With planet Earth stressed in headlines, in the workplace, and in our daily lives, should we remind ourselves that we are merely spots of infinite vacuum dots in space? If so, today is your day.
On Friday, just before dusk, an astronomical event informally known as a “planet parade” or “planet alignment” will most likely be visible from Earth.
According to NASA, looking west on Friday evenings many people have the opportunity to see Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Mercury also exists, but it may be difficult to see with the naked eye.
Planets in our solar system always appear along the lines of the sky. This line, known as the zodiac, represents the plane where the planet is seen from our position within the plane itself. (NASA/Preston Dyches)
Of course, this phenomenon is only visible in clear night sky, but if the weather permits, four planets will appear in a straight line.
The fact that planets line up is not uncommon. In fact, NASA says it’s a regular alignment. However, since the Earth orbits the Sun, the perspective needed to see these five planets align is rare.
If you miss this “Planet Parade,” you are lucky. There is another one that is likely to occur in August this year. However, according to NASA, the next one will not occur until October 2028.
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