Five planets will line up across the sky in a rare display that will be visible across the UK tonight (March 28). Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus will all appear in a line across the sky shortly after sunset.
Our neighbour Venus and the gas giant Jupiter will be the easiest to see, while catching a glimpse of Mercury, Mars, and the distant Uranus may prove more challenging. Those hoping to see the rare phenomenon will have the greatest chance in rural areas away from any light pollution.
Speaking to MailOnline, the University of Edinburgh’s Professor Beth Biller said: “Exact location in the UK is probably not critical. What is more important is to be out of the city and to be somewhere where you have a good view of the horizon.”
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The rare formation – known as a planetary parade – occurs when several planets are located in the same constellation. Though uncommon, similar displays also occurred in 2022, 2020 and 2016.
Professor Biller added: “Venus and Jupiter are both very bright and easy to pick out and you may have already seen them close together over the past few weeks. Mars is a bit fainter, but still easily observed with the naked eye.
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“Mercury starts getting tricky – you need to be at a dark site with a clear view of the horizon if you want to see Mercury.”
The planets will be visible between March 25 and March 30, with the planets most visible between an hour after sunset and around 7pm. The educational astronomy application Star Walk suggests using the Sky Tonight app, which offers users a live display of the night sky.
Hopeful stargazers will also need a clear sky and a pair of binoculars to see all five planets, while being at a high altitude will also help.
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