Khaberni - In a striking astronomical scene that does not occur often, six planets align along the western horizon shortly after sunset, during the last days of February (February) of this year, in an event described by NASA as one of the most notable astronomical events of the year.
The anticipated alignment includes the planets "Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter along with Uranus and Neptune", across the horizon line, peaking on the evening of February 28 (February).
What can be seen with the naked eye?
Despite six planets participating in the event, the visibility will not be equal for everyone, only four planets are expected to be visible with the naked eye if the skies are clear, namely: Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter, according to "Economic Times".
As for Uranus and Neptune, they are fainter, making their observation require the use of a binocular or a small telescope.
NASA clarifies that the decisive factor in successful observation is the "angle of elevation"; for an observer to clearly see a celestial body, it must be at an elevation of no less than 10 degrees.
The closer the object is to the horizon, the greater the impact of the Earth's lower atmosphere, which works to scatter light, especially during the twilight moments that immediately follow sunset.
February 28: A Short Time Window
Experts indicate that the best time to observe the phenomenon will be about 30 minutes after sunset on February 28 (February), looking towards the western horizon.
Venus and Mercury will be closest to the horizon line, followed by Saturn and Neptune, while Uranus and Jupiter will be somewhat higher. However, the challenge is that some of these planets set quickly after the sun, meaning that the viewing window may not last more than a few minutes before they disappear sequentially.
Therefore, it is advised to prepare in advance, and choose an open location with a clear view of the western horizon, away from buildings and high grounds.
Why is this alignment rare?
Seeing two or three planets in the same sky is relatively common, but the gathering of five or six planets in one scene is an exceptional event. This is linked to the different orbital speeds of the planets around the sun.
For example, Mercury completes its orbit around the sun in just 88 days, making it appear for short, sporadic periods in the sky. In contrast, the farther planets take years to complete their orbits, making their simultaneous appearance in one range a rare phenomenon.
According to astronomical estimates, the world will witness a similar alignment of five planets before sunrise in October (October) 2028, and then another evening display in February (February) 2034.
Tips for Optimal Observation
- Choose a dark location away from city lights.
- Make sure to arrive before sunset with enough time to determine the directions.
- Use astronomical map apps to accurately locate the planets.
- Bring a binocular if you wish to see Uranus and Neptune.
