GAUTAM JALMI
These days, the internet is abuzz with overhyped Instagram posts, YouTube shorts, WhatsApp forwards and more, all depicting a rare celestial event: the straight alignment of multiple planets.
Dubbed the 'Planetary Parade', this phenomenon is captivating the attention of star-gazers.
Netizens are bowled over by the thought of something magical unfolding in the night sky. However, many lack a clear understanding of the impending event and its significance for the common man.
So, let's delve deeper into the concepts surrounding this Planetary Parade.
This event presents a valuable learning opportunity for students studying science as their primary focus, as well as for the curious general public. It allows them to observe, study and comprehend significant aspects of our solar system and neighbouring celestial bodies.
During this celestial event, two fundamental considerations arise – firstly, 'What exists in the sky,' and secondly, 'What is observable in the sky.'
WHAT'S IN THE SKY?
As we are aware, our Solar System comprises eight planets, with the Earth being one among them. All orbit within a horizontal plane around the singular star of our system, the Sun.
The current Planetary Parade is a result of a coincidental alignment, with most of our Solar System's planets situated on one side of the Sun, particularly in the direction of the East during dawn.
However, in reality, each planet moves independently along its own orbit around the Sun and occupies distinct positions, not necessarily forming a straight line.
This alignment occurs due to the revolution of objects within a single co-planar orbit and our Earth-bound perspective. Consequently, we observe all the planets seemingly aligned on top of each other along the Earth's ecliptic, appearing almost in a straight line.
(An ecliptic is an imaginary line from where the Sun, Moon and other objects in the Solar system are seen rising and setting).
This alignment occurs due to the revolution of objects within a single co-planar orbit and our Earth-bound perspective.
In the current scenario, the eastern sky before dawn will showcase the majestic ringed planet Saturn as a bright dot, followed by the icy giant Neptune, the red planet Mars, Uranus, the smallest planet Mercury, and the largest one, Jupiter.
It's important to note that this list also includes the brightest planet, Venus, which is nearing solar conjunction and is impossible and highly risky to spot due to the Sun's glare.
With the aid of a sky map, it's easy to observe that this unique planetary alignment has been visible since the end of May and will continue until the first week of June.
WHAT'S VISIBLE IN THE SKY
Saturn and Mars are shining brightly in the pre-dawn sky above the horizon at a comfortable height. Therefore, there shouldn't be any problem seeing them even with the naked eye before dawn.
These are the only two planets that can be comfortably seen under clear sky conditions.
Saturn and Mars are shining brightly in the pre-dawn sky above the horizon at a comfortable height. Therefore, there shouldn't be any problem seeing them even with the naked eye before dawn.
The icy giant Neptune is also positioned well above the horizon, but because of its considerable distance from us, we need the assistance of strong binoculars or a telescope to see it.
As for the other planets — Uranus, Mercury and Jupiter —they are in close proximity to the Sun, making it very challenging to locate and observe them, even with the aid of a powerful telescope or star chart.
Additionally, Venus will be nearing its solar conjunction, making it extremely risky to attempt spotting it. Enthusiasts should refrain from attempting to do so.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ON JUNE 3, 4 & 5?
Although the overcast conditions here in Goa may hinder the live viewing of this celestial spectacle, mobile applications like various sky maps will prove handy in experiencing and visualising the live view.
In fact, this planetary alignment has been ongoing since the end of May, but its special significance in the first week of June lies in the visibility and proximity of the crescent Moon phase near all those planets, which changes by day.
We can use the crescent Moon as a guide to locate the difficult-to-spot Uranus, Mercury, and Jupiter.
In any case, the joining-in of our natural satellite, the Moon, adds another celestial treat for viewers, one that can be cherished for a long time.
This planetary alignment has been ongoing since the end of May, but its special significance in the first week of June lies in the visibility and proximity of the crescent Moon phase near all those planets, which changes day by day.
The location from which we engage in stargazing is also crucial. Areas with hilly terrain may experience a delay in the rising time of the Moon and planets. It's important to avoid pointing any optical devices towards the Sun's glare, as this can cause eye damage.
On June 3, the Moon will be observed in very close proximity to Mars, within the zodiac constellation Pisces.
Meanwhile, on June 5, a very tiny phase of the Moon will join the trio of Uranus, Mercury, and Jupiter, positioned just beside the famous Star Cluster, Pleiades.
For accurate guidance, one can always rely on online sky maps.
SPECIAL CELESTIAL EVENTS ON JUNE 4
Although challenging to spot, June 4 marks the close conjunction of planets Jupiter and Mercury. Under a clear sky and unobstructed horizon, the pair will appear very close to each other toward the east, just before sunrise.
Despite appearing close from our perspective, if we consult a planetary position map, they are actually quite distant from each other.
Additionally, on this day, Venus will begin its conjunction with the Sun and will gradually move from behind it. Venus will commence its journey towards the Western sky as the days progress.