindling sunlight can make it difficult to see them with the naked eye. So if you can’t spot them at first, try binoculars. Just make sure the sun is below the horizon so you don’t hurt your eyes by looking at it through binoculars.

The duo will only be visible for less than an hour after sunset. Then, they will sink below the horizon and you won’t be able to see them.

Now is the time to admire Venus – the brightest star-like object in the night sky, standing above Jupiter – and look up Uranus with your binoculars.

Uranus will be above and to the left of Venus very soon. You’ll be able to see the faint planet better now that sunlight has faded from the sky, taking Jupiter and Mercury with it. You’ll have an hour or two to hunt for it before this duo also sets below the horizon.

On the other hand, you will have plenty of time to check out the red planet, Mars. It will appear bright red and high in the southwest sky, above the crescent moon and slightly to the left from March 25 to 27, and then under the full moon on March 28 and beyond.

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