© Unsplash /Jeremy Thomas
Have you always dreamed of observing Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune ? Know that it will be possible from the end of the month to see these 6 planets together, one after the other. This planetary alignment will be visible for 2 to 3 weeks. As a bonus, these planets, very close to us, will be observable without any equipment.
It is quite common to find two planets aligned in the night sky. Venus and Mars can end up in our field of vision at the same time, just like Jupiter and Saturn. But it is already rarer to find these 4 planets together in the night sky.
For 6 of the 7 planets of our solar system to be in the sky at the same time, it took a hell of an alignment of the stars (no pun intended). But to our great delight, the orbits of all the planets match at the end of January, and it will be possible to observe 6 planets (only Mercury is missing).
How to find the planets of our solar system ?
But to enjoy this spectacle, you have to know how to recognize a planet from a star. The main difference is that planets do not twinkle. Their light is actually that of the Sun which is reflected on their surface. Stars produce their own light and therefore twinkle in the night.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000So find a star that does not twinkle, and there is a good chance that you have come across Mars, Jupiter, Venus or Saturn. If the object you are staring at has a slightly orange tint, it is Mars. If on the contrary, it is a big white ball, you have probably come across Venus or Jupiter. Finally, Saturn is slightly yellow. With a powerful enough telescope you can guess its rings.
From East to West
If you can't tell the difference between a star and a planet, you can also find your way around the night sky using the constellations. By the end of January Mars shouldn't move much and will be in the constellation Gemini.
Due south you will find Jupiter, in the constellation Taurus, just above Orion and his belt easily spotted in the night sky. Just above Uranus will be visible but only with a pair of binoculars or a telescope.
Finally, opposite Mars you will find Venus and Saturn. The two planets will be very close in the coming days. While Saturn can be difficult to find, for Venus it is quite the opposite. Also called the “Shepherd's Star” it is the first celestial body you will see in the sky at dusk.
To make the most of this simple spectacle, we advise you to leave the big cities and their light pollution. If you can gain a little altitude, the spectacle will be even better. It is best to make your observations at the beginning of the night (before midnight) or early in the morning (before 5am).
During the night of January 29 to 30, you will enjoy a moonless night, perfect for observing the other stars in the night sky. The alignment of the planets will gradually disappear in the first days of February.
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