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How to glimpse a parade of planets in the January night sky
NEW YORK (AP) — Six planets grace the sky this month in what’s known as a planetary parade, and most can be seen with the naked eye.
These planetary hangouts happen when several planets appear to line up in the night sky at once.
“They’re not in a straight line, but they’re pretty close together on one side of the sun,” said Hannah Sparkes, planetarium supervisor at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Florida.
The astronomical linkup is fairly common and can happen at least every year depending on the number of planets. A similar parade took place last June, but only two planets could be seen without any special equipment.
Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are visible to the naked eye this month and for part of February. Uranus and Neptune can be spotted with binoculars and telescopes.
During this latest spectacle, Mars shines especially bright because it’s located directly opposite the sun. And on Friday and Saturday night, skygazers will see Venus and Saturn snuggle up extra close — just two degrees apart.
Any clear, cloudless night this month is ideal to spot the planets. To get in on the sighting, go outside on a clear night a few hours after sunset and face south, said Kevin Williams, planetarium director at Buffalo State University.
Venus and Saturn will glow in the southwestern sky, with Jupiter in the southern sky and Mars in the southeast or east. The planets will shine brighter than the stars, and Mars will look like a reddish-orange dot.
Consider downloading stargazing apps to help with where to look, Sparkes said.
A faint Mercury is set to join the parade as a bonus seventh planet at the end of February, and the planets will slowly make their exit through the spring.
“It gives us a little bit better sense of our place in the solar system and the universe,” Williams said.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Are you ready to witness a spectacular parade of planets in the January night sky? With a little bit of planning and some patience, you can catch a glimpse of some of our neighboring planets as they make their way across the celestial stage. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Know the planets: The five visible planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn – will all be visible at various points throughout the month. Familiarize yourself with their positions and the best times to see them.
2. Check the sky: Find a clear, dark spot away from city lights where you can see the night sky clearly. Use a star chart or a stargazing app to help you locate the planets.
3. Look to the west: In the early evening, look to the western horizon to spot Venus and Saturn. Venus will be the brightest object in the sky, while Saturn will be a fainter, yellowish dot nearby.
4. Look to the east: In the pre-dawn hours, look to the eastern horizon to spot Jupiter and Mars. Jupiter will be the brightest object in the sky, while Mars will be a reddish dot nearby.
5. Keep an eye out for Mercury: Mercury is the trickiest planet to spot, as it is closest to the sun and often appears near the horizon. Look for it low in the southwestern sky just after sunset.
6. Be patient: Planetary alignments can change quickly, so be prepared to spend some time stargazing and waiting for the planets to come into view. The effort will be worth it when you see these celestial wonders in all their glory.
So grab your telescope or binoculars, bundle up in warm clothes, and head outside to witness the parade of planets in the January night sky. It’s a breathtaking sight that you won’t want to miss!
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